Paul's Quotations from Athenian Literature in Acts 17:28

When Paul visited Athens in the early Christian era, he made a memorable speech in what is now known as the Areopagus. In his oration, recorded in Acts 17:28, he quoted directly from Athenian literature, connecting the polytheistic Greek understanding of the divine with the monotheistic message of Christianity. This section of Scripture provides insight into both the cultural and theological context of early Christianity.

The Quotations in Context

The biblical text, Acts 17:28, reads:

“For in him we live and move and have our being.”[a] As some of your own poets have said, “We are his offspring.”[b]

Identification of Quoted Sources

The footnotes in the traditional Bible translations reveal that this quotation was likely from two sources:

Epimenides: A Cretan poet from the 6th century BCE, known for his religious significance in Athenian tradition. Aratus: A Cilician Stoic philosopher, known for his work in literary and philosophical contributions.

It is worth noting that scholars often suggest that fellow churches, such as the church in Cenchrea, might have been familiar with certain poems of the Greek poets. These poets were part of the cultural fabric that Paul sought to address in his conversations with the Athenian philosophers.

Understanding the Quotations

The quoted lines serve to provide a bridge between Greek culture and the Christian message. In the context of Paul's speech:

a. “For in him we live and move and have our being.” This can be interpreted as affirming the reality of a divine presence that sustains human existence, aligning with the Stoic concept of a cosmic principle.

b. “As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” This is a reference to the pantheistic belief of the Greek philosophers, where human beings are seen as part of the divine order.

Interpretation and Purpose

Paul's use of these quotations was not just for literary effect but also for theological and practical purposes. By citing these lines, Paul aimed to:

Connect with the audience: He used familiar ideas from Greek culture to make his message more relatable and understandable.

Highlight the role of the divine in human life: Both lines emphasize the dependence of human existence on a divine source, aligning with the message of Jesus.

Motivate a spiritual transformation: By linking divine presence with moral and ethical living, Paul encouraged his audience to consider their relationship with the eternal.

Cultural Context and Implications

Paul's approach in Athens reflects the broader strategy of Christian evangelism in foreign lands during that era. He sought to:

Engage in dialogue: By participating in philosophical discussions and quoting from prominent cultural figures, Paul was able to engage with and challenge the prevailing beliefs.

Introduce a new understanding: The Christian message of the one God who created all things but is distinct from creation, provided a fresh perspective on the nature of the divine.

Encourage moral integrity: By asserting that true happiness and fulfillment come through a relationship with the one true God, Paul hoped to shift the focus from material wealth and power to spiritual and moral values.

These elements of Paul's approach were not unique to Athens but were consistent throughout his missionary journeys. His use of external sources to communicate the Christian message demonstrates a strategic and culturally sensitive approach to evangelism.

Concluding Thoughts

Paul's quotations from Athenian literature in Acts 17:28 illustrate the complex interplay between cultural context, theological doctrine, and evangelistic strategy. By acknowledging and engaging with the cultural beliefs and literature of his audience, Paul was able to communicate the transformative message of the Christian God in a way that resonated with his listeners. This approach not only paved the way for the spread of Christianity in the ancient world but also continues to provide valuable insights for modern Christian missionaries and theologians.