Paul's Sermon on Mars Hill
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class concluded its study of Paul’s sermon at Mars Hill by reviewing the key points of Acts 17. Participants noted how Paul, after observing the city’s many idols, introduced the one true God and emphasized the resurrection of the dead (Acts 17:3, 31‑34). The discussion highlighted that the audience’s mockery began specifically when Paul presented the resurrection, a concept that contradicted Greek philosophical optimism about life and the afterlife (Acts 17:32‑34). The group connected Paul’s method to the apostle’s earlier teaching in 1 Corinthians 1:22, illustrating that Jews sought miraculous signs while Greeks pursued philosophical wisdom, both of which made the gospel a stumbling block and a source of foolishness. Participants reflected on how the same resistance appears today, where cultural comforts often clash with the transformative claim of Christ’s death and resurrection. The lesson concluded with a call to emulate Paul’s bravery and adaptability, boldly proclaiming the resurrected Savior in any context.
Key Scriptures
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this subject.'
Paul, as his custom was, went into the synagogue, and on three occasions he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and that this Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.'