Getting to know the unknown God
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Paul encountered intelligent, educated people who considered themselves wise, cultured and sophisticated, but still believed nonsense about our inexistence, value and purpose because they believed that they made gods rather than that God made us. in 2000 years nothing has changed we still encounter people like this every day. Paul teaches us how to reach them with the truth, and give them every opportunity to know the One true God Who made us to know, love and worship Him.
Scripture
Acts 17:16-34 ESV Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. [17] So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. [18] Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. [19] And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? [20] For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” [21] Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. [22] So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. [23] For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. [24] The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, [25] nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, [28] for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ [29] Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. [30] The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, [31] because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” [32] Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” [33] So Paul went out from their midst. [34] But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Through the Scripture
Awakened by a zeal for God and hatred of idolatry
Acts 17 :16 – “Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols”
Paul entered alone into the magnificent and somewhat daunting city of Athens, which we’ve come to know as the origin of modern western democracy and culture. Where others might have been overwhelmed and impressed by the beauty and scale of places like the Parthenon and Acropolis, Paul had a visceral reaction against the idolatry that was proudly on display throughout the city. The sense of distress and anger was so intense that rather than wait for his companions to join him, he immediately began to preach the Gospel to both Jews and anyone else who would listen. May God grant that our spirits are equally awakened whenever we witness any form of idolatry and that we proclaim God’s word appropriately with equal haste
Building a bridge for the Gospel
Acts 17: 22 – 23 – Paul said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are religious” and later followed by referencing their Alter to the Unknown God, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you”
Paul was about to launch into a message that would absolutely unravel Athenian idol worship. Instead of belittling them at the outset as to their false and futile religion, thereby immediately antagonizing his audience, he sought to establish a bridge of common ground between himself and them upon which he could build his message. In makes nonsense for any of us who seek to share the Gospel with unbelievers, to do so in an impersonable manner. We need to establish a human rapport, by listening, understanding our listeners concerns, pride and uncertainty. It’s upon this knowledge that we can then more fruitfully construct our message of the saving grace of Jesus Christ
Start at the beginning
Acts 17 : 24 – Paul says “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of Heaven and Earth does not live in temples of man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything”
It often makes sense to commence a discussion with unbelievers about God by invoking the Creation story. Christian Apologists have put together very cogent information on the virtual impossibility of our world being created out of nothing and by pure chance. The wonder of Gods creation is all around us to witness and Paul says in Romans 1:19 “For His invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made”. We can’t shape Him in any possible way in our image, rather He shaped us.
God has always been in complete control
Acts 17 :26 – “And He made from one man every nation of mankind, to live on all the face of the Earth, having determined allotted persons and boundaries of their dwelling place”
Here Paul asserts the primacy of the literal Biblical account of creation. We all can trace our lineage to Adam who was created at God’s behest and the destiny of every one of his lineage is determined by God. This is a powerful statement of Gods omnipotence. He transcends and controls all earthly powers and kingdoms, which is a comforting thought for us. God who created us in His image, who loves us to the extent that he created a wonderful salvation plan for us, unsurprisingly, is in complete control of everything that happens on Earth
Only God can satisfy
Acts 17 : 27 – “That they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet, He is actually not far from each one of us“
God made us for the purpose of seeking Him and then continually giving all praise and worship to Him. In Mathews account of the Beatitudes, Jesus instructs the crowds to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” and Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” It is true that we have a God created vacuum within us that can be satisfied by nothing other than Him dwelling in us. When we feel far from God, it is us who have moved away from Him, not He from us. Let us resolve to continuously seek the Kingdom of God, the only thing that can truly satisfy us !
The power and proof of the resurrection
Acts 17: 31 – “Because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom He has appointed: and of this he has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead”
This is a powerful message with many implications, but let’s consider the centrality of Jesus’s resurrection. Our Christian faith stands or falls on the truth of the resurrection. Paul says in 1 Cor 15, “If Christ had not been raised, then Christian faith would be futile and all believers would still be in sin”. He goes on to tell us that Christ’s resurrection is the first fruits of a future resurrection for all who belong to Him and that without it no victory over death, no hope of eternal life and no power to overcome sin would be possible
If we believe that God created the Heavens and Earth, then it’s no problem to believe that He can effect the resurrection of His only son, Jesus Christ, and that our salvation is guaranteed by that event. There are many other reasons that prove the veracity of the resurrection, the determined actions of Paul to spread the Gospel in the face of death and physical pain being one of them
We praise God for His power to effect the resurrection and so ensuring our salvation plan
Do your best trust God with the rest
Act 17 :34 – “But some men joined him and believed, among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite and a women named Damaris and others with them”
Paul presented his message to a very skeptical and even hostile group of people at Mars Hill. He did so to the best of his considerable ability, with clarity and boldness, not deviating in any way from the word and promise of God. This is all we are expected to do when sharing God’s word with unbelievers. We need to make sure that we fully understand God’s message and when called upon to present it like Paul did. God does all the work in ensuring how that message lands in people’s hearts, just it did that day at the Aeropagus on Mars Hill. There were several among that skeptical crowd who believed God’s word that day, from one Dionysius, a member of the pressing elders to a lowly member of the crowd who gathered to listen. We do our part and God does the rest, Thank you and praise be to you God !
Daily Devotions
Monday: Recognizing and Rejecting Idolatry
Today's Verse Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. Acts 17:16 ESV
Reflection When Paul observed the city, his spirit was intensely distressed and angered by the widespread idolatry. He had a visceral reaction to what was happening. Idolatry is defined as worshipping anything other than God, or putting something above Him. This can involve overt acts, like bowing to constructed shrines, or subtler forms, such as devotion to lifestyle or career. Jesus Christ is the central focus of faith, and when anything—be it success, comfort, or material pursuit—takes precedence in our hearts, it becomes an idol. If we do not have God, we will inevitably have an idol.
Additional Scripture
You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. Exodus 20:3-4
Life Application We must allow our spirits to be awakened whenever we witness any form of idolatry, whether in the world or in our own hearts. Examine your life to determine if your devotion to anything—such as career advancement, ease of life, or personal rest—is actually greater than your devotion to Him. Resolve to ensure that your priorities are not subservient to anything other than Him, seeking His Kingdom first.
Prayer points
Ask Him to grant an awakened spirit that reacts against all forms of idolatry.
Pray for the ability to identify subtle idols in our own lives.
Pray for strength to place Him above all other pursuits and values.
Tuesday: A Bridge to the Unknown God
Today's Verse So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” Acts 17:22-23 ESV
Reflection Paul approached a skeptical and intellectual audience, knowing that He was about to deliver a message that would dismantle their idolatrous beliefs. Instead of immediately criticizing their false religion, He established a bridge of common ground by affirming their religious nature and referencing their altar to the Unknown God. This approach was brilliant because it allowed Paul to connect with them on a human level, showing that He had observed and listened. This mirrors how the saving grace of Jesus Christ should be presented—through establishing rapport, understanding the listeners' concerns, and then fruitfully constructing the message upon that shared knowledge.
Additional Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:20-23 ESV To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. [21] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [23] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Life Application When seeking to share the Gospel, we must avoid antagonism and instead seek to understand our listeners' concerns, uncertainties, or pride. Be relational and human when sharing His word. Make sure you have listened to people and understood them before addressing them with His truth.
Prayer points
Pray for the wisdom needed to relate effectively to unbelievers.
Ask Him to help us listen and understand others' worldviews before speaking.
Pray for opportunities to proclaim Him using bridges of common understanding.
Wednesday: The God Who Made Everything
Today's Verse The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, Acts 17:24 ESV
Reflection This verse is a succinct and powerful demolition of idolatry. God is the transcendent Creator of the world and everything in it, including us. As Lord of heaven and earth, He is outside of time, space, and matter. He cannot be contained in temples or shrines fashioned by human art or imagination because He fashioned us; we cannot shape Him in our image. This truth establishes His infinite power; if He created the vast, incomprehensible universe, then even the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a straightforward act for Him.
Additional Scripture
For His invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. Romans 1:19
Life Application When discussing faith, it is often beneficial to start with the evidence of creation, which points to His eternal power and divine nature. We do not need to abandon our intellect to believe in Him; rather, we must abandon our pride and self-indulgence. Reflect on the mathematical impossibility of the universe arising out of nothing by chance, and commit your eternal future to the sovereign Creator.
Prayer points
Worship Him as the Lord of heaven and earth, Who is beyond space and time.
Pray for humility to abandon pride that might prevent complete reliance on Him.
Ask for opportunities to share the wonder of His creation with others.
Thursday: Boundaries and Allotted Periods
Today's Verse And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, Acts 17:26 ESV
Reflection The truth presented here confirms the literal Biblical account of creation, stating that all mankind traces their lineage to one man, Adam. This is a powerful assertion of His omnipotence and control. He is the God of history and the future, determining when we are born, where we live, and how long we will live. Because He started everything with the end in mind, He transcends and controls all earthly powers and kingdoms. This concept assures us that all global events, political changes, and technological advances are completely in His hands, providing great comfort. His wonderful salvation plan, realized through His appointed Man, Jesus, was determined before history began.
Additional Scripture
Daniel 2:20-22 ESV Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. [21] He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; [22] he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
Life Application Take comfort in the knowledge that God, Who created you and loves you, is in complete control of everything that happens on earth. When faced with uncertainty or global chaos, remember that He has determined the boundaries and allotted periods of all nations and individuals. Trust that as He is the God of history, He is also the God of your destiny.
Prayer points
Praising Him for His omnipotence and control over all earthly powers and kingdoms.
Pray for comfort and peace knowing that He has determined all events with the end in mind.
Ask for trust to rest in His sovereign plan for our lives and the nations of the earth.
Friday: The Nearness of the Knowable God
Today's Verse That they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet, He is actually not far from each one of us, Acts 17:27 ESV
Reflection Despite His massive power and infinite scale, the Creator God is knowable, and He made us for the purpose of seeking Him. The immense God, whose power and intricacy are impossible for our minds to grasp, is actually not far from each one of us. Inside every human being, there is a God-created vacuum that can be satisfied by nothing other than Him dwelling in us. When people are restless and continually looking for something new, it is because they have not found this ultimate satisfaction. Through Jesus, we are instructed to prioritize Him, knowing that He rewards those who seek Him. If we feel distant from Him, it is always us who have moved, not He.
Additional Scripture
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Life Application Resolve to continuously seek His Kingdom, which is the only thing that can truly satisfy the spiritual vacuum within. When you feel unrest or dissatisfaction, check whether you have allowed things other than Him to occupy your heart. If you feel far from Him, take the steps to draw near, knowing He is close.
Prayer points
Pray for a deepening desire to continually seek His Kingdom and righteousness.
Ask Him to fill the God vacuum in your heart so that you may find true rest and satisfaction.
Pray for the realization of His presence, knowing He is not far from you.
Saturday: The Command to Repent
Today's Verse The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, Acts 17:30 ESV
Reflection Before the resurrection was revealed, God overlooked certain times of ignorance. However, now that the truth about Jesus and His resurrection has been established, He commands all people everywhere to repent. This is not a polite invitation; it is a summons or a subpoena, demanding that we come before Him. Repentance is necessary because people often love the darkness instead of the light, preferring to harbor sin quietly in their hearts so that their deeds are not exposed. The consequence of loving the light is committing ourselves to our Lord Jesus Christ. If we do not obey His summons to repent, there is a price to be paid.
Additional Scripture
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19 (Contextual teaching)
Life Application Recognize that repentance is a divine command that must be obeyed. Honestly examine your heart for any hidden sin or behavior that you are comfortable with but do not want exposed to His light. Commit yourself fully to the Lord Jesus Christ and embrace the light He provides, rather than remaining in the darkness of self-indulgence.
Prayer points
Pray for submission to His command to repent.
Ask Him to expose and convict you of any sin being harbored in your heart.
Pray for courage to love the light and fully commit to Him.
Sunday: The Assurance of Resurrection and Judgment
Today's Verse Because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:31 ESV
Reflection God has fixed a specific day for judgment, which He will carry out righteously through the Man He appointed: Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is the single event that gives assurance of this judgment and validates the entire Christian faith; our faith stands or falls on the truth that He was raised from the dead. If Christ had not been raised, then faith would be futile, and believers would still be stuck in sin, lacking victory over death and hope of eternal life. His resurrection is the first fruits of a future resurrection for all who belong to Him. He rose because He bore all of our sins on the cross, defeating death and ensuring our redemption plan. He sits at the right hand of God and will be the Judge.
Additional Scripture
If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14 (Contextual teaching)
Life Application Stand firm on the truth of the resurrection as the definitive proof of your salvation. Since He has defeated death, rely on Him for the power to overcome sin and to secure eternal life. When sharing His truth, deliver the message clearly and boldly, trusting that God does the work of ensuring the message lands in people’s hearts.
Prayer points
Praise Him for the power to effect the resurrection and guarantee our salvation.
Pray for unwavering faith in the Risen Christ.
Ask Him for boldness to proclaim the judgment and the assurance given through His resurrection.