S: Acts 17:32 NIV- When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”
O: Paul was in Athens and was distressed because the city was full of idols. As he preached the gospel in the synagogue to the Jews and God fearing Greeks, philosophers began to argue with him. They brought him into a meeting to explain his teaching, because as philosophers they were fascinated by the newest teachings being discussed among the scholars at the time. Paul looked upon all their idols and saw one that had the inscription, "to an unknown god." At this he began to describe who he believed the unknown god was to them. Paul declared that Jesus was the one true God and proved it by conquering death and resurrecting after being killed on a cross. Some people sneered at Paul's teachings, while others respected what he had to say, so much so that they invited him back to speak and became believers and followers of Christ.
A: I love this story because Paul is fearless in his pursuit of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Philosophers and scholars of the day didn't intimidate Paul from his faith. The amazing part about this story is that they invited him to discuss his beliefs. If believers would trust in Gods timing, we can rest assure that He will make room for us to be invited into the conversation by non believers. We never have to force the Gospel on people, because God has already carved out avenues for us to present it. Our job is to be ready and willing when the time comes to present it with boldness and clarity. Paul's willingness to declare Gods Word, resulted in people who were willing to open up their lives to be believers and followers of Christ. Not everyone will be willing to accept the grace of Jesus, but we do it for the ones that will.
P: God open up doors for me to be invited into people's spaces, so that I can tell them how good You are. I know everyone will not accept what I have to say, but I will do it for the ones who will. Amen.
