This week we read through Paul’s speech at the Areopagus, and although I thought we were going to discuss more of it, we basically made it through one verse. It’s not my fault! ?
We discussed the different translations of a rare Greek word in Acts 17:22 “deisidaimonesterous” (lit: δεισιδαιμονεστέρους). Was Paul following the classical rhetoric practice of *captatio benevolentiae* by offering them a compliment for their piety? Or was he insulting their reputation for being superstitious?
This led us into a conversation about our own superstitions. We talked about stepping on cracks, walking under ladders, and whether or not demons are listening to your words so they know best how to mess up your plans. We didn’t get very far, but we had a great discussion.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 17:22 <<
Acts 17:22 ~ Really Religious? Or Simply Superstitious?
Paul’s speech at the Areopagus, and conversations about superstitions.
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been HEAVILY REDACTED for class member privacy, time, and content
Additional Resources:
Jipp Joshua W. “Paul’s Areopagus Speech of Acts 17:16—34 as Both Critique and Propaganda.” Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 131, No. 3, 2012, pp. 567–588. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/23488255.
PHOTO CREDITS: Jon Tyson @jontyson on Unsplash image.png
