Varying beliefs in AthensActs 17

1. Polytheism/FEAR – Athens filled with idols (v. 16)•Belief in many gods – Zeus, Hermes, Athena, 1000’s more

2. Traditional Religion/LAWS –Jewish Synagogue (v. 17)•Believed in one true God•Believed the Scriptures were true•Had become spiritually empty and bound by rules

3. Agnostic Secularists/SELF – The Epicureans (v. 18)•“Nothing to fear in God; Nothing to fear in death; Pleasure can be attained, Pain can be endured”

4. Pantheism/NATURE/FATE - The Stoics (v. 18)•All things are “gods.” We are one with nature.

Three responses to Christ(Acts 17:32-34)

1. Mockers – No, I reject Jesus Christ.

2. Seekers – I want to hear more.

3. Followers – I believe in Christ.