V.1-9 From Philippi to Amphipolis 33 miles; then to Apollonia another 30 miles, to Thessalonica another 37. 100 miles no cars, trains, buses or planes. They preach Christ over all those miles. If you have the time, read the two letters to the Thessalonians you will understand better what Paul was preaching on those journeys.
V.2 He based all his talks on the Old Testament Scriptures — none other existed then.
V.10 Note the concern these brethren had for Paul.
V.11 No one ever searched the scriptures with a pure heart who wasn’t richly rewarded.
V.16-34 Athens was renowned throughout the world for its philosophers, writers, poets, painters and architects but Paul, by his word and pen, has left a deeper mark on mankind than any other man. The great servant of Christ and the great stronghold of old heathendom are brought face to face. As he went through the city he saw the monuments and buildings to the pride of man, and to the complete dishonor of God, “wholly given to idolatry” (v. 16). Immediately there is a clash between the superstition of philosophy with its earthly beauty and worldly wisdom — and the simple faith of the gospel.
V.18 These were the two main contending schools of thought. To the Epicureans, pleasure was the highest good — the Stoicks, accepted everything as it was, joy or grief. Neither could give peace.
V.23-24 Possibly this statement “God that made the world, heaven and earth,” condemned the Stoicks who claimed that the world was God.
V.25-31 Paul thoroughly condemned their imaginations by pointing to a living God Who shall judge the world in righteousness. The proof was in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
V.32-34 Only two are mentioned who believed from all this collection of the greatest wisdom of the world. So long as Paul spoke ideas they would listen, but when he spoke of a living God, they would hear no more. Now read 1 Corinthians 1:21-22.