We continue the series of articles “Learn to evangelize with the Apostle Paul”. Was it adapted from the e-book? By John Crotts, available for free download. In this article, Crotts explains two points of Paul’s gospel message to non-Jewish intellectuals.
Paul had already observed the local color of Athens for a few weeks. He had walked through his idol forest. I had spoken to people in synagogues, in the square and in the city center. He knew the fundamental beliefs of the philosophers of his day. Now he’s in the center of the scene, in Areópago himself. As he opened his mouth, his gaze rests on the incredible religiosity of the Athenians.
- Then Paul.
- Rising in the midst of the Areopage.
- Said: Athenian lords!In general.
- I see them as strongly religious; Therefore.
- Passing and observing the objects of your worship.
- I also found an altar on which it is inscribed: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
- Because the one you unknowingly love is precisely the one who announces you (Acts 17:22-23).
The statement about their deep religiosity could be taken in a positive or negative way. Religion? It has a wide range of potential meanings; positively, it can mean pity. Negatively, this can mean things as dark as superstition or satanic worship. When Paul began to speak, his listeners may have taken it as a compliment at first, but as his speech continued, his true opinion of the athenian religiosity came to light. : their rituals and philosophies outside God were empty and foolish.
The evidence of Paul’s statement came from his observations of his objects of worship. One in particular caught his eye. He discovered an altar to the “unknown god. “The mere existence of such a thing is an impressive confession of a proud, intellectual and sophisticated people. “I have no idea who this god I adore is!I understand, at least a little bit, that I may not have discovered all the mysteries of life after all!?
Archaeologists have not been able to find an idol with these exact inscriptions (“to the unknown god”) in the ruins of ancient Athens, but many ancient sources refer to similar inscriptions. A Greek traveler named Pausanias in 150 A. D. said that near Athens, there were altars of gods with and without a name.
Paul used this characteristic of Athenian culture to present a correct understanding of the one true God. His confession of ignorance became the basis of Paul’s message, filling their empty minds with facts from the true living God. 40
Current events and cultural realities can be very useful in changing the direction of a conversation toward the things of God. What topics today can become bridges to a gospel conversation?Economic uncertainties or political problems can become a link to talk about God’s unwavering kingdom. A new scientific discovery can be useful in guiding people toward the creativeness and power of the creator God’s standards of good and evil can arise from a conversation that begins by addressing a question of work ethic Each act of sacrifice calls the spirit to the final sacrifice The Savior has made for sinners. While we may not be able to solve all the problems, the discipline of intentionally crafting some of these cultural ties will strengthen your skills in conversations on these issues.
There was no real connection between the Athenian sanctuary of the idols of ignorance and the true God. Paul’s point was to point out the shortcomings of his religious knowledge. It does not recognize the misconception that all religions are the same. Paul’s comparison as a springboard for his gospel presentation was only to emphasize his ignorance, not to validate idolalist worship. He explained the fact that they worshipped in ignorance, but said nothing to confirm the idea that they worshipped the true God in that ignorance.
Know that Paul’s goal is to proclaim God, not to prove to the Athenians that he is God. Everyone knows the existence of God, on a limited basis, because of creation and our own conscience (Romans 1:18-32). is the Word of God, even when people claim to be atheists or defenders of another religion, are they aware of the truth deeper in their consciousness?that God exists, that He has his laws, and that He will judge his creatures. of each is enough to condemn those who reject this general revelation, but it is not enough to save them. Pagans work hard to suppress these truths and worship surrogate gods instead of what they know. When you proclaim the truth about God, remember that you have an ally in your listener’s mind: his knowledge that God exists.
Paul seeks to fill the gaps in the understanding of the Athenians by proclaiming an overview of the truths about God. Knowledge of people’s creation and conscience must be filled with the gospel. The rest of Paul’s discourse leads his listeners to the essential elements Paul proclaimed to God in five ways, moving them away from their idolatry and bringing them closer to the truth.
The God who made the world and all that it contains, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in sanctuaries made by human hands (Acts 17:24).
By directly opposing Epicurus’ insistence that the gods do not exist or have been removed from their relevance, Paul simply declares this: God exists. God created you and everything else, God rules above all else. There is no dialogue about chance, random combinations of atoms or the eternity of matter. Simply lean over and pull the carpet under the feet of the epicureans with one hand.
With the other hand, pull the carpet under the stoic sandals. Practically pantheists, stoics worshipped their gods worshipping creation. Contrary to his misconceptions, does Paul affirm that one God created all creation?This God is not in creation; he is the Lord in that.
Although the public does not know the sacred source of Paul’s discourse, his statements are derived from the Old Testament.
Thus speaks God the Lord, who created the heavens and laid them, formed the earth and all that it produces; Who brings to life the people who are there and spirit to those who walk there?(Isaiah 42:5)
for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is there (Exodus 20. 11).
The problem with the debate between creation and evolution is that sinners do not arrive with their objective and disused minds, sinners do not want intelligent design or creationism to be right, because that would mean that there is a Creator, if there is a Creator. Creator, then you will have something to say about how your creatures live. When the inner testimony of the scientist’s consciousness is combined with what he already knows in observing God’s creation, the truth strengthened (or acquired through research) is meaningful and powerful. The only way for this person to maintain a sense of independence from the Creator is to suppress the truth, giving preference to rival philosophies, even false ones.
The Athenians, whom Paul addressed, did not believe in creation or a personal creator; Paul knew this, but he also knew that the Athenians, throughout his discourse, were aware of these realities because of general revelation. told them the truth that they already knew, but that they were repressing.
Creation is a good starting point for starting a conversation with a skeptic. Although most people say they do not believe in God as a creator, they know internally that this is true. Scientifically testing your points may be the best solution in some environments, but remember that you’re not dealing with target listeners. In most cases, follow Paul’s example: just tell the truth. Establishing God as Creator and Lord is vital, showing someone your violation of their laws. When they recognize their guilt before the Creator, of the world, they are much closer to recognizing the need for a Savior.
This great God paul proclaimed cannot be imprisoned in structures made by the hands of men; He who created and ruled all things does not live in boxes made by men. 41 Paul’s words once again arise from the Old Testament, though he did. not to quote exactly chapters and verses.
But, in fact, would God inhabit the earth? Behold, the heavens and even the heavens of heaven cannot contain them, much less this house which I have built (1 Kings 8:27)
Nor is it served by human hands, as if it needed anything; for he himself is the one who gives all life, encouragement, and all (Acts 17:25).
The madness of caring for man-made gods is a recurring theme in the Bible. The true God ridicules those who participate in such empty customs.
For the customs of the people are vanity; because they cut wood in the forest, working with the hand of the craftsman, with an axe; They adorn it with silver and gold, fix it with nails and hammers so it doesn’t empty. Idols are like cucumber scarecrows and cannot speak; they need the one to take them, because they cannot walk; do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, and not do good (Jeremiah 10:3-5).
On the other hand, for those who need it, God is the source of all life:
Listen, my people, and I will speak; Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your Dieu; Je does not continually rebuke you for your sacrifices or for your burnt offerings before me; I will not accept the bulls or goats of your house from your apriscos. forest animals and animals by thousands in the mountains are mine; I know that all the birds of the hills and all the animals that swarm in the fields are mine; If I was hungry, I wouldn’t tell you, because the world is mine and how many there are, how can I make bull meat?Or do I drink blood as a child? Offer thanks to God and fulfill your vows to the Most High; Call me on the day of anguish; I will deliver you and you will glorify me (Psalm 50:7-15)
Today, people tame God in their own minds. Although they are not trying to produce images of him from tree trunks, simply ask people what they think God’s role is in today’s problems. Answers such as, “My God would never allow such a tragedy,” “This situation also made God cry: “Or “God did not have the power to prevent suffering,” fill the hearts of many today. Isn’t our generation also guilty of making gods, like the one in Athens?
Paul made bold statements against the beliefs of his listeners, who believed in distant and apathetic gods about their lives. “God, ” proclaimed Paul, “does it give you life and encouragement actively as you sit here before me?believed that there was a divine spark in all things, Paul retorted that the living God is separated from his creation and from those who support him.