The Highway to Believing

Acts 17:16–34 – Paul in Athens

In this passage, Paul arrives in Athens and is deeply troubled by the number of idols he sees throughout the city. Instead of staying silent, he begins sharing the truth about Jesus in the synagogue and in the marketplace. His conversations catch the attention of the philosophers, who bring him to the Areopagus to hear more.

Paul uses the Athenians’ own culture, curiosity, and even their altar “to an unknown god” as a bridge to explain who God really is—the Creator who doesn’t live in temples and isn’t made by human hands. He boldly proclaims that God is near, that we were made to seek Him, and that He now calls everyone to repent because He has appointed a day of judgment through Jesus who has risen.

Some laughed, some wanted to hear more, and some believed—showing that the gospel always invites a response.