Paul’s Apostolic Self-Consciousness At Athens -- By: Edward Fudge
Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 14:3 (Summer 1971)
Article: Paul’s Apostolic Self-Consciousness At Athens
Author: Edward Fudge
JETS 14:3 (Summer 1971) p. 193
Paul’s Apostolic Self-Consciousness At Athens*
While a sizable body of interesting literature may be found (which, in iceberg fashion, seems to increase upon closer scrutiny) dealing with Paul’s Acts 17 speech in Athens, certain aspects of his remarks1 there have received little attention. It is not surprising that much of what has been written has been concerned with the Greek philosophical background and content of the sermon. One might wonder, however, at the paucity of material treating its Jewish-Christian or Old Testament background and motivation.
The critics generally deny any connection whatsoever of this sermon on “Mars Hill” with the Old Testament, or, in fact, with the Apostle Paul. Dibelius said of the address:
This is what the author considered, at the end of the first Christian century, to be a suitable example of the sort of sermon which ought to be preached to cultured Gentiles!… What is seen here… is the manner of constructing a Christian theology not on biblical, but on philosophical, especially Stoic, ideas. The true parallels to this speech are found not in Paul but in Cicero and Seneca and their Greek predecessors.2
Even those who accept Luke’s record3 as historically reliable, and
*M.A., Abilene Christian College; presently enrolled in Covenant Seminary, St. Louis, and preacher of the Church of Christ, Kirkwood, Mo.
JETS 14:3 (Summer 1971) p. 194
therefore regard his account as an authentic quotation of Paul’s actual words in Athens, have more frequently than not limited their discussions to Hellenistic, not Old Testament terms.4
It is well established that the sermon, taken as a whole, and in many of its specific elements, may be best seen in the light of Stoic philosophy of the first century (Paul is addressing his audience in terms they understand), and that in style it follows closely on the order of missionary preaching of the various Hellenistic philosophers. And it is frequently conceded that Paul’s reference to God as creator is reflecting, at least in a general way, his own Old Testament background and faith (or—again, at least—that put forward by Luke, as Paul’s faith). I should like to go one step more, however, and suggest that the remarks of verses 24–25 provide us with a key to Paul’s own self-consciousness on this particular occasion in the light of his apostolic commission...
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