Hit the Streets
Acts 17:16-31
Paul was in Athens, considered the intellectual capital of the world in that day, waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him. As he traveled around the city, he was troubled by the many idols he saw. He went to the synagogue, and he spoke daily in the marketplace. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began arguing with him. Some called Paul a babbler and accused him of preaching a new religion; others were intrigued with Paul and invited him to speak at the forum on Mars Hill and to tell them more about this new religion. They were curious about what Paul had been preaching and wanted to hear more.
Paul was well prepared to speak to the group. He was well educated and could present his beliefs clearly. He was a rabbi and had been taught by Gamaliel, the finest scholar of that day. Paul was not only educationally qualified, he was also spiritually prepared. He knew the Bible, and he had applied its teachings to his life. As believers, we should not wait until we feel adequately prepared to share the gospel; we should work with what we know and trust God to enable us to be the witnesses He wants us to be. As we study His Word, we need to apply those teachings to our lives and seek to grow spiritually. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, does not happen immediately.
Paul changed his approach, but he did not change his basic message. He began his message by telling them that as he had walked around the city, he had observed that they were very religious. He had seen many altars, including one to the “unknown God.” Paul indicated that they had been worshiping God without knowing who He was, and he wanted to tell them about Him.
Paul explained that God was the one true God. God created the world and everything in it. He gives life and breath to everything. Paul proclaimed Jesus Christ to them – His death, burial and resurrection. When the people heard his message, there were three different responses. One group laughed and mocked, another group was interested but wanted to know more, and a small group became believers and joined Paul.
Today, God is still “unknown” to many people. It is our responsibility to share the gospel and leave the results to God. Some may laugh and mock, but others will believe and accept Jesus as Savior. It is time for us to “hit the streets” with the gospel.
Johnston– Lessons in the BSL series for the fall quarter are being written by Virginia Johnston, a member of First Baptist Church, North Charleston, where her husband Dan is pastor.