01/29/2008
Acts 17:18 - 24 (HCSB)
18Then also, some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers argued with him. Some said, “What is this pseudo-intellectual trying to say?” Others replied, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign deities”—because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
19They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, “May we learn about this new teaching you’re speaking of? 20For what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these ideas mean.”
21Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new. 22Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. 23For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.
The Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, is one of the oldest and most notorious courts with jurisdiction over moral, civil and religious matters. Remember the Greeks were known for their philosophical musings. They would come and tell stories of moral and ethical situations and exchange philosophical ideas. No doubt Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates stood in these same places and shared their ideas on the nature of existence.
Paul was in Athens awaiting his two companions Barnabas and Silas. Due to resistance to the Gospel in another city, Paul went on ahead to Athens for safety. While he was there, he took the opportunity to speak about his faith. There are a couple of things to draw from this passage. First, Paul never wasted an opportunity. He found himself in a town with people who did not know the Gospel and he immediately started to share his faith. Secondly, Paul shared his faith in a way that was not an affront to the prevailing ideas.
Paul knew of the court in Athens and he knew this is where people would go to exchange ideas. As he entered the court (not a court as you or I think of a court today) he probably waited for an opportunity to speak and so he began. It is clear that Paul was unknown to the court as some called him a “pseudo-intellect” or in a sense, a half-wit. The Greeks prided themselves on being intellectual. So, they decide to let Paul speak, because after all, it’s the intellectual thing to do.
Paul begins by saying “I know you are extremely religious.” It seems funny to us, because today, people who are “intellectual” are rarely “religious.” Nonetheless, in this Greek society, the two were quite important. But keep this in mind, their religion was merely ritual. I always try to draw a distinction between religious and Godly. One can be religious without being Godly. And one can be Godly without being religious.
So in this way, Paul appealed to the people and drew them in without confronting them. We too need to remember that the way to reach others is not by pointing a condemning finger and declaring “you are bound for hell.” But rather to identify with people where they are. They may be grieving a lost loved one, or silently dealing with news of a fatal disease. A soft word of encouragement is more powerful than a stern warning.
The saying goes “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” As you go about your day, remember this: Never miss an opportunity to share your faith, and always meet the listener where they are.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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