The Divine Mandates. Morris A. Inch
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Now there was a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, so that they parted ways. Paul chose Silas to accompany him throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (Acts 16:6). Details are lacking.
“When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” Again details are lacking.
“So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” Paul had a vision during the night of a man pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” The apostle and his companions assumed that God was calling them to heed the petition.
Their extended itinerary included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, before arriving at Athens. “Although Athens had long since lost the political eminence which was hers in an earlier day, she continued to represent the highest level of culture attained in classical antiquity. The sculpture, literature, and oratory of Athens in the fifth and fourth century B.C. have, indeed, never been surpassed.”33 Along with other noteworthy accomplishments.
It was, however, the pervasive display of idols that caught Paul’s attention. He reasoned in the synagogue with Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those who happened to be there. Some inquired, “What is this babbler tying to say?” (Acts. 17:18). While others reasoned, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods”—concerning his allusion to Jesus and the resurrection.
There was in Athens a venerable institution, “the Court of the Areopagus, which exercised jurisdiction in matters of religion and morality. Before this body, then, Paul was brought, not to stand trial in a forensic sense, but simply to have an opportunity of expounding his teaching before experts.”34 Having done so, some took issue with his account of the resurrection, favoring instead the Greek notion concerning the immortality of the soul, while others hoped to explore the matter further, and a few embraced the apostle’s teaching.
In retrospect, Paul compares himself with certain false prophets: “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death time and again” (2 Cor. 11:23). In his defense before Agrippa, Paul boldly declared: “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains: (Acts 29)
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