The Bible Recap – Day 330 (Acts 17) – Year 7

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Episode Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble walks listeners through Acts 17, following Paul and his companions as they journey from Philippi to Thessalonica, Berea, and finally Athens. The episode focuses on Paul's approach to sharing the gospel in diverse cultural settings, the varied responses he receives, and the transformative power of the message he preaches. Tara-Leigh highlights Paul's adaptability, the Bereans' wisdom, and the unique spiritual atmosphere of Athens, drawing out practical and theological insights for listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Philippi to Thessalonica

• Paul and Silas are released from prison in Philippi after authorities apologize for illegally imprisoning Roman citizens (00:08).
• They travel about 100 miles to Thessalonica, a significant port city; the modern city is now called Thessaloniki (00:18).
• Paul will later write two letters to the church here, which will be covered in upcoming readings (00:28).

2. Paul’s Approach in Thessalonica

• Paul visits the local Jewish synagogue for three days, reasoning from the Scriptures to prove that Jesus is the Messiah (00:40).
• Notable insight: Paul chooses to present scriptural evidence instead of focusing on his personal testimony.
  • Quote: "Paul isn't just sharing his own personal testimony, even though he has a more compelling one than anyone I've ever met. Instead, he's sharing Scripture's testimony of Christ. ... He's sharing facts, not feelings. He lets Scripture speak for itself." (00:49)
• The results are mixed:
  • Some Jews, many Greeks, and several female leaders believe.
  • Other Jews form a mob, causing civil unrest (01:32).

3. Persecution and Escape

• The mob targets Jason, Paul, and Silas' host, dragging him and others before the authorities and accusing them of insurrection against Caesar.
  • Quote: "They're saying that the early church is rebelling against the establishment. This time, Caesar in particular. They say these men have turned the world upside down. Yes, and amen." (01:44)
• Jason posts bail, likely as a guarantee that Paul and Silas will leave town, which they do during the night (01:57).

4. The Bereans: A Model Response

• In Berea, Paul again heads straight for the synagogue.
• The Bereans are commended for examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul’s teachings, embodying both openness and discernment (02:11).
  • Quote: "They crack open their scrolls every day and check his words against Scripture. They walk in wisdom and humility. They're open to receive, but not just anything. They'll only receive the truth." (02:19)
• Many Bereans, including Greeks and prominent leaders, come to faith.
• Opposition from Thessalonica follows Paul, forcing his departure (02:40).

5. Paul in Athens: Engaging a New Culture

• Paul finds himself in Athens, surrounded by pervasive idolatry and a culture obsessed with ideas and philosophies (02:55).
  • The Athenians are described as "professional seekers," always chasing new intellectual trends but never settling on truth.
  • Quote: "It seems like they love to seek, but they don't like to find. They prefer to just keep seeking." (03:12)
• Paul adapts his strategy, referencing Greek poets and philosophers to connect with his audience.
• He highlights the Athenians’ altar "to an unknown god," using it as a launching point to proclaim the God they long for.
  • Quote: "I know the God you're missing. I know the one your soul cries out for and hasn't found amidst all these other altars and opinions." (03:42)
• Paul calls for repentance, declaring God's sovereignty and the resurrection.
• Responses vary—some mock the resurrection, but others, like Dionysius and Damaris, believe (04:12).

6. Theological Reflection: "God Shot"

• Tara-Leigh’s highlight is Paul's quote from a Greek poet—"In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28)—showing that all truth ultimately points to God (04:25).
  • Quote: "Paul clips a quote from culture and pastes it into his conversation about God because it speaks to the truth of who God is. Ultimately, all truth is God's truth." (04:30)
• She connects this to Jesus’ identity: "In him we live—he's the life; and move—he's the way; and have our being—he's the very truth at the core of who we are, and he's where the joy is." (04:47)

Memorable Quotes

• On Paul’s Approach:
  "He's sharing facts, not feelings. He lets Scripture speak for itself." (00:49)

• On Early Christian Impact:
  "They say these men have turned the world upside down. Yes, and amen. The effects of the gospel are dramatic. That's the upside-down kingdom of God." (01:44)

• On the Berean Method:
  "They crack open their scrolls every day and check his words against Scripture. They walk in wisdom and humility." (02:19)

• On Athens' Spiritual Search:
  "It seems like they love to seek, but they don't like to find. They prefer to just keep seeking." (03:12)

• On Cultural Engagement:
  "Paul clips a quote from culture and pastes it into his conversation about God because it speaks to the truth of who God is." (04:30)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:02 – Recap of previous events (Philippi, release from prison)
• 00:40 – Paul's scriptural reasoning in Thessalonica
• 01:32 – Mob action, Jason's arrest, accusation before authorities
• 02:11 – Arrival in Berea, Bereans' noble response
• 02:55 – Paul’s arrival and ministry in Athens
• 03:42 – Paul's engagement with Greek culture and proclamation at the Areopagus
• 04:25 – “God shot”: Paul's use of Greek poetry and integration of culture

Closing Notes

• Tara-Leigh teases upcoming coverage of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians and encourages listeners to check the show notes for related resources (05:00).
• She closes by reflecting on how every aspect of truth found in culture can be redirected to point toward Christ, emphasizing:
  "He's where the joy is." (04:52)

This episode offers a vivid look at early Christian evangelism, contrasting responses to the gospel, and the ongoing invitation to engage both Scripture and culture in pursuit of truth. Tara-Leigh’s accessible style and careful exposition make Acts 17 come alive for listeners, highlighting practical lessons for today’s readers.