Day 08 - Mars Hill, Acropolis, Acropolis Museum

"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.'" -Acts 17:22-25 (Full reading: Acts 17:15-34)

It was once said that it was easier to find a statue than a man in the city of Athens, Greece. Grandiose buildings and statues of false gods were everywhere. Athens was a wealthy, powerful city deeply ingrained in idolatry in many ways, more than just the big sculptures engulfing the city.

We started our morning at the Acropolis Museum, a modern space that sits right at the foot of the Acropolis hill. The museum gave us a glimpse into ancient Greece’s incredible architecture — from delicate marble sculptures to detailed friezes that once decorated the temples above. 

The museum is built on top of an ancient Athenian neighborhood that archaeologists discovered during the construction. You can actually look through the glass floors and see the remains below as you walk in.

After lunch, we made our way up to the Acropolis itself. The Parthenon was initially built from 447 to 432 BC and was dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Even after thousands of years, numerous wars, burnings, and a bit of looting (many sculptures are now held in the British Museum - not by choice!), its massive marble columns still stand proudly over the city — a reminder of the brilliance of ancient Greek civilization. 

From there, we continued to Mars Hill, or the Areopagus, the very place where the Apostle Paul once stood and preached the Gospel to the Athenians (Acts 17:22–34). 

Sitting there with our group, reading Paul’s words while overlooking the modern city of Athens, was incredibly moving. Paul’s message to the philosophers of his day was both bold and compassionate. He spoke to them in a context that they would understand.

Paul courageously shared the good news while acknowledging their search for truth as he pointed them to the One true God who created all things. Not some god made by human hands, as if He needed anything (verse 25)!

The chapter ends by reminding us how some listeners sneered at Paul, while others asked to hear him again, and even more, some became believers that very day.

The Gospel has always been woven through real places and real people. 

Today was a reminder for all of us that God’s truth is timeless and still speaks just as clearly today as it did on that hill nearly two thousand years ago.

Questions for thought:

What idols in your life need to be wiped out? Can be love of self, money, pride, etc.
Are you able to explain to others why the Bible is true and accurate? Can you explain why Jesus came, died, and rose again to the people in your life?

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." -1 Peter 3:15