Paul’s Visit to Athens

Acts 17 in the New Testament tells of when Paul went to preach the gospel of Christ to various people.  Initially arriving to Thessalonica, some people listened to what he said, reasoning with the scriptures, and believed him.  However, the Jews did not believe him and “moved with envy” and created an uproar in the city.  So Paul and Silas went to a synagogue in Berea.  There they found humble, prepared people who searched the scriptures every day.  They readily received the words of Paul and believed. 

This is a huge contrast to the people in Thessalonica – it really demonstrates the power and knowledge that comes from consistent scripture study.  The people in Berea truly “feasted” on the words of Christ, and by so doing, recognized truth and knew what to do. (2 Nephi 32:3).  The words of Christ leads people to act justly and to do good (2 Nephi 33:10,  Alma 31:5).  This shows what a powerful tool scripture study is.  The people of Berea were prepared to receive truth and knowledge as a result of their studies, while the people of Thessalonica were left to their pride and ignorance due to their lack of understanding.  We invite the Spirit into our lives as we study the scriptures daily, which allows us to recognize and receive greater knowledge and come closer to God.

There were people known as Epicureans and Stoics.  Epicureans were named after a philosopher named Epicurus.  The beliefs of the Epicureans included that the world only exists by chance with no design or purpose, with the goal of living in a way that would result in most happiness and the least sorrow and pain

The Stoics believed in a supreme governing power among the universe.  They believed that everything was designed and set on its way.  Paul quoted their poetry to establish a connection and common ground with them when he said “we are also His offspring.”

Paul went to these people in Athens and found them to be very superstitious.  They had an alter inscribed with “To the Unknown God.”  However, they were always interested in hearing something new, so they willingly hear Paul and his message.  But being as philosophical as they were, they were a bit too vain to actually listen.

Paul taught them of their preexistence, being children of God.  President Harold B. Lee shares a quote, “‘Who are you?’ You are all the sons and daughters of God. Your spirits were created and lived as organized intelligences before the world was. You have been blessed to have a physical body because of your obedience to certain commandments in that premortal state. You are now born into a family to which you have come, into the nations through which you have come, as a reward for the kind of lives you lived before you came here and at a time in the world’s history, as the Apostle Paul taught the men of Athens and as the Lord revealed to Moses, determined by the faithfulness of each of those who lived before this world was created.”  Many Christians don’t know of or believe in our premortal existence.  However, as Acts 17 states, we have been “appointed” things before we were born.  President Lee also makes this clear.  We are very blessed to be given what we have. 

Romans 8:16 states that the Spirit testifies that we are sons and daughters of God.  We aren’t merely creations of God, but are His literal children.  As His children, we are blessed to have a loving God as our Father to lead and direct us.  We receive blessings every day, from the breaths we take, to the miracles we receive.  He loves us just as any parent loves their child.  He wants the best for us and has great plans for us.  As we search after Him, this will be very clear to us and we’ll see the hand of God in our lives.

Paul also taught them of the Resurrection.  The doctrine of the Resurrection is backed up in several scriptures.  The Old Testament says the Lord “will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves.” (Ezekiel 37:12)  John 5:21 says “the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them.”  The Book of Mormon states “the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel.”  The Resurrection is a gift to all who have lived and will ever live.  It’s possible because of Christ’s Atonement, sacrificing Himself, and overcoming death.

Unfortunately, some people mocked Paul after hearing what he had taught.  But others believed and said “we will hear thee again of this matter.”