Readings for today: 2 Kings 9:14-10:31, Acts 17, Psalms 144, Proverbs 17:27-28
I teach evangelism and mission at Denver Seminary once or twice a year and always spend time unpacking this text from Acts. Paul’s defense of the gospel in Athens is brilliant and a great model for us as we engage our culture. Remember, 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to “always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within.” As Christians, we should live “questionable lives” or lives of such holiness and devotion that they naturally elicit questions from the people around us who do not yet believe. The Apostle Paul certainly lived such a life and often had to give a defense for what he believed to angry mobs, kings and princes, and the Athenian court on the Aeropagus.
Paul is not engaging in a simple religious debate. This is not just any philosophical discussion. Paul has been dragged before the Athenian court to answer for the beliefs he is espousing. Religion was no joke in the ancient world. They truly believed the gods were engaged in their world and ending up on their bad side resulted in real life consequences. Paul also believes God is engaged with His world and refusing to believe the gospel holds real life consequences. So what we are watching unfold in Acts 17 is a trial. Paul is fighting for his life as well as for the hearts of those who are listening.
Note how Paul begins with an affirmation. He complements the Athenians on their religious devotion. Their city is filled with shrines to every god imaginable. They truly do want to please the gods which is a good thing and a great place to build common ground. He further connects with them around a particular shrine to the “unknown god.” The Athenians were so worried about leaving one of the pantheon of gods out that they built a shrine to any gods that were not yet known. And Paul uses this shrine as a springboard to preach the gospel. Let me tell you the name of this unknown God. Let me share with you about His nature and character. Let me reveal to you who He is and what He’s about. He is the God of gods. The Lord of heaven and earth. A God with no rival or peer. He cannot be depicted in idols of wood, stone, or precious metal. He cannot be housed in a temple or shrine. He cannot be served by a cult of priests. He needs nothing from us and yet gives everything to us. And through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He has revealed Himself to us and called us to faith and repentance. As I said before, it’s a brilliant argument that the Athenians clearly appreciated even if they didn’t necessarily agree. So Paul is released. New converts are made. He moves on to the next city and assignment.
Are you prepared to give a defense of the gospel? Are you ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within? Do you share your faith in Christ with those around you? Do you live a “questionable” life before them? What would you say if someone asked you about Jesus? How would you describe your God to them? What would happen if you were dragged into court and forced to give an answer much like Andrew Brunson was recently in Turkey? Could you make a defense and how would you do it? Times are changing. Persecution is coming. The day is drawing near when holding fast to Biblical faith will be difficult. Jobs will be lost. Accusations will be made. Doors will be shut. What are you doing right now to prepare for the day when you are commanded to give an answer for why you believe?
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Kings 10:32-12:21, Acts 18:1-22, Psalms 145, Proverbs 18:1