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'The strong do what they will, the weak suffer what they must'. So claimed the powerful Athenians, according to the Ancient Greek historian Thucydides. Plato tried to demonstrate that might does not make right, and thinkers ever since, from Hobbes and Rousseau to Kant and Carl Schmitt, have placed the idea that might is right at the centre of their political philosophies, for better or worse. Matthew Sweet traces the intellectual history of the idea, with Angie Hobbs, Margaret MacMillan, Lea Ypi, and Hugo Drochon. Angie Hobbs' book Why Plato Matters Now, and Lea Ypi's book Indignity, are both out now, Hugo Drochon's book Elites And Democracy is published in March Producer: Luke Mulhall
A shocked city, a careful army, and a plateau that decides everything. We follow the tense weeks after Athens' first win outside Syracuse, when momentum gave way to method. Nicias, often branded cautious, makes a hard strategic choice: pause late in the season, refill the coffers, request cavalry, and prepare for a siege that can actually hold under pressure. Meanwhile, Syracuse hears Hermocrates at last. His blunt case—discipline over bluster, reform over blame—shrinks a muddled command, tightens training, and sends envoys to Corinth and Sparta to turn a local crisis into a panhellenic cause.The political map of Sicily comes into sharp focus as Camarina keeps a careful distance, Naxos and Regium quietly help Athens, and both sides court allies who can tip supplies, harbors, and morale. Then the war's center of gravity jumps across the sea. Alcibiades escapes and arrives in Sparta with insider detail and a plan to exploit Athenian overreach. His advice sparks two decisive moves: dispatching Gylippus to steady Syracuse and fortifying Decelea to bleed Attica. Intelligence, timing, and audacity reshape the conflict more than any single skirmish could.Through winter 415–414 BCE, the Athenians work with rare clarity. Catana becomes an operating base; ships are refit; scouts trace Syracuse's walls and water. The conclusion is simple and stark: win the Epipolae Heights or lose the siege before it begins. Spring brings speed. A quiet sail, a rapid landing, and Lamachus' night march seize Euryelus, the gateway to the plateau. Engineers mark lines. Syracuse counters. For a moment, the expedition reaches its high watermark, the city nearly within an encircling wall. But with Gylippus on the horizon and a reformed Syracuse ready to contest every trench, the hard road truly begins. Support the show
LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured What can a Greek island from 416 BC teach us about today's Greenland debate? More than you'd expect.In this short history lesson, Chris revisits Thucydides' Melian Dialogue—where powerful Athens crushed the neutral island of Milos to prove its dominance. The Athenians argued that justice only applies between equals, giving us the chilling line: “The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.”Milos was destroyed. Athens eventually fell.The lesson is timeless: when power abandons morality, hubris follows—and collapse isn't far behind.
In Genesis 9 we read of the LORD's command for this new creation, who had been preserved in the ark with Noah the 8th person (emblematic of Jesus whose name equals 888 in the Greek - compare 1Peter 3verses20-22); "to replenish (or fill) the earth" with this new creation. The fear and dominion of mankind over the lower creatures would be evident. There was a prohibition of eating food with the blood still in it - as the blood was representing life, which belonged to God. There was also a law reinforcing the penalty due to a murderer. Once more the Almighty covenants that He will never again destroy the earth by a flood. The surety of His promise being seen in the rainbow. The offspring from Noah's 3 sons - Shem, Ham and Japheth - peopled the newly refreshed earth. Unfortunately, Noah became drunk, and it seems was sodomised by his son Ham. Noah pronounced a curse on Ham and spoke of a blessing that would come through his son Shem. Jesus Christ came from the Jewish race -Romans 3verses1-2; 9verses3-5. Shem became the ancestral head of the Semitic and Asiatic people; Ham the progenitor of the African people; and Japheth the forbear of the European race. In Genesis 10 we are told of the 70 nations that came from Noah's 3 sons - Shem, Ham and Japheth - see Moses' comment in Deuteronomy 32verses8. There we are told that the number of nations was determined by the Almighty by the number of Israel's (Jacob's) children, who into Egypt (Genesis 46verses8, 27; see also the Apostle Paul's comments to the Athenians in Acts 17verses26).Psalm 11 tells of Yahweh being in His holy temple and mankind must understand this gives Him the authority to judge the wicked. Habakkuk gives us the take home message which we must ponder - 2verses14, 20.In Psalm 12 the psalmist muses, 'Why have the humble vanished and suffered oppression. Surely, the Omnipotent Creator cannot tolerate evil. Surely, He must act for the downtrodden against their oppressors. He gives the assurance that He will rise against them in His faithfulness. In the 13th Psalm the writer personal asks, 'How long will it be till the LORD intervenes in support of the writer. The writer declares that failure on the part of his Sovereign to act is a cause for the wicked to boast and vaunt themselves in the world. We see it constantly, but we can be assured that at the appropriate time judgment will be poured out upon the evil - Acts 17verses30-31.The judgment mentioned in Matthew 7 refers to critical fault finding in others and not the need to show discernment, which is essential for us to exercise, when we judge righteous judgment as we are commanded to do. The askers will receive; the seekers will find; and to the knockers doors will be opened. Our Lord highlights the golden rule - do to others what you would wish them to do for you.Striving to please God must characterise the disciple's life. The witness of those professing discipleship will be evidenced in their fruit; without which our Lord Jesus Christ and His Father will fail to recognisetheir children. Only doers of the Word and not simply forgetful hearers are grounded and established as faith upon the Rock.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
Preaching Point: Go reach people for Christ by proclaiming the whole Gospel, knowing that while many will mock, God will powerfully save some. Main Text: Acts 17:16–34 (ESV) 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. 22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 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. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.' 29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Today's Scripture passages are Psalm 96 | Psalm 98 | Ezekiel 33:21 - Ezekiel 34 | Acts 17:16-34 | 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
When – and how – did Athenian democracy begin? There is no unambiguous answer to this question. This lecture explores one plausible origin: the popular uprising in 508 BCE overthrowing foreign invaders (who had previously expelled an Athenian-bred family of tyrants). In the aftermath of that revolution, the Athenians – led by Kleisthenes – reorganised their political system to foster new identities and interactions. As further political and social changes were made, Athenian democracy took shape in the imaginations of contemporaries and of later generations.This lecture was recorded by Professor Melissa lane on the 16th of October 2025 at Barnards Inn Hall, London.Melissa Lane is the Class of 1943 Professor of Politics, Princeton University and is also Associated Faculty in the Department of Classics and Department of Philosophy. Previously she was Senior University Lecturer at Cambridge University in the Faculty of History and Fellow of King's College, Cambridge.She studied for her first degree in Social Studies (awarded summa cum laude) at Harvard University, and then took an MPhil and PhD in Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, where she was a student at King's College, supported by appointments as a Marshall Scholar, Truman Scholar, and Mary Isabel Sibley Fellow of Phi Beta Kappa.Professor Lane is an author, lecturer and broadcaster who has received major awards including being named a Guggenheim Fellow, and the Lucy Shoe Meritt Resident in Classical Studies at the American Academy in Rome. She has published widely in journals and authored or introduced nine major books including Greek and Roman Political Ideas; Eco-Republic; and most recently, Of Rule and Office: Plato's Ideas of the Political, which was awarded the 2024 Book Prize of the Journal of the History of Philosophy.Professor Lane is the only person ever to have delivered both the Carlyle Lectures and the Isaiah Berlin Lectures at the University of Oxford.The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/tyranny-democracyGresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham College's mSupport the show
Trumpets sounded over the Piraeus and a city's confidence took shape in bronze and oars. We follow the launch of the Sicilian Expedition from the charged votes in the Assembly to the glittering departure ritual that Thucydides captures with chilling clarity, tracing how a cautious proposal spiraled into the most costly armament a single Greek city had ever sent to sea. Along the way, the story exposes the fragile scaffolding beneath the spectacle: stretched finances, untested logistics, and a leadership trio whose visions for victory did not neatly align.We unpack why Nicias's warning inadvertently enlarged the mission, how private wealth and public funds turned ships into floating symbols of prestige, and what it really took to feed, water, and coordinate 134 triremes and thousands of troops far from home. The mood in Athens—joy, pride, and hunger for pay and glory—meets a jolt of fear when the Herms are mutilated. That sacrilege, and accusations of mocking the Eleusinian Mysteries, recast the expedition as a test of piety as much as power. Alcibiades demands an immediate trial to clear his name; conservatives stall, aiming to blunt his momentum. He sails under suspicion as informers multiply and recall whispers gather force.At sea, strategy tightens into choices. Lamachus urges a quick strike on Syracuse; Nicias wants patience and proof; Alcibiades argues for encirclement through alliances. The route through Corcyra and the heel of Italy doubles as diplomacy, but support proves thin. Regium offers only its harbor; Segesta's promised silver dissolves into theater. The expedition's grand math starts to wobble, and the Athenians confront the hard truth that empire projected across the Ionian is measured in barrels and treaties, not just in votes and bravado.If you value deep dives into ancient strategy, politics, religion, and the human psychology behind big decisions, tap follow, share this episode with a history-loving friend, and leave a review telling us which strategy—direct strike, slow build, or alliance-first—you would have chosen. Support the show
Send us a textWhy are people so fascinated with the supernatural—ghosts, spirits, haunted houses, even Bigfoot? Recent surveys show that nearly half of Americans claim to have had a supernatural encounter. Yet with all this obsession comes fear, confusion, and anxiety. In this episode of The Wisdom Journey, Stephen Davey explores Acts 17 and Paul's encounter with the Athenians at the Areopagus. Surrounded by idols and altars—even one dedicated “To the Unknown God”—Paul took the opportunity to introduce the people of Athens to the true and living Creator. His boldness offers us a timeless example for engaging a world that is still searching for answers. Learn how to counter superstition with truth, how to graciously redirect people from speculation to revelation, and how to proclaim the God who alone provides peace, forgiveness, and eternal life. This message will help you see superstition for what it really is—and give you confidence to share the gospel in a confused world.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Send us a textWhy are people so fascinated with the supernatural—ghosts, spirits, haunted houses, even Bigfoot? Recent surveys show that nearly half of Americans claim to have had a supernatural encounter. Yet with all this obsession comes fear, confusion, and anxiety. In this episode of The Wisdom Journey, Stephen Davey explores Acts 17 and Paul's encounter with the Athenians at the Areopagus. Surrounded by idols and altars—even one dedicated “To the Unknown God”—Paul took the opportunity to introduce the people of Athens to the true and living Creator. His boldness offers us a timeless example for engaging a world that is still searching for answers. Learn how to counter superstition with truth, how to graciously redirect people from speculation to revelation, and how to proclaim the God who alone provides peace, forgiveness, and eternal life. This message will help you see superstition for what it really is—and give you confidence to share the gospel in a confused world.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Send us a textHave you ever dismissed an encounter as random, only to later see how meaningful it was? The apostle Paul experienced that in Athens. Surrounded by idols and philosophers, he found himself drawn into conversations he never planned—but God had planned them. Those “chance encounters” became divine appointments, opening the door for Paul to proclaim the gospel in one of history's most influential cities.In this episode, Stephen Davey unpacks Acts 17:16-21, showing how God orchestrates opportunities to share His truth with the people around us. You'll discover why the Athenians were so eager for new ideas, what drove Paul to engage them, and how his approach to everyday conversations can guide us today.Learn how to recognize divine appointments, why curiosity is not the same as conversion, and how to respond when God places someone in your path. This message will encourage you to see your workplace, neighborhood, or even a casual stop at the store as opportunities for the gospel. God still arranges divine appointments—will you be ready for yours?Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Send us a textHave you ever dismissed an encounter as random, only to later see how meaningful it was? The apostle Paul experienced that in Athens. Surrounded by idols and philosophers, he found himself drawn into conversations he never planned—but God had planned them. Those “chance encounters” became divine appointments, opening the door for Paul to proclaim the gospel in one of history's most influential cities.In this episode, Stephen Davey unpacks Acts 17:16-21, showing how God orchestrates opportunities to share His truth with the people around us. You'll discover why the Athenians were so eager for new ideas, what drove Paul to engage them, and how his approach to everyday conversations can guide us today.Learn how to recognize divine appointments, why curiosity is not the same as conversion, and how to respond when God places someone in your path. This message will encourage you to see your workplace, neighborhood, or even a casual stop at the store as opportunities for the gospel. God still arranges divine appointments—will you be ready for yours?Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
'A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) ' Acts 17:18-21
Often, we want to share our faith, but we're not really sure what to say. Today, as we study Acts 17, we'll see Paul's message to the Athenians and how he unfolded God's Gospel to them. Join us in today's study as we grow in our understanding of how to explain the Gospel to those around us!
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 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. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for“‘In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.'Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.In Acts 17:16–34, Paul's heart broke over the spiritual condition of the Athenians, and that compassion moved him to be a humble witness. The question for us is this: when we see idolatry around us, do we press in with love or pull away in judgment?Paul earned credibility by being present and finding common ground. Are you the kind of person who asks questions and shows curiosity about what others are going through, or are you more quick to offer advice and impart wisdom?How can you grow in courage to speak the gospel naturally — not as a project, but as love?How might remembering Jesus' humility reshape the way you approach people who disagree with you or live differently?
The complicated legacy of Pausanias, Spartan regent and commander at Plataea, reveals the razor-thin line between military glory and personal disgrace. When Persian forces under Mardonius threatened Greek freedom in 479 BC, it was Pausanias who stood at the forefront of the Hellenic coalition—a complex alliance of city-states with competing interests and traditions. His story offers a fascinating glimpse into the burdens of command during ancient warfare's most decisive moments.Standing as guardian of Sparta's royal legacy after Leonidas' heroic fall at Thermopylae, Pausanias embodied the Spartan military ethos: disciplined, patient, and tactically conservative. These qualities proved crucial during the tense weeks before battle, as he resisted pressure from more aggressive allies, particularly the Athenians, who pushed for immediate engagement. His calculated restraint preserved the coalition's strength until conditions favored decisive action.The battle itself began with chaos—a nighttime repositioning gone wrong left Greek forces scattered across the plain. When Mardonius seized this opportunity to attack, Pausanias demonstrated remarkable composure under intense Persian assault. Holding firm as arrows darkened the sky, he waited for the perfect moment to order the charge that would ultimately break the Persian line and claim Mardonius' life. This victory marked the definitive end of Persian ambitions on Greek soil.Yet Pausanias' triumph contained the seeds of his undoing. Leading subsequent campaigns in the Aegean, he began adopting Persian customs and displaying an arrogance that alarmed both allies and fellow Spartans. His trajectory from disciplined commander to suspected traitor raises profound questions about how success affects character. Can the same qualities that bring victory in war—decisiveness, authority, self-confidence—become dangerous liabilities in peace? The paradox of Pausanias continues to fascinate: how could the savior of Greece transform so quickly into a figure his own people came to distrust?Whether you're fascinated by ancient military tactics, the psychology of leadership, or the cultural tensions of the Greek world, Pausanias' story offers remarkable insights into how even history's greatest victories can cast long, complicated shadows over those who achieve them. Subscribe now to explore more untold stories from antiquity's most pivotal moments.Support the show
Send us a textWe tend to think of the Athenians as philosophers, architects, and mathematicians. But their highest devotion was rather to sports and to music. These priorities are evident from their system of education, in which young Greek men were trained to compete in the Olympics as well as to sing and dance in the chorus. They were jocks. Think of the tragic playwright Aeschylus, who despite his literary accomplishments was remembered in his epitaph merely as a warrior at the Battle of Marathon. A man's man. So when Socrates and the sophists came around, the defenders of old-style musical and athletic education scoffed at the sickly, ugly, and weak men that philosophical and rhetorical training produced: in other words, a bunch of nerds. In this episode, Jonathan and Ryan discuss what the comic Athenian poet Aristophanes called ἡ ἀρχαία παιδεία, i.e. that old-time education of Athens.Henri-Irénée Marrou's A History of Education in Antiquity: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780299088149NH episode on Homeric education: https://newhumanists.buzzsprout.com/1791279/episodes/17406673-how-to-raise-an-achilles-episode-xciThucydides' The Peloponnesian War: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780684827902Aristophanes' Clouds: https://amzn.to/46GYaeKCato's De agri cultura: https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/L/Roman/Texts/Cato/De_Agricultura/A*.htmlPete Hegseth's and David Goodwin's Battle for the American Mind: https://amzn.to/4gHQEoxJacob Burckhardt's Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9781617206047New Humanists episode on Alcuin and Charlemagne: https://newhumanists.buzzsprout.com/1791279/episodes/15992673-the-barren-contemplative-life-episode-lxxviiiHerodotus' Histories: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9781400031146New Humanists is brought to you by the Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/Links may have referral codes, which earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. We encourage you, when possible, to use Bookshop.org for your book purchases, an online bookstore which supports local bookstores.Music: Save Us Now by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Acts 17:16-34 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. 22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 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. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.' 29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. Key Words: Idols, Reason, Worship, Make, Mankind, Seek, Repent, Judge, Resurrection Keystone Verse: The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30) Download Bulletin
God's sovereignty extends far beyond individual salvation to encompass entire nations—a biblical truth often overlooked in contemporary teaching. This eye-opening episode delves into Ezekiel 25, where God pronounces judgment on Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia for their centuries of hostility toward Israel.What's remarkable is how God remembers national sins committed hundreds of years earlier. The Ammonites celebrated when Jerusalem fell. The Moabites claimed Judah was "like all other nations." The Edomites, despite being blood relatives through Esau, took vengeance against God's people. The Philistines maintained "everlasting enmity" toward Israel. For each, God pronounces specific judgments that were historically fulfilled through Babylon's conquests.Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, we see God actively raising up and tearing down nations, establishing their boundaries and appointed times. This isn't just Old Testament theology—Paul affirms it to the Athenians in Acts 17. Scripture presents three redemptive dimensions: individuals, creation, and nations.This perspective challenges our modern tendency to compartmentalize faith as purely personal. While individual salvation has always been by grace through faith, God simultaneously works out His purposes in the geopolitical sphere. The Bible's consistent pattern shows that how nations treat Israel matters to God—a principle with profound implications for our world today.As we reason through these challenging passages, we're reminded that only God can take righteous vengeance. Our ultimate comfort comes not from national identity but from personal salvation through Jesus Christ [the Messiah], who shields believers from the wrath these nations experienced. Join us next time as we explore God's judgment on Tyre and continue uncovering biblical truths that speak to every dimension of life.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
In a world where oars stitched the sea like threads in a loom, a vast Persian fleet pressed toward the Greek isles, its banners glimmering like storm-lit sails. At the heart of the Greek defense stood Athens, a city of bronze-voices and sea-worn hands. The Greeks faced a choice as old as the waves: retreat or outwit the storm. On an early dawn, the sea wore a silver breath, and the Greek captains gathered in murmured knots. The oracle of necessity spoke through their minds: fight where the Persians could not fully spread their great numbers; choose the narrow strait where walls of rock and water could bend even a multitude. The Athenians, led by a steady commander, mapped a plan not of brute force but of cunning. The ships massed into a tight chorus, smaller and nimbler than the Persian galleys. They whispered to the sea itself—"Push, then slice, then vanish." In the strait, the Persians advanced with thunder, their oars beating like drums of war. But the Greeks bent their lines, luring the enemy into a claustrophobic embrace. The Persian column, confident in its breadth, found itself a tangled forest of hulls, obstructed by reefs of rock and the sudden cunning of Greek maneuvering. As bronze met bronze, misfortune clung to the larger fleet. The Greeks struck with precision, their lines weaving through the press, their triremes ramming and retreating in a dance of discipline. The sea, once a mere highway, became a guillotine for the invaders. When the smoke cleared, the Persians reeled, their advance stalled, their dreams of conquest washed away by the tides of a single, daring strategy. The Greeks had carved a path to freedom through cunning over numbers, and the win did not merely mean victory at sea; it meant the birth of a stubborn light: that courage paired with wit can redirect fate. And so, the story of Salamis sailed into legend—a reminder that cleverness can tilt the scales even when the odds are colossal.
This is part 22 of "The After Party," our series at Fusion Christian Church on the book of Acts. Follow along as we explore what happened to the church after Jesus ascended to heaven. In our series finale, pastor and missionary to Peru, Nick Balcombe, teaches about the evangelist attitude all Christians should have.Mars Hill and the Unknown God.In Acts 17, Paul visits Mars Hill in Athens where he spots an altar to an "unknown god." Observing the Athenian desire to honor a god they don't know, Paul uses that very altar as a starting point for sharing about the one true God. By paying attention to the culture he was entering into, Paul was able to connect with the people he desired to reach and share the gospel in a more accessible way. By learning about the culture he was evangelizing, Paul demonstrated a deep love and care for the Athenians.Look, Listen, Love.Paul made himself aware of what was important to the Athenians and thereby showed his love for them. Christians should follow Paul's example in our own efforts to evangelize others. No matter who we are targeting with the gospel, Christians should try to understand who we are trying to reach. When we understand our audience, we can apply the gospel to their lives in an effective way and we can show them why it matters to them. The gospel is a message that everyone needs, and it is our job to help people see that need. By applying the three simple words: look, listen, and love, we become more effective evangelists.
In this echoes of war podcast we cover the epic battle of Marathon during the Greco-Persian Wars The Battle of Marathon, fought in 490 BCE, was a pivotal clash that reshaped ancient warfare and Greek identity. Outnumbered Athenians, led by seasoned commanders with Plataean allies, faced a vast Persian army under Darius I as the first Persian invasion of Greece began. Despite the odds, the Greek forces exploited terrain, forming tight phalanxes that negated the Persians' numerical advantage. The Athenians' disciplined leadership and tempo kept Persian advances from consolidating, while their soldiers' morale—fueled by citizen-soldier ethos and athletic culture—provided a crucial psychological edge. A key element of the victory was the famous endurance and momentum of the hoplites, whose coordinated spear thrusts delivered decisive blows in close quarters. Additionally, tactical maneuvers, including selective maneuvering against exposed flanks, disrupted Persian lines without incurring heavy casualties, highlighting the Greeks' emphasis on strategic positioning over brute force. The run back to Athens, symbolized by the legendary Marathon message, underscored the morale and logistical signaling integral to ancient warfare. The victory at Marathon did more than halt a Persian advance; it bought time for the Greek city-states to unite against a common threat and inspired a broader sense of democratic resilience under pressure. In cultural memory, Marathon became a beacon of civic virtue, military ingenuity, and collective identity, influencing later Greek pedagogy and the wider narrative of Western military strategy. For viewers seeking a concise takeaway, Marathon demonstrates how terrain, leadership, and cohesive citizen-soldier discipline can triumph against overwhelming odds, shaping both history and cultural memory for generations.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the speeches that became a byword for fierce attacks on political opponents. It was in the 4th century BC, in Athens, that Demosthenes delivered these speeches against the tyrant Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, when Philip appeared a growing threat to Athens and its allies and Demosthenes feared his fellow citizens were set on appeasement. In what became known as The Philippics, Demosthenes tried to persuade Athenians to act against Macedon before it was too late; eventually he succeeded in stirring them, even if the Macedonians later prevailed. For these speeches prompting resistance, Demosthenes became famous as one of the Athenian democracy's greatest freedom fighters. Later, in Rome, Cicero's attacks on Mark Antony were styled on Demosthenes and these too became known as Philippics. With Paul Cartledge A. G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow at Clare College, University of Cambridge Kathryn Tempest Reader in Latin Literature and Roman History at the University of Roehampton And Jon Hesk Reader in Greek and Classical Studies at the University of St Andrews Producer: Simon Tillotson Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the speeches that became a byword for fierce attacks on political opponents. It was in the 4th century BC, in Athens, that Demosthenes delivered these speeches against the tyrant Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, when Philip appeared a growing threat to Athens and its allies and Demosthenes feared his fellow citizens were set on appeasement. In what became known as The Philippics, Demosthenes tried to persuade Athenians to act against Macedon before it was too late; eventually he succeeded in stirring them, even if the Macedonians later prevailed. For these speeches prompting resistance, Demosthenes became famous as one of the Athenian democracy's greatest freedom fighters. Later, in Rome, Cicero's attacks on Mark Antony were styled on Demosthenes and these too became known as Philippics. With Paul Cartledge A. G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow at Clare College, University of Cambridge Kathryn Tempest Reader in Latin Literature and Roman History at the University of Roehampton And Jon Hesk Reader in Greek and Classical Studies at the University of St Andrews Producer: Simon TillotsonSpanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.
John 7:30 So they were seeking to seize Him; and no man laid his hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. We see God's providence at work in this verse. The rulers wanted to take Him into custody with the intent to kill Him, but they didn't because God's time for that to occur had not come. There was more work to be done, more truth to be spoken, more love revealed to those who were His. So no man could touch Him with evil intent. We also have the same confidence that God's providence will keep us until His time for our lives arrives. The apostle Paul, speaking to the Athenians about God, said, “He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.” God's providence rules over our lives from the time and place we were born until the time and place we fall asleep in Jesus. As long as Jesus has work to do, truth to be spoken, and love to be revealed in you, you have purpose in this world. Your hour won't come until God is done, receiving the glory He planned from your life. He has good reason to watch over your life as you live to love with Jesus, so do not be afraid. Move through your day with confidence and peace, relying on your Father in heaven to watch over you and use you for His glory. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
Send us a textIn this powerful episode, we feature a sermon Jesse preached from Acts 17, where the Apostle Paul engages the sophisticated, idol-worshipping Athenians with the transformative message of the Gospel. Titled "Troubled in Spirit: Moved by the Gospel," the sermon explores four key responses to a lost world: being troubled by lostness, being moved to act, practicing faithful contextualization, and trusting God for the results. Drawing from Paul's bold yet winsome approach, the message challenges listeners to care deeply about the spiritually lost, engage them with wisdom, and share the hope of Christ in today's diverse contexts. Perfect for anyone seeking to live out the Great Commission with purpose and compassion.Appreciate this content? Buy Jesse a coffee at BMC or support the PMc Mission directly.Links:PMc Short-term CohortsMission FacilityVision TripPMc Missions BlogPartnerLong-Term MissionsMissionary InternshipPMc AcademiaThe Italian Cohort - join PMc's online Discord communityServe - PMc has numerous avenues of involvementPodcast Producer - Available PositionLike Jesus driven to His cross, so we drive ourselves to the singular task of the edification (planting) of Biblical churches in Italy.Freely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy.
Scripture: Acts 17 Speaker: Grant Perkins Summary: The sermon begins by highlighting that many people today identify as “religious nones,” but most still believe in or seek a higher power, showing our culture's deep spiritual curiosity. Grant connects this to Acts 17, where Paul finds himself in Athens, a city full of idols and curious philosophers, much like today's spiritually searching culture. Paul uses the Athenians' altar “to an unknown god” to introduce the one true God who is powerful, personal, and gives us everything though He needs nothing from us. The message reminds believers that God is knowable and near, even when we sometimes feel uncertain. The sermon closes by challenging everyone to respond like some Athenians did — by choosing to truly know and worship the God who has made Himself known.
Send us a textActs 17:16-21Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.Support the show
Hi, and welcome to the CARA Podcast.
This message explores the universal human search for meaning and purpose, drawing parallels between the ancient Athenians' religious quest and modern society's pursuit of fulfillment. While everyone worships something, not all objects of worship are worthy. Our one true God is not distant but intimately close, and Jesus Christ has already proven God's love and presence through His incarnation, death, and resurrection.
This message explores the universal human search for meaning and purpose, drawing parallels between the ancient Athenians' religious quest and modern society's pursuit of fulfillment. While everyone worships something, not all objects of worship are worthy. Our one true God is not distant but intimately close, and Jesus Christ has already proven God's love and presence through His incarnation, death, and resurrection.
Brandon discusses Paul's mission in Athens, emphasizing how he used a thoughtful approach to share the Gospel amidst a crowded landscape of idols and philosophical ideas. He highlights Paul's strategy of finding common ground with the Athenians, acknowledging their spirituality while contrasting it with the true God who is self-sufficient and requires nothing from His followers. Brandon encourages listeners to actively engage with others by sharing the hope of Christ through relational connections rather than simply inviting them to church. Brandon Bachtel | Acts of the Church www.stonepointchurch.com
Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 17 Paul continues his second missionary journey with stops in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. In Thessalonica, Paul reasons with the Jews in the synagogue, explaining that Jesus is the Messiah who fulfilled the scriptures. While some believe, others incite a riot, forcing Paul and Silas to flee to Berea. The Bereans are praised for their eagerness to examine the scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings. Many believe, but opposition arises again, prompting Paul to leave. In Athens, Paul is stirred by the city's idolatry and engages with philosophers in the Areopagus. He proclaims the one true God, emphasizing His power to create all things and His call for everyone to repent of their sins. He informs them that God will judge the world, providing proof by raising Jesus from the dead. The centerpiece of the gospel is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Nearly every sermon in Acts highlights the evidence for and significance of this momentous event. In Thessalonica, Paul uses the resurrection to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ. In Athens, the philosophers are challenged by Paul, who is “preaching Jesus and the resurrection.” Paul concludes his sermon to the Athenians by declaring Jesus as the final Judge, a truth established by God raising Him from the dead. God created us to seek Him, and He offered and raised His Son so that we can find Him. Some sneer at this, while others delay their response. However, true believers in the resurrection accept it and join the cause. Dear Father, thank You for raising Your crucified Son from the dead. Thank You for the evidence of His resurrection and for the incredible, eternal assurances that accompany His victory over sin and death. Lord God, we believe. We believe You made all things and created us to seek and find You. We also believe that Your Son's death and resurrection are the only path to reach You, forgiven by His blood and granted the promise of eternal life in His name. We know Jesus will judge the world. Lead us to repent and prepare for our Savior's return. Thought Questions: - Why do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead? Are you prepared to elaborate in order to teach others about Jesus? - The Berean listeners are commended for examining scripture to confirm Paul's words. Why should you do that when you hear teaching? - Do you believe that God created you and that in Him you “live and move and exist”? How does this belief shape your daily life and choices?
In Pastor Gary's sermon, he introduces a new collection of talks called "Reach," aimed at empowering everyday people to act as missionaries in their communities. He emphasizes that every believer is positioned by God for a purpose right where they are—whether it be at work, school, or in their neighborhoods. The core message revolves around engaging with those around us to share the Gospel, recognizing that many people in our circles will never attend church or read the Bible but will listen to us because of our relationships with them. Pastor Gary highlights the importance of understanding our divine placement, caring for our circles of influence, and responding through prayer, encouraging the congregation to act on their mission in life. He draws inspiration from Acts 17, where Paul speaks to the Athenians, illustrating that God's design for each person is intentional and purposeful. Pastor Gary challenges the audience to take their mission seriously, identifying those in their lives as opportunities for ministry and outreach. He calls for active prayer for their communities, highlighting the significance of being aware of the needs around them. He invites the congregation to become difference-makers for Christ right where they live, work, and play, emphasizing that outreach is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all believers. The message concludes with a call to action—to walk, weep, and pray for their cities, recognizing that they were made for this mission.
While Catholicism and Orthodoxy share deep roots, key differences remain—especially on authority. We explore one of the most compelling arguments against Orthodoxy and also touch on Catholic miracles, lost apostolic letters, and starting fruitful Bible studies with Protestants. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:13 – Why should we read the apocryphal books? 06:53 – Why does Genesis specify the building material in the building of the tower of babel? 11:49 – Suppose the letter of Paul to the Athenians is found, would it be considered scripture? 18:57 – Why does it seem like there’s not a lot of evidence for Catholic miracles? 28:56 – What is the best argument against Orthodoxy? 35:08 – I'm starting a bible study with protestants. What can I do for them to be open to it? 42:47 – I'm reverting to Catholicism. My in-laws are very anti-Catholic. How should I approach them? Could you expand on your comments on Matt Fradd's show about intelligent life on other planets and how Christ' sacrifice would apply to them? 52:31 – What are your thoughts on the AI Confessional in Europe?
Newly-crowned prince Theseus and thirteen brave young Athenians sail across the wine-dark sea towards the island of Crete. They are tributes, destined for the lair of the monstrous Minotaur. But Eros, the mischievous god of love, has other plans for our young hero and his crew…
In one of the most iconic rivalries of Greek mythology, two powerful gods—Poseidon, god of the sea, and Athena, goddess of wisdom and war—clash over the right to claim the great city of Athens. But how did this divine showdown unfold? What gifts did they offer the people? And why did the Athenians choose Athena over Poseidon?Chapters: Into to Athena vs. Poseidon: (0:00)Athena Products Are Here!: (3:29)Join Our Mystery Cult: (6:09)Myth Origins + Source Issues: (8:29)The Myth: Athena vs. Poseidon: (23:08)Join our extra members for more content around ancient greek religion, mythology and more!Check out our shop, services and classes below:https://beacons.ai/styxandbonessFOLLOW STYX AND BONES ON SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://www.instagram.com/styxandbonespodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/styxandbonestemplehttps://www.tiktok.com/@styxandbonestemple FOLLOW HIGH PRIESTESS CHELSEAhttps://www.instagram.com/highpriestesschelseahttps://www.tiktok.com/@highpriestesschelseaFOLLOW DR. Khttps://www.instagram.com/dirtdiaries_https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtdiaries_
On Resurrection Sunday, this sermon reflects on Paul's bold proclamation in Acts 17 to the Athenians — a people drowning in idolatry yet deeply religious. Paul confronts them with the reality of the one true God, the resurrection of Jesus, and the urgent call to repentance. This message reminds us that the resurrection is not just a historical claim — it's the turning point in God's story of creation, redemption, and final judgment, and it demands a response from every human heart.
When King Minos of Crete demands fourteen young Athenians to feed to the monstrous Minotaur, Prince Theseus and a lively group of teenagers set sail. In Knossos, Minos expects his daughter Princess Ariadne to watch quietly as the Athenian tributes meet their gruesome deaths. But Eros, mischievous god of love, takes aim with his arrows, intertwining the fate of Theseus and Ariadne. Can our young heroes somehow change the destinies of everyone around them?
As we think about our current moment, in DC and the DMV in March 2025, trusting that God's Word is living and active, it takes careful consideration of how the gospel speaks and what makes it good news. That careful work is the work of contextualization. In the same way that explaining an iPhone to someone in 1945 might be a challenge, we have an extra-terrestrial message. On Sunday we will take time in Acts 17:16-34 to see how the Apostle Paul approached ministry in Athens. It's a great example for us because, in many ways, DC is our nation's “Athens” – a place renowned for the exchange of ideology in the marketplace and, as Acts 17:21 says, “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.”Sunday, March 30, 2025Watch the full Sunday Gathering here. -------------------------------------------Connect with us on Social MediaWebsite | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | Vimeo-------------------------------------------Download our AppApple App Store | Google Play Store
In 416BC, during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, the island of Melos was a non-combatant. Strategically located in the middle of the Aegean, The Athenians arrived and demanded Melos surrender and thus be absorbed into their empire. The Melians refused, and so one of the most famous and influential passages in Thucydides' history as recounted by the delegates of Athens: ‘the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.' We are returning to an era of empires asserting their dominance, and so joining to discuss Ukraine and its implications for Europe is historian and writer Philip Blood, author of Putin's War as we discuss the war over the past three years and what can be done in the future. As a brief little bonus for you, Tessa Dunlop joins to discuss the war as she launches a new podcast blending politics with history. Philip Blood Links Putin's War, Russian Genocide, Edited by Philip Blood Fallout on Ghost - Writings on Ukraine from Philp and team Philip on X Tessa Dunlop Links Where Politics Meets History Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss the end of the Oresteia, the second part of the Eumenides.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com.Check out our guide to the Oresteia. The first half of the Eumenides demonstrates Aeschylus' ability to dramatize philosophical questions. The old system of justice, bound to the Furies' blood-soaked vengeance, has proven incomplete. The Olympian purity rituals are not a sufficient answer either.Athena's brilliance is found in pushing the concept of justice forward into a more dispassionate, procedural affair while also discovering how to incorporate the ancient powers. As Lackey notes, “Justice here becomes communal—rooted in reason but enriched by tradition.” The second half of the Eumenides promises a trial that will decide not only Orestes' fate but that of justice itself.The second half of Eumenides begins with a dramatic shift in scene. Athena elects to conduct the trial at the Areopagus also known as the “Crag of Ares” or the “Hill of Ares.” It is a mythical place of justice, as it bears its name from when Ares was accused of murder and tried there by the gods. It is a place of divine judgment. It was also said to be an ancient place of council for the Athenians. As such, Aeschylus bridges mythology and Athenian politics to create a new myth on the maturation of justice.Overall, the trial allows Aeschylus to bring the contrasts he's been making throughout the Oresteia into explicit dialogue. The trial begins, and Apollo serves as an advocate for Orestes (582). One wonders whether Agamemnon is helping his son as well (604).Notice the questions from the Furies are reductive and without nuance (591). The Furies again do not recognize the murder of a spouse as meriting their vengeance (611). Apollo appeals to the authority and power of Zeus (626), and one wonders whether justice here is reducible to the will of he who has the most power. The Furies makes the clever argument that even Zeus shackled his own father, Cronos (648), and Apollo retorts that Cronos could be unchained—he was not murdered (655).Next up we are reading Dante's Inferno for Lent!Then we'll return to the Greek plays to read Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus.
Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are reunited to intro Aeschylus, the Father of Greek Tragedy.Aeschylus (b. 525 BC) was a warrior, statesman, and the father of Greek tragedy. Born into nobility, he grew up in Athens during its pivotal transition from tyranny to democracy. Furthermore, he famously fought in the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), defending a nascent Western civilization against Persian invasion. Aeschylus died in 456 BC, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the foundation of Greek drama.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.From our guide on the Oresteia:1. What is the Ionian Revolt?To understand Aeschylus, we must first understand the Greco-Persian War (c. 499 BC to 429). In sum, what is called the “First Persian Empire,” founded by Cyrus the Great around 550 BC, stretched from modern-day Iran, Asia Minor, modern day Israel, and Egypt. In Asia Minor, this Persian empire ruled over Hellenistic city-states. One may recall that Troy, a polis with both Hellenistic and eastern traits, was also located in Asia Minor. In 499 BC, the city-states rebelled against their Persian overlords with the support of Athens in what is known as the “Ionian Revolt.” The revolt failed and the Persians retained control of Asia Minor; however, King Darius of the Persian Empire believed Athens should be punished and elected to invade Greece. 2. What was the first invasion in the Greco-Persian Wars?The Ionian Revolt sparked the larger Greco-Persian Wars and led to King Darius' invasion of ancient Greece in 492 BC. Athens led the federation of city-states against the Persians, and Aeschylus fought for the Athenian army. Notably, Aeschylus and his brother both fought at the famous Battle of Marathon in 490 BC at which the first Persian invasion was defeated.[1] Aeschylus' brother, however, died in the conflict.[2] The Battle of Marathon is often held as a watershed moment in the birth of Western culture. The battle is also the namesake of running a marathon, as the legend has it that an Athenian runner ran the twenty-six miles from Marathon to Athens to tell them of the Athenian victory. 3. What was the second Persian invasion in the Greco-Persian Wars?Ten years later, a second Persian invasion was headed by King Darius' son, King Xerxes. This is the setting for the famous Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC), in which the smaller Spartan force of approximately 7000 men under King Leonidas held off 120,000-300,000 Persian invaders. The word Thermopylae means “hot gates” and takes its name from the hot springs in that area—it is also fittingly one of the mythological entrances to Hades. After Thermopylae, the Athenians won a great naval battle against the Persians at Salamis in 480 BC. Notably, Aeschylus is said to have fought in this battle as well and wrote his play The Persians about the conflict. The Greeks, led by the Athenians and Spartans, would eventually expel the Persians and bring peace in 449 BC. 4. What do we know about Aeschylus' writings?Aeschylus is...
Summary Pastor Motokula explores the themes of religion and revelation through the lens of Acts 17, focusing on Paul's encounter with the Athenians. He discusses the historical context of religion in Fiji, the deceptive nature of religious practices, and emphasizes the importance of building one's life on the revelation of Jesus Christ rather than mere religious rituals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Historical Context03:04 The Rock of Religion11:52 Dealing with Religion19:01 The Right Rock: Building on RevelationTakeaways • Religion existed in Fiji before Christianity arrived.• Paul confronted the Athenians' various views of God.• Religion is often about appearances and rituals.• Many people build their lives on religion.• Religion can be deceptive and hard to identify.• God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances.• Revelation of Jesus Christ is essential for true transformation.• A relationship with God is more important than religious practices.• Where there is revelation, there is restraint and obedience.• The world needs a widespread revelation of Christ.
Let's grab the Kleenex and reveal a repackaged Christmas gift of freedom. Independence and peace are yours to be claimed. Feel the faith as you both build and witness history. Let's stop being afraid and boldly reveal the truth. Ultimate freedom lies in faith. No longer a slave to fear, God breaks chains and freedom floods your soul. Possessions, vanity and the noise of life. The 40k foot view offers a different perspective. Immense beauty amid the purpose of God's design. Surrender is not a complicated thing. Feel the breath of peace within the moment. Respect you body, mind and soul. Finding who you truly are. Peace and freedom are already within us. Surrender is not from weakness, but from strength. Some news on the new book. Dissidents, Sparta and the pool of angry people within a sanctuary city. Both Sparta and the Athenians were funded by Persia. Making all roads lead to Rome. The Great Wall is there to keep people in. The Chinese genius strategy. The King James conundrum. Admission and evidence all came together in the end. It's going to be a bumpy ass ride from here. Our faith and actions will reveal the truth.
The frequency and vibration of knowledge can move us in many ways. Let's review some yellow paper notes from the war college. Fatalism results when nothing can stop what's coming. Becoming familiar with the ancient books of Greece and China. This is a war like no other. The Chinese laws of Moses. Ever heard of them? The West has always been the focus of world history. Borders change just like solutions. The Athenians are what modern democrats pretend to be. Spartans were the bad ass conservatives. Women were highly regarded as generals. Spartan infrastructure and order were challenged by sanctuary cities. First destroy your enemies from within. Who funded the wars of the Greek empire? The phrase all roads lead to Rome, was manufactured. The Divine Farmer and the beginning of traditional Chinese medicine. Only following a righteous path can lead to life's real success. Where did the Greeks get their bronze? The Augusts, the Emperors and the woman goddess. World wide floods seemed to have been a problem. The Christmas Tree nebula. Heavy gravity thoughts. Oh, and we're going to war. The blurred lines are purposeful. We will be nerding out in 2025. Real knowledge in God is the only path to true freedom. Surrender, and your inner truth will have been chosen from Him.
Today's Scripture passages are Psalm 96 | Psalm 98 | Ezekiel 33:21 - Ezekiel 34 | Acts 17:16-34 | 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Hello everyone,Here are 3 podcast-related things you may be interested in.Roman Graphic NovelFriend of the show Marco Capelli has made a comic book set in 6th century Italy. It follows two figures that we know about from an Ostrogothic jewellery collection that was discovered in 1938. A Roman Patrician Stephanus who marries a Gothic noblewoman Valatrud. They are subjects of King Theodoric who is trying to create a functioning Gothic-Roman kingdom in Italy. But their union comes shortly before Italy submerges into chaos. And Justinian sends Belisarius out to retake the home peninsula.You can get your hands on a copy in English or Italian. In paper or in a digital format. Plus loads of other goodies are available from Marco's Kickstarter campaign.The Kickstarter ends on October 11th so act now.Tour of GreeceLantern Jack, the host of the podcast Ancient Greece Declassified, is leading a tour to Greece.It's taking place from January 3rd to the 11th 2025. And it visits every site connected with the famous war between the Persians and the Athenians and Spartans. If you want to go you will visit the Acropolis, the Straits of Salamis, Marathon, Eubeoa, Thermopylae, Delphi, Plataea and you'll get to try on Hoplite Armour!Click here to find out moreThe History of Byzantium T-ShirtsFinally my new friend Magnus who creates Roman themed merchandise on Etsy has created an actual History of Byzantium podcast t-shirt. Or I should say t-shirts. Branded with the podcast logo you have several to choose from. I'm sure they will light up any occasion you go to with looks of confusion and bewilderment. But I think they look beautiful.Check them out here. He also has t-shirts and mugs celebrating lesser figures than me – such as Constantine, Justinian, Basil II, Marcus Aurelius and others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.