I love the way Paul uses the altar of the Unknown God to witness to the intellectuals in the Areopagus. I have so much respect for those who can take an ordinary, everyday object and use it as a tool to share the Gospel. As I’ve told you before, my pastor is a master at this. It’s a gift.
The crowded city of Athens was full of idols. Not only did Paul take the opportunity to give definition to their Unknown God, but he also gave the warning that God was requiring repentance from worship of idols. God had overlooked the offense…but now there was Jesus.
And then the mention of resurrection brought an abrupt end to the session, didn’t it? But Paul wasn’t put off. He just kept preaching.
One more thing about Acts chapter 17. The word mob was like a beacon when it described the riots that went on in Thessalonica and Berea. The riots – and the mobs – were instigated by misplaced motives, power-mongering, and hatred…not unlike what we’re seeing on TV and computer screens in 2020.
In my view, riots are not useful. They are hurtful and, if we participate, I don’t think we represent Christ well. I’m grateful that Paul and the saints of the time kept their cool and gave us a blueprint to follow.
I would love to hear your comments below.
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