Idols Everywhere!
Acts 17:16-34; I Corinthians 2:1-5
Acts 17 contains the account of new direction of the mission team of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke, traveled the Roman trade route to Thessalonica and Berea. Paul spent three sabbath days In Thessalonica sharing the message of Messiah. Sharing God’s love requires patience and proofs for those who listen. God’s love persuaded a small number of Jews and larger group of God-fearing Greeks to receive Jesus. Problem angry Jewish religious leaders stirred up “bad characters” to riot. Paul was distressed over all the statutes to idols. Paul decided to discuss their religious mixture. Paul would present to them “the unknown god.”
Paul was distressed over the idols worshipped Acts 17:16-17
City full of idols: Athens the junkyard of idols. Certain groups of philosophies’ talked about and taught: Stoicism and Epicureanism. Creation of modern gods:
Paul decided to engage in a discussion Acts 17:17-21
Place: was the agora or marketplace. People: There was some Stoics and Epicureans beliefs. Philosophers’ opinion of Paul varied some used a word that meant “seed picker”. Philosophers took Paul to the Areopagus Athenian judicial assembly not on trial This group could approve a person to give a public address.
Paul declared the unknown God Acts: 17:22-34
Paul’s message words little sarcastic the inscription on an altar as his text to reveal the God they worshiped ignorantly. You are religious! You know God does not live in shrines made by your hands! You know God does not need anything made. You know we live within times and boundaries God sets. We must seek Him! You know God gives life. You know true admits men depends entirely upon God! You know God permitted man to live anyway they chose. You know man in ignorance God has issued a command all must repent! A day of judgement is set by God and appointed a righteous judge validated by resurrection.
Paul recognized the ineffectiveness of his preaching at Athens. I Corinthians 2:1-5 The messaged shared in power of the Spirit. Lessons: Idols should distress us. We must decide to engage with the lost. We must share in the Spirit.