Topic: Opposing Views
From Acts 17:16-18, we learn that Paul’s spirit was provoked when he arrived in Athens and saw that the city was given over to idols. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers learned of Paul’s proclamation of the resurrected Jesus Christ and wanted to learn about the new doctrine he was teaching. They brought him to the Areopagus to hear more. Areopagus was the highest court in Greece for civil, criminal, and religious matters.
The Epicurean philosophy claimed that the main purpose of life was to gain modest pleasure from a state of tranquility, and to be relieved from bodily pain. They did not deny the existence of gods but agreed that gods were not interested or involved with humanity. On the other hand, Stoic Philosophy claimed that the main purpose of life was to ascend above all things. They held a pantheistic view, which means that god is in everyone and in everything.
Epicurean, Stoic, and other philosophical schools had dramatically opposing worldviews and loved to debate philosophy and religion. They were intrigued by what they considered Paul’s “babblings” about the resurrection of Christ and brought him to the Areopagus.
Many Athenians were obsessed with their religious traditions. So much so, they made certain not to forsake any god by worshiping a deity known to them only as the Unknown God. Paul was distressed because he knew that there is only one true God.
The apostle Paul was trying to convey to the people of Athens that the unknown God was the true God, Jesus Christ. The true God who created all things and every man. Paul explained that the true, sovereign God created all things and gives life and breath to existence. He continued by explaining that it was God who created—from one individual—all men and nations and even appointed the time and boundaries of their dwelling. His message continued as he explained the closeness of God and the peoples’ need to repent of their rebellion against Him. Paul completed his message by introducing them to the One before whom they would all stand one day and be judged; Jesus Christ, whom God had raised from the dead. Many people in the audience scoffed at the idea that Christ was crucified and rose from the dead on the third day, but a few believed.
The challenge for us is to allow the Holy Spirit to stir us to share the message of Jesus just like Paul did in the Areopagus. Some hearts will be hard. Others will scoff. But some will believe.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem