The Unknown God (Paul Preaches In Athens)

Date
February 27, 2021
Author
Living Word Light of Life
Category
Children's Ministry

Dear Parents, Guardians, Teachers:

Our God is a real, living personal God —- not a human creation of wood or stone, not a metaphysical understanding or presence, not simply a power or a force. Our God is one who personally designs, controls and interacts with the entire universe. He has proven Himself through the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus. This is good news. It’s good news because it’s true! It’s good news because God is alive and real!

Use this lesson to remind kids that God is real and alive and at work in their lives. Help them understand that there is no God like ours, who is without beginning and without end. Lead then joyfully in worshiping our Creator, our Savior and our friend. He is worthy of it.

Scripture Reference: Acts 17:16-34

Memory Verse:

“God . . . is not far from any one of us”
Acts 17:27

Bible Story:

Have you ever pretended that you didn’t hear your mom the first time she called you? Sometimes we pretend that we can’t hear someone, especially if they want us to do something we don’t want to do! A long time ago Paul tried to tell some people about the good news of Jesus, but many of them didn’t want to listen.

“Thank you so much for traveling with me to Athens!” Paul said to his friends visiting from the city of Berea. These people had just recently learned about Jesus. They had followed Paul to Athens so he could teach them more as they traveled.

“Please send Silas and Timothy this way just as soon as you can!” Paul waved as his friends left to go back home to Berea. Paul was lonely in Athens. There didn’t seem to be a single person there who knew or believed in Jesus. “Dear God,” he may have prayed, “show me how to share Your love with the people of this city!”

Beautiful statues, buildings, and artwork surrounded the people of Athens. Expensive temples filled with all kinds of idols seemed to be everywhere. Athens was known as a city overflowing with intelligent people. But as Paul walked around, he felt sorry for these people. They thought they knew so much. But they really didn’t know the most important thing. They didn’t know Jesus.

Paul started talking to people. Soon his words began to make people think and ask questions. They wanted to hear what he had to say about Jesus. One day someone invited Paul to speak at the Areopagus on top of Mars’ Hill. The Areopagus was a special place where philosophers met to talk and listen to the latest ideas. Such men were considered to be very intelligent and wise. It was an honor to be invited to speak there.

“Friends,” Paul began, “I can see that you are very religious. Everywhere I look I see statues and altars to different gods. On one statue I noticed the words: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. I’m here today to tell you about Him!

“The true God of heaven made the world and everything in it. It is God in heaven who gives life and breath to everyone.” As he continued speaking, many of the people listened carefully. Then Paul told them about the resurrection of Jesus. Some of the people said, “You’re crazy! This is just a bunch of non-sense!” But there were a few who said, “We want to hear more.”

Not very many people in the city of Athens believed in Jesus. They thought their own wisdom was better than God’s wisdom. But there were some who became Christians. Dionysius (dee-on-ee’- see-os), an important man in the city government, and a woman named Damaris chose to follow Jesus.

Paul was able to talk boldly to the intelligent people of Athens because he knew God. What can you do to get to know Jesus better? Do you really want to know Jesus so you can tell others about Him?

Review Questions:

1. What city in Greece had many idols (even one to an “Unknown god”)? Athens 2. What is an idol? Anything that is worshipped above God – often a statue or carving.
3. Why is it wrong to worship an idol? There is only one God and He wants us to worship Him only.
4. What things can people love more than God? Sports, TV, money, toys, etc.

Learning Activities After the Lesson

1. Have your kids watch the animated story: Paul In Athens