Acts 17

Once again we see the disciples entering city after city with one intention, preach the Gospel to all who will listen. Each time they know what they will face, persecution. In fact, they realize they will most likely be imprisoned, beaten, or have to escape the city under the cover of night. Yet, they go into the city's synagogue to preach openly of the Savior. What determination and boldness these men possess! What an example of determination, passion, and commitment! Oh they I would have such perseverance.

The result of Paul have to leave Berea placed him in the Greek city of Athens. This was a hotbed for philosophers and men who loved to debate and discuss new forms of religion. I can almost see Paul salivating as he approaches the synagogue and temples. As he enters the area he notices and shrine to the "Unknown God.". This becomes the springboard for Paul's sermon. I love these verses Paul speaks to those listening. He says, "The God who made the world and everything in it-He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands...Being God's offspring then, we shouldn't think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination." Paul cuts to the point saying the God of all gods isn't fashioned by man but instead made man in His own image. He is more powerful than we can imagine or concoct. Which makes me wonder, what "unknown god" do we create and or serve in our own lives. While we may not literally fashion an idol or statue too often we raise up people, positions, or things in our lives to which we mentally and emotionally bow down. This is a dangerous route we often take, even unintentionally in the beginning, for our God is a jealous god and will not have any idols or God's before Him. What "unknown god" do we need to destroy? What "known God" do we need to destroy? In the words of Paul, ""Therefore,...God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead."

Lessons We Learned
1 We should never cower to the ways of God's enemies for while they may cause discomfort in this life, they can never harm us eternally.
2. There are people eager to hear the Good news; therefore, we must share the Message passionately and faithfully.
3 God calls us to cast down our idols and worship only Him.