Title [Acts 17:16-34] Evangelism in Athens
Text: Acts 17:16-34
Title: Evangelism in Athens
With the help of his brothers, Paul arrived safely in Athens. While waiting for Silas and Timothy, as he looked around the city, he saw that the city was full of idols, and his heart was enraged. In the end, he argued with the Jews in the synagogue and with the people he met in the market and testified of the resurrection of Jesus. People arrested Paul and went to the Areopagus. This Areopago is a public office that discusses and judges religious and moral issues. Paul tested of God powerfully here. Today, I would like to introduce the God Paul testified to in the Areopagus.
1. God is the Creator of all things in the universe and is the Lord of all things (24).
Verse 24 says, “The God who made the universe and everything in it is Lord of heaven and earth, and he does not dwell in temples made with hands.” The first words of the Bible are, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). After these words, the concrete work of creation is revealed. Here, we can discover the cause of the existence of all things, discover God's power and love for mankind, and also discover God, the owner of all things. We hope that once again we will rediscover the God who creates, governs, and provides for all things in the universe, and we hope that we will have awe and confidence in Him.
2. God is in control of the life and death of all people (25,28).
Verse 25 says, “And he is not served by human hands, as if he lacked anything, for he himself gives to all people life and breath and all things” and verse 28 says, “In him we live and move and exist.” All beings on Earth, especially all people, live by the sheer grace of God. Life, breath, and movement are all because of the grace and blessings that God bestows on us. We must not forget that existence itself is the grace of God. Unbelievers are unaware of this. As a result, they foolishly oppose and distrust God. The Bible testifies that their end is God's wrath and punishment. On the contrary, I hope that we who know all these facts and believe in and serve God will be convinced that infinite glory and eternal happiness will be given to us.
3. God is not far from each of us (27).
Verse 27 says, “This was so that each one might seek and find God, but He is not far from each of us.” God is not far away. Rather, you are close. Immanuel is the name of God who is with us. In our hearts, in our homes, in our workplaces... I hope you never forget that God is always with us wherever we are. In particular, he said, “It is to seek and find God,” but it shows that we need a life of seeking and discovering God who is close to us. It is a wrong idea to clearly know and rely on God without such efforts. Let us diligently seek God, meet and fellowship, and become believers who clearly know and do God's will. In Job 8:5-7, He promised to bless us if we diligently seek God and pray. I hope that we will all be blessed by diligently seeking and meeting God who is near.
4. God will judge people with justice (30-31).