Justin Houtz

Leviticus 16, Acts 17

DateVersionReading Plan
April 16, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 16

Observation

The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron’s two sons and proceeded to give instruction regarding the Day of Atonement. Aaron was make atonement for himself and for his household and then select two goats, one for the LORD and one that would be released as a scapegoat. For the latter, Aaron was to lay his hands on the head of the goat, confess over it the transgressions and sins of the people and sent it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man.

Application

The word “atoning” or “atonement” together are mentioned 16x, making it a significant theme in the chapter. The word means “cover over; pacify; make propitiation” and God requires blood as a suitable means of atonement for sins. In the Old Testament, this meant animal sacrifices that needed to be constantly made and yearly on the Day of Atonement (Heb. Yôm Kippur). However, these could never fully cover all sins for all time. Due to the radical presence and pervasiveness of sin, nothing apart from a sacrificial work of God Himself can wholly and completely cleanse our sin to bring us to good standing before Him. All praise and glory that Christ secured our salvation through His blood, our one-time worthy sacrifice who purchased our forgiveness on the cross and restored us to right relationship with Him.

Acts 17

Observation

Paul and his companions continue to travel and came to Thessalonia where Paul went into the synagogue on the Sabbath as was his custom. He reasoned with them many days, persuading some of the Jews, God-fearing Greeks and a few prominent women (Acts 16:4). However, some of the Jews were jealous, forming a mob and starting a riot in the city (Acts 16:5). They went to Jason’s house where Paul and Silas had been staying but when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials to tell them about the trouble they had caused and that they were saying there was another king, Jesus (Acts 17:6-7). Upon hearing this, the city officials were thrown into turmoil, then made Jason and others post bond and let them go (Acts 17:9).

The brothers sent Paul and Silas to Berea where they again went into the synagogue (Acts 17:10). The Bereans were more receptive to the message of Paul and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what he said was true (Acts 17:11). Many of the Jews believed as did a number of prominent women and many Greek men (Acts 17:12). However, when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they came to Berea and agitated the crowds (Acts 17:13). The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast while Silas and Timothy remained at Berea (Acts 17:14). The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and left instruction for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible (Acts 17:15).

While waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, Paul was greatly distressed about the idols in Athens (Acts 17:16). He reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews, God-fearing Greeks and those in the marketplace (Acts 17:17). A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with Paul. They took him to the Areopagus and asked that he teach them what he had been presenting (Acts 17:19). These philosophers spent their time in nothing except telling or heaing something new (Acts 17:21)

Paul addressed them, acknowledged that they were very religious and focused on the altar they had made that had the inscription, “To the unknown god”. He proceeded to tell that them that what they worship as unknown is the one God who made the heaven and earth and everything in it (Acts 17:24). God is not served by human hands (Acts 17:25) nor is He an image formed by the art or imagination of man (Acts 17:29). Paul exhorted them that God overlooked the times of ignorance but now commands all people everywhere to repent because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has appointed and, of this, He made assurance by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).

Upon hearing of the resurrection from the dead, some mocked while others requested that Paul speak to them again about this (Acts 17:32). Paul left and some men joined him, among whom was Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris and others with them (Acts 17:34).

Application

The Athenian philosophers bring to mind the disposition of some notable scholars of our day who favor spending their time in discussing among themselves the claims of Christianity but never surrendering to Christ as Lord. It is a good thing to reflect on Jesus—who He is and what He has said of Himself—but a commitment must be made. To investigate with incessant intellectualism may seem outwardly noble, but is ultimately self-flagellation and is in no wise a means of succumbing to the truth of gospel in proper repentance and faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that by Your Son there is atonement and propitiation for our sin. What wonder and praise are due Your name to make such a sacrifice. Father, I pray for those who continue in uncertainty that, by Your Spirit, their hearts would be transformed and submit to You as Lord and Savior.

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