So they invited Paul to their council of philosophers at the Areopagus to hear his angle of thought and reasoning. It is here at Athens he gave the famous message at the Mars hill another name for Areopagus. He said,"Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things."
God has set the boundaries for the rise and fall of man. His purpose is that man will seek Him, and in the course of their exploration will find Him. God is not far away from us. We live, move and exist in God. We are His offspring. Paul declared that God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.
He clearly said that our focus should not be on an idol crafted by man as our God. We are to repent of our sins and turn our hearts to a living God, who came down to earth as Jesus. Jesus died but was raised to life so that we may all hope in the gift of eternal life. Was this not what Jesus commissioned all his disciples to do when He opened their minds in Jerusalem after his resurrection (Luke 24:45-49)? Paul's message was on Christ our way, truth and life. It is through Christ we become part of the Kingdom of God. Some joined Paul as believers, of whom was Dionysius a member of the council of Philosophers. But to others the resurrection and the impending judgment seemed to be too far-fetched. Do you get discouraged when the gospel is rejected when you present it? Take courage, for there was a time when many deserted Jesus when He declared that he was the Way (John 6:60-66).
The response of the Athenians when they heard about the resurrection of a dead man, some of them laughed, others said they wanted to hear more later and only a few really believed. Don't we come across many who come to gatherings purely for discussion and debate. Paul cautions us not to waste our time in unproductive or fruitless conversations. Our joy, thanks and prayers should always be for those who believe that they may grow in their understanding and love for Christ.
1 comment:
When issues come to which category do we belong.Some are mere onlookers, some are undecided, some reject, some grasp the significance and respond rightly.We should look at all issues seriously and make the right decision with the help of God.
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