Acts 17:30-34 (NIV)
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” At that, Paul left the Council. A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Paul concluded his initial gospel presentation to the Areopagus with a plea. In the past, God had overlooked the idolatry of the pagans because they didn’t know anything else. It was all they had been taught from the cradle. That doesn’t mean that He had ignored their violations of His moral laws which He had engraved in their consciences. But He had not counted their idolatry as a sin.
But now the kingdom of God had been established in the world, and its borders were being expanded into every area where the gospel was being proclaimed. Now it had come as far as Athens, and every one of those in the Areopagus were hearing it clearly. From that point forward, each of them would be liable at the judgment if they rejected Jesus and chose to continue in their idolatry.
The seal of the gospel, the event which gave it absolute credibility, was Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Anyone could claim that they were dying to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity. But when Jesus rose on the third day, it was proof positive of the reality of His claims.
Some, of course, scoffed at the very idea of a resurrection. But some believed on the spot, both men and women, and they formed the core of a Church in the city. Others were on the fence but were open to the possibility that Paul was legitimate and wanted him to come and speak again so that they could learn more.
Father, the seeds of the gospel had been spread liberally in this group and had found prepared soil in several hearts where it immediately took root and bore fruit for eternal life. Paul never had to have everyone in a group receive Jesus in order to feel successful. He knew up front that some would believe right away, and he focused his message on them. He knew others needed more time, prayer and information, and he persevered with them. And still others were closed and might always remain closed. He didn’t spend a lot of time worrying about those but continue to share when he was around them. It’s the same today. We still have all three kinds of people, and can learn from this how to most effectively work with You in all of them to bring them into the kingdom. Thank You for Paul’s model for us. Amen.
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