Thank you, Lord, for this Tuesday morning that You have given us – we will rejoice and be glad in it! Good morning, my friend!Read Acts 17:15 – 34.
This passage details the apostle Paul’s celebrated visit to Athens. Interestingly, Paul arrives in Athens after having been sent away from Berea by the new Believers there – because disgruntled Jews had followed him all the way from Thessalonica, threatening the good Kingdom work that Paul had just established in Berea.
As you read the passage today, take note of the following:
Despite Paul’s inauspicious arrival in Athens, he remains “on mission” – after all, in Acts 9 he had received a direct charge from the Lord to carry the Good News to the Gentiles. When he observes that Athens, a spectacular location that had until recently functioned as the center of all culture and power in the known world, is a city given over to idols, he begins to proclaim the Truth of the Gospel. Paul is bold, he is fearless, he is prepared, and he is unashamed of the Gospel. Brothers, let us each prepare to take a page out of Paul’s playbook. That is, despite facing hostility and today’s idolatry, the Spirit will give us the opportunity and the words and the courage to declare His Truth.
What did Paul declare in Athens? Exactly what he imparted in every place he visited! This simple message (vv 18): “he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.” We would do well to always remember the excellence of the Gospel “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” –
Acts 4:33.What was the result of Paul’s bold declaration of God’s Good News? According to vv 32, “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter. ”. Friends, when we discharge our responsibility to tell others about Our Lord and Savior, recognize that some will be receptive; but some will abruptly and utterly (and perhaps arrogantly and impolitely) reject the Gospel. According to I Corinthians 1: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”.
Finally, consider carefully the closing verse of our reading today (vv 34) “However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”. The Gospel was declared in the city of idols, and some received and believed! And at the same time in Heaven, according to Jesus, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10).
Brother, just like Paul, you and I have been given a direct charge by Our Lord to take His Good News into the world. And this world needs Jesus.
Thank You, LORD, for Your Son and for His resurrection. Give me the opportunity and the grace and the boldness to speak Your Truth in the face of opposition and the idols that I encounter today! Amen!
