Churches Established By A.D. 52 – Part 1

Church History: Athens – Established during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey; Act 17:15

The capital of Attica was the most celebrated city of the ancient world. It was the seat of Greek literature and art during the golden period of Grecian history. Its inhabitants were fond of novelty and were remarkable for their zeal in the worship of the gods. It was a sarcastic saying of the Roman satirist that it was "easier to find a god at Athens than a man."

On his second missionary journey Paul visited this city and delivered in the Areopagus his famous speech. The altar of which Paul there speaks as dedicated "to an unknown God" (Acts 17:23) was probably one of several which bore the same inscription. It is supposed that they originated in the practice of letting loose a flock of sheep and goats in the streets of Athens on the occasion of a plague, and of offering them up in sacrifice, at the spot where they lay down, "to the god concerned."11

Amphipolis – Established during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey; Act 17:1
This is a city of Macedonia, situated not far from the mouth of the river Strymon, which flowed "around the city," and thus created its name. The village which now stands upon the site of the ancient city is called Empoli of Yamboli, a corruption of Amphipolis. It was visited by Paul and Silas.10

Apollonia – Established during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey; Act 17:1
This is a city of Macedonia located between Amphipolis and Thessalonica, from which it was distant about 36 miles. Paul and Silas passed through it on their way to Thessalonica.11

Berea – Established during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey; Act 17:10
This is a city of Macedonia, not far from Pella towards the southwest, and near Mount Bermius. It was afterwards called Irenopolis, and is now called by the Turks, Boor; by others, Cara Veria. Paul preached the gospel here with success; the ingenuous Bereans examined his doctrine by the Old Testament scriptures, and many believed.