Making the true God known

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“Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.”

Acts 17:29-30​

In many ways the City of Athens is the birthplace of Western Culture. The ancient Greek city has a long history, from military successes to the centre of art, architecture and literature. Plato, Socrates and Aristotle among other famous thinkers had links to Athens. The city was well established in the “golden age” of the Greeks. Athens was the intellectual capital of the world.

On his second missionary journey Paul visited the city. During his stay he took the opportunity to do some sightseeing. The Athenians erected many statues to their various gods, one of which was “to the unknown god.” The Greek city was given over to pagan pluralism. Paul witnessed the pagan worship and many ungodly practices of the city. Athens was filled with the pride of intellectual snobbery. The self-righteous inhabitants where not interested in Paul's message of salvation.

Paul came up against great opposition from the superstitious idolaters. The sophisticated philosophy placed his trust in the wisdom of man. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Not much has changed since Paul's day. This moving away from Christianity and turning to knowledge and alternative sources of wisdom is still with us today.

Many in the city of Athens worshipped the god of materialism. They found comfort and meaning in vast wealth and the pursuit of money. Others worshipped the god of drunkenness and lust, such as Venus and Aphrodite. The number of idols was vast. This is contrary to true Christianity. The child of God is content with the blessings of God. He is not a lover of money, nor is he a drunken or sexual immoral man.

Paul took the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Mars Hill. Paul preached about the one true God and made it clear how they could know Him. Paul made it clear to them that God is the creator of the world and everything in it. Paul also declared that God is not like the idols that many were custom to worshipping. The true God is not limited, fixed in stone or finite.

The God that the Apostle proclaimed was the One who created all mankind and gave the breath of life. God's grace has provided the comforts of life and daily needs. Alas, most were unresponsive to Paul's life giving message. They rejected Paul and thus reject the resurrection of Christ. They called Paul a babbler. They mock him and scoffed the Gospel. They regarded Paul's message as foolish, but still Paul remained faithful. Even in the face of adversary and ridicule he was prepared to stand alone for Christ.

The society that we live in today largely has the utmost contempt for the the things of God. The modern man thinks that we are far more advance now and have no need for religion. Some will go as far as saying contemporary knowledge has proved that God is an illusion. The one who believes in a deity is foolish, proudly and boldly declares the intelligent modern man.

Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Paul preached Christ crucified, most did not believe but some did. During your witness for Christ some will reject the Gospel while others will accept the truths of Scripture. Many will have questions and desire to know more. It is very important that we are always ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). Are you prepared to give an answer for your joy?