Our God Is a Living God
In Romans, Paul writes about his desire to visit Rome. However, he did visit Athens on his second missionary journey. The Greek and Roman gods were similar. While in Athens, Paul preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, a living God. He used the idols on Mars Hill to compare the difference between gods made by the hands of man to the one and true living God.
When Paul was in Athens, 'his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.' (Acts 17:16 KJV) Paul did not disrespect the people of Athens, but he 'reasoned' with them daily. (17) To reason is a process of logical thought. Paul was an educated man. Before he was a missionary, he was a religious leader, a Pharisee. He was a man of intellect who knew the laws of the Bible and discussed the meaning of the laws in Jewish synagogues. So, while in Athens, he reasoned with the Jews and Gentile believers in the synagogue and with the people in the market concerning Jesus and the resurrection.
Athens was where philosophers gathered to share, discuss, and debate. When the philosophers heard about Paul, they scheduled a meeting at Areopagus to learn more of this 'new doctrine.' (19) Areopagus is on Mars Hill where the temple of Areas once stood. It is said that the view from Mars Hill is beautiful. Also, on Mars Hill were many alters to many gods. It was where men gathered to hear or tell new ideas and things. (21) It is here on Mars Hill where they gathered to hear about Paul's God.
Acts 17: 22 - 31 is where we read about Paul's meeting with the men of Athens. Paul calls them 'too superstitious' and 'ignorant' of the true living God. He draws attention to the altar with the inscription, 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.' The people of Athens worshipped at the altar not knowing nor realizing that they were worshipping the true living God. The God who created everything and every living creature. God of heaven and earth is not a graven image made with hands. "For in God we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.'" (28) So, since we are the offspring of God, we didn't come from an image made by the hands of man. At this time, when you know about the true and living God, God commands all men to repent, 'because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance unto all men, in that he has raised Jesus from the dead.' (31)
As Paul finished, some mocked him because they could not believe in the resurrection of the dead, but some believed and followed Paul to learn more about the living God. (32-34)
Where do you stand? We live in a world where men no longer worship our living God, the creator of heaven and earth. The God who 'loved the world' so much that 'He sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' (John 3:16) Or, you know there is a living God and just go to church as a routine, not to worship. You don't draw near to God through prayer and studying scripture. Take time to look at Paul. He was just a man who was chosen by God to teach the Gentiles. He obeyed with a passion to spread the good new of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because our Lord, Jesus Christ, lives, and he can live in you today.
When Paul was in Athens, 'his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.' (Acts 17:16 KJV) Paul did not disrespect the people of Athens, but he 'reasoned' with them daily. (17) To reason is a process of logical thought. Paul was an educated man. Before he was a missionary, he was a religious leader, a Pharisee. He was a man of intellect who knew the laws of the Bible and discussed the meaning of the laws in Jewish synagogues. So, while in Athens, he reasoned with the Jews and Gentile believers in the synagogue and with the people in the market concerning Jesus and the resurrection.
Athens was where philosophers gathered to share, discuss, and debate. When the philosophers heard about Paul, they scheduled a meeting at Areopagus to learn more of this 'new doctrine.' (19) Areopagus is on Mars Hill where the temple of Areas once stood. It is said that the view from Mars Hill is beautiful. Also, on Mars Hill were many alters to many gods. It was where men gathered to hear or tell new ideas and things. (21) It is here on Mars Hill where they gathered to hear about Paul's God.
Acts 17: 22 - 31 is where we read about Paul's meeting with the men of Athens. Paul calls them 'too superstitious' and 'ignorant' of the true living God. He draws attention to the altar with the inscription, 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.' The people of Athens worshipped at the altar not knowing nor realizing that they were worshipping the true living God. The God who created everything and every living creature. God of heaven and earth is not a graven image made with hands. "For in God we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.'" (28) So, since we are the offspring of God, we didn't come from an image made by the hands of man. At this time, when you know about the true and living God, God commands all men to repent, 'because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance unto all men, in that he has raised Jesus from the dead.' (31)
As Paul finished, some mocked him because they could not believe in the resurrection of the dead, but some believed and followed Paul to learn more about the living God. (32-34)
Where do you stand? We live in a world where men no longer worship our living God, the creator of heaven and earth. The God who 'loved the world' so much that 'He sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' (John 3:16) Or, you know there is a living God and just go to church as a routine, not to worship. You don't draw near to God through prayer and studying scripture. Take time to look at Paul. He was just a man who was chosen by God to teach the Gentiles. He obeyed with a passion to spread the good new of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because our Lord, Jesus Christ, lives, and he can live in you today.
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