Areopagus
“Hill of Ares (Mars)”
Summary
A rocky hill in Athens, also known as Mars' Hill, where Paul delivered his famous address to the Athenian philosophers about the 'unknown god.'
☩Location and Description
The Areopagus (meaning 'Mars' Hill') was a rocky eminence in Athens, separated from the Acropolis by a raised valley and rising about sixty feet above it. According to mythology, it was called the hill of Ares (Mars) because this god was brought to trial there by Poseidon. Stone steps cut in the rock still exist, leading up to the summit where stone benches excavated in the rock form three sides of a quadrangle.
☩Paul's Address
Paul 'disputed daily' in the Agora below, attracting the attention of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who brought him up to the Areopagus to hear him more conveniently. Standing with a view of the Parthenon, countless statues, and altars to various gods, Paul declared, 'God that made the world dwelleth not in temples made with hands,' and proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His address, masterfully adapted to his learned audience, resulted in some converts including Dionysius the Areopagite.
☩The Council
The Areopagus was also the name of the ancient and venerable court that met on the hill, composed of former archons of blameless life. This council exercised jurisdiction in criminal and religious cases, supervised the worship of the gods, protected sanctuaries and festivals, and oversaw the moral conduct and education of citizens. The tenure was for life, and the court sat at night at the end of each month.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Areopagus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Areopagus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Areopagus," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).