Paul shows us how he responded when he was at odds with what he saw around him. When Paul saw all the idols and shrines for gods other than the one true God, he responded. Paul didn’t just sit back and hope everything worked out for the people of Athens. He sought out the people who were talking, the learned ones who were influencing people’s worldview. Yes, it seems there were “influencers” even in those days.
I’m sure Paul took delight in sharing about God to these people who we’re told spent a lot of time talking about spiritual things. Paul didn’t shy away from confrontation when it came to professing the truth and wanted to “reason” and “debate” with these leaders. I’m not sure I’ve ever been that bold. How about you? I think it’s something we should all aspire to as believers. We should want to state our case for being on Team Jesus. Paul spoke out “daily” to any who would listen.
We can learn so much from Paul. When addressing a not-so-friendly group, he started with a compliment. That’s a great way to warm them up. But he immediately starts by introducing them to this “unknown God.” I was impressed that they even had acknowledged God, even if they didn’t understand Him at all. Paul was doing a marvelous job of bringing the group up to speed. Is that how you would have described the one, true God?
These would have been such radical words. How could a god be all of the things and have done all of the things Paul described? It must have sounded ludicrous to a people who worshipped gods and idols that never did anything. This unknown God wants a relationship with the people: “he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.”
When Paul brought up resurrection, he lost the crowd. There were still plenty of people who were curious and who did join Paul as a believer. Those people would have needed a lot of nurturing to truly understand the grace and mercy God poured out in his Son, Jesus. We still battle to wrap our heads around such love, such forethought, such sacrifice.
Does God feel unknown to you? Are you still getting to know Him with his never-ending promises? Do you still feel awed by God’s majesty and the fact he loves you so much? Take time today to reflect on all God is to you and how you respond to his presence in your life.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, you are everything to me, yet I desire to know you more. I can hardly believe that you find me worthy of your love and attention. You created all things, and I am one of your masterpieces. Help me to step into the greatness you have designed for me. Thank you for each promise that draws me closer to you. Give me the boldness to declare your love and hopes for the world. Protect me from evil and guide my steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
