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Opposite the western end of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece rests a massive rock, named for the false god of
war, Ares, and formerly used for the seat of the Greek Council. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the perceptive
apostle Paul ascended the hewn steps of that famous rock and in the midst of Mars Hill proclaimed to a
curious crowd of philosophers one of the most skillful sermons to have ever flowed from the lips of man. As
one opens his Bible to Acts 17:16-34, allows his mind to travel back in time, and stands with Paul
atop that ancient place, a number of significant items and interesting occurrences can be witnessed in the
midst of Mars Hill.
While the average visitor to the city of Athens might see only the glory and grandeur of one of the world's most intriguing metropolises, the apostle Paul could not get past the fact that the city was "wholly given to idolatry" (Acts 17:16). The stirred spirit within Paul recognized that false gods filled the streets of the city and, no doubt, occupied the hearts of the citizens. Armed with the Truth and motivated by a love for lost souls, the apostle set out to reason with the inhabitants of that ancient place (Acts 17:17). Sadly, many complacent Christians become so mesmerized by the temporal things of this world that they cannot perceive the desperate plight of their fellow man. Instead of seizing opportunities to teach the lost, those equipped with the Truth too often refuse to see the horrible end of unprepared, eternity-bound souls. May God grant unto all His people the perception of Paul! As a result of Paul's proclamations in the market place, the curiosity of certain philosophers was aroused. The Epicureans and Stoics, who were generally pleasure-seeking atheists and fate-oriented pantheists respectively, viewed the apostle in two ways: either he was a plagiarizing teacher pawning off the doctrines of others as his own for profit, or he was a declarer of foreign gods (Acts 17:18). Wanting to know more about his "new doctrine," the curious crowd took the apostle to the Areopagus. The entire multitude that gathered on the famous hill were not only made up of the philosophers, but also included at least one member of the Areopagite court and, no doubt, other interested individuals from the market place (Acts 17:34). It is wonderful to encounter individuals, even skeptics, who desire to hear more about the doctrine of Christ. While the motives of inquirers may not always be pure at first, sparking genuine interest in the minds of such people is always a hopeful possibility. Those possessing the perception of Paul will clearly see a curious crowd as an opportunity to skillfully proclaim the Truth to lost and hungering souls. From the moment Paul boldly began his sermon to the second he was irreverently interrupted, every sentence of his inspired discourse met the needs of the hour. The apostle of Christ pointed out vital differences between the false and lifeless gods of the Athenians and the true and living God of heaven. In doing so, he clearly contrasted the vain philosophies of the Greeks with the powerful Truth of Christ. With such distinctions in mind, Paul discussed the need for man to search after and obey his Creator Who shall judge all men by the risen Christ (Acts 17:22-31). Let there be no question, the sermon proclaimed by Paul in the midst of Mars Hill that day was a masterpiece. While modern teachers of Truth are not miraculously guided to preach perfect sermons, the discerning disciple vividly understands the needs of his audience and possesses a working knowledge of the Bible, which beautifully fulfills those needs. May every child of God determine to courageously and competently proclaim the whole counsel of God to the whole creation. Sadly, Paul was not permitted to complete his discourse on Mars Hill. Upon mentioning the resurrection, some interrupted the sermon with an outbreak of derision (Acts 17:32). Such a reaction displayed a sense of insincerity in the curiosity they earlier portrayed. Still though, others were honest in their interest, for they desired to hear more on the matter of the resurrection (Acts 17:32). In fact, so open were some to the Truth that they united with Paul in belief (Acts 17:34). Reactions to Truth shall vary as long as the earth stands and the Word is proclaimed. Hearts are, no doubt, pained when individuals reject the only hope that shall ever be made available to them. But heaven and the righteous rejoice when men and women respond to the Gospel in a positive fashion. May those with the perception of Paul, who skillfully proclaim the Truth to those who are curious about it, ever be encouraged by proper responses to God's Word! As one journeys back to the city of Athens and studies the events of Acts 17:16-34, numerous significant items and interesting occurrences can be witnessed in the midst of Mars Hill. Thank God for His Word and its ability to enable modern man to assemble in such ancient audiences and profound places to observe the power of the Gospel. |