Evidence of Faith (Continued): Acts 19

"When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor." 

Acts 19:17

        Reverence. An acknowledgment of nobility. A confirmation of honor. A recognition of virtue, a virtue which stands in stark contrast to the corrupted morals practiced in this world.
Throughout my ministry tenure, one person has garnered my admiration like few others. I will refrain from using his name because his humble spirit would resist drawing attention or commendation to himself. This man has served in ministry faithfully for nearly fifty years. Well-schooled, including a doctoral degree from a prestigious seminary, he has held many notable appointments: music pastor, interim preacher, and a denominational executive leader focused on church and family equipping. He has conducted choirs overseas for evangelistic crusades, as well as directed thousands of youth in worship for one of the largest summer Christian camps in the country. Although this individual possesses impeccable religious education and qualification, perhaps his most distinguished trait is the exhibition and preservation of a broken, contrite heart.       
I was first introduced to this saint not long after I was called into bivocational music ministry, when my pastor and I experienced discord regarding the direction of the worship program. Being a freshman to staff conflict, I was in desperate need of guidance. I contacted the man I have since come to revere a great deal after I was referred to him. At the time, he was a senior administrative director for our state’s denominational convention. In the hierarchy of ecclesiastical responsibilities, I was on the bottom rung of the ladder; he was near the top. Remarkably, he was genuinely approachable. We arranged to meet in his office shortly after I initially spoke with him on the phone. 
When we convened face-to-face, I was struck by the gentleman’s positive demeanor and hopeful disposition. Even though I was riddled with panic because of my predicament, the man displayed a bold confidence throughout our exchange. His confidence was not directed towards me; it was directed towards God. He encouraged me repeatedly to take the matter before the throne of grace. He shared practical information about how to cope with church strife, much of which had been gleaned from his own personal travails. He underscored how God had carried him through so many hardships. When I left the gentleman’s office, I had no discernible solution to my crisis, but thanks to the exhortation-filled conference, I was certain that God would provide me the patience and wisdom that I required. The discussion was a catalyst to me, reminding me that life’s dilemmas are best placed at the feet of God.   
Ten years later, I received a call from a youth minister seemingly out-of-the-blue. He and I worked together at an Oklahoma City church for almost two years before he went to serve in a rural town over two hundred miles away. The youth minister informed me that he was still on staff in the countryside fellowship and that his congregation was planning a four day long revival. He wanted to know if I would be available to lead worship for it. I told him I needed to pray about my involvement, as well as verify a short term work leave request could be approved. Out of curiosity, I inquired about who would be preaching for the revival services. His response filled me with profound joy. The gentleman with whom I had voiced my ministry struggles with several years earlier was going to be the speaker for the event. Not long after I conversed with the youth pastor, my work leave request was granted. But more importantly, through supplication, God made it abundantly clear that He endorsed my desire to participate in the revival services. I accepted the invitation with much excitement and anticipation.
The moment I was reunited with the gentleman I revered I was reminded how noble his conduct is. An example from that week supports why this saint has inspired me. He and I went with the youth minister to the rural city’s school one morning. With the administration’s permission, the three of us greeted students as they walked through the hallways during a class changeover period. I marveled at the gentleman’s transparent affection for the young people. He had a comforting presence that emitted authenticity and warmth. He was personal with the students. As the young people passed him, he found a doorway into a discussion. He commented on the kids’ shoes, backpacks, demeanor, and a host of other topics in an effort to draw the students into conversation. The teenagers that demonstrated apprehension or timidity as they neared him softened their rigid stances when the verbal exchanges transpired and prolonged. 

Within seconds, the gentleman transitioned into a motivational word for the students to strive for excellence in all that they did, an excellence consequently that can only be found in a relationship with Christ. He spurred them to not settle for anything less than God’s best because the worldly standard will only result in disappointment and despair. This saint’s sincere, straightforward style of evangelism reinforced why this man has merited my respect and appreciation. Time after time, he has shown a deep concern for others. He has consistently revealed he cares enough about people to inquire about their hurts and needs in order to help them grow closer to Jesus, just as he did with me when I first surrendered to the ministry. Suffice to say, reverence is not easily earned. It requires steadfastness, loyalty, and humility, which are just a few of the qualities the aforementioned man has produced for the majority of his life.

Reverence denotes a very profound sense that a person commands a character worthy of recognition. A character worthy of commemoration. Akin to honor, reverence is a very deep-seated admiration for another, as evidenced through actions, thoughts, and expressions. From a biblical standpoint, reverence should be rendered unto God, the Creator, first and foremost. Those who have an earnest yearning to revere God will exalt Him (Revelation 4:8-9). Secondly, reverence should be extended to Scripture, the written, passionate revelation of God’s existence (Proverbs 30:5). Thirdly, reverence should be offered to parents, the individuals God ordained to usher the next generation into this world (Deuteronomy 5:16). Fourthly, reverence should be rendered to a spouse (Hebrews 13:4). Marriage is a sacred institution that God designed to help combat the loneliness and adversity that the earthly life can often bring about. Fifthly, reverence should be given to those who maintain a vibrant walk with Christ and dedicate themselves to bringing glory to His name (Psalms 15:4). Lastly, reverence should be presented to civil authorities, the people God has furnished with governing powers (Romans 13:1). 

Paul heralded a reverence for Jesus. He solemnly sought to help the world find a life-altering connection with God’s only begotten Son. The apostle’s forthright, faith-elicited message was very effective. Some communities developed a reverence for Christ as a result of Paul’s Holy Spirit-advocated statements, as was the case with Ephesus in Acts 19. After serving in Corinth for roughly eighteen months, Paul began encouraging believers and evangelizing en route to Antioch. On his way to Syria, the apostle stopped momentarily in Ephesus, where he witnessed in the city’s synagogue. He made such a strong impression on the Hebrew community that several people implored him to stay with them longer. Paul refused (likely because of a compelling need to present an offering in Jerusalem in correlation with a vow he had taken), but told the people in Ephesus that if God wanted him to return then he would. After Paul visited Jerusalem, he traveled to Antioch where he ministered for a time. Thereafter, he launched his third missionary trip. He passed through Asia Minor, building up the believers in Galatia and Phrygia. Ultimately, Paul made good on his pledge and went back to Ephesus, which led to a most remarkable ministry.
When Paul arrived in Ephesus, it was one of the principal cities commercially and politically in Asia Minor. Like Corinth, Ephesus had a rich past. Inhabited as far back as 1,000 B.C., the city endured a fair share of battles and conquests. Despite changing power bases numerous times and undergoing assorted cultural assimilations, one legacy in Ephesus that survived many decades was the worship of the Greek goddess Artemis (Diana being the Roman goddess equivalent), who pagans believed was the sanctioning source of fertility (both in humanity and in agriculture). So widespread was the adulation of Artemis in Ephesus that a grand temple was built for her not far from the metropolis. The original structure was damaged by a flood. A rebuilt edifice stood tall for around two hundred years until an act of arson destroyed it in 356 B.C. Yet another reconstructed temple was later erected and survived for around six hundred years. It earned acclaim as one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.
Ephesus expanded in size and scope prior to the New Testament era. Archeological excavations reveal that the city, at one time, enjoyed gymnasiums, public baths, a library, and a theater that could seat over twenty thousand people. It was a very densely populated city, but also an important thoroughfare for tourism (perhaps in part because of the stately temple dedicated to Artemis). Ephesus, therefore, provided a critical opportunity for Paul to reach a sizeable segment of the world and turn them to the saving truth of the gospel.
      On his way to the synagogue in Ephesus, Paul met some disciples and asked if they had received the Holy Spirit upon their confession of Christ’s lordship. The disciples responded that they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul pressed the matter further and raised the issue of baptism. The disciples said that they were baptized into belief through John’s message of repentance, somewhat resembling Apollos’s account in Acts 18. By John’s own admission, his appeal for atonement was a preparatory measure for Jesus’ coming (Matthew 3:11). It was incomplete for it was a temporary, sin-purging process that served to help people discover the permanent salvation that only Christ can yield. When Paul explained this to the disciples, they confessed Jesus is the Messiah and were baptized in His name. Immediately thereafter, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples.
When Paul reappeared at the synagogue in Ephesus, he argued persuasively about the kingdom of God for three months before his teaching was sternly turned away. Scripture indicates the objection in Ephesus was a severe criticism, which was aired in a derogatory, public fashion. When the apostle perceived that his witness was bringing about a negative view of Christ within the Hebrew community, he pulled away so that Jesus’ name might not be disrespected any more, a move that was in line with Jesus’ directive in Luke 9:5. Afterward, Paul and his disciples began assembling in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, a place of learning and debate. This forum exposed a substantial number of both Jewish and Gentile citizens to the gospel on a daily basis, which was a better prospect afforded to the apostle than the once-a-week Sabbath worship in the synagogue. The ministry at the lecture hall of Tyrannus was so impactful Acts 19:10 states that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord during the two years Paul labored in Ephesus.
The Holy Spirit not only enhanced Paul’s message, the Holy Spirit enhanced the apostle’s supernatural gifts. Paul performed many miracles during his Ephesian ministry. His divinely-bestowed powers were so potent that even clothing garments he had contacted could heal the sick and remove evil spirits from the afflicted. Some within the Jewish populace were attracted to this influence. Because they craved Paul’s ability to send Satan’s minions fleeing from tormented souls (presumably for monetary gain or notoriety), the would-be exorcists searched Ephesus for demon-possessed people. When they encountered those who were overcome with evil spirits, they insisted the demon, or demons, leave in the name of Jesus, citing Paul as the reference point for their proclamation. 
The group of power seekers included seven sons of a Jewish chief priest. One day, the young men confronted a dark spirit, bidding it to release its grip on a man it had inhabited. The demon knew the seven sons had not surrendered their hearts to Jesus through faith and therefore had no remnant of Christ’s authority to exorcize evil spirits. Attune to the spiritual voids and vulnerabilities of the young men, the demon manipulated the human frame it was controlling, causing its host to attack the seven sons, overwhelm them, tear off their clothes, and batter them repeatedly. The young men, humiliated, injured, and bloodied, ran away naked. This was a supreme sign of dishonor since the Jewish people maintained an unfavorable view of public nudity. This perspective was a longstanding one, tracing as far back as the patriarchal figure of Noah (Genesis 9:23).
When the incident surrounding the demon-spawned beating of the seven young men was shared throughout Ephesus, the city was seized with fear and held the name of Jesus in high honor. The people became aware that the pronouncement of the Messiah’s God-given designation should not be profaned or used for nefarious purposes. Jesus’ name, like Jesus Himself, is mighty and esteemed. The widespread reverence for Jesus’ name in Ephesus offers us three important considerations. One, Jesus’ name is hallowed. It is set apart. It trumps all other titles. In the echelon of names, Jesus stands alone atop the apex. His name deserves and demands reverence. God established Jesus’ name as part of Christ’s glorious mission: to redeem creation. God specifically chose the name Jesus because, as an angel informed Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, Jesus would save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus, the Greek form of the Aramaic name “Yeshua” (which itself derives from the Hebrew name “Joshua”), literally means “the Lord saves.” The connotation being that only in Jesus is the eternal forgiveness of disobedience made possible.
Sadly, we live in a society that has carelessly embraced the utterance of Jesus Christ as an expletive, which is an appalling perversion. Jesus embodies love, mercy, and grace. And yet so many callously profane His name in a way that reeks of depravity. This flippant idiom, which may seem trivial in the modern culture, is not trivial to God. He gave His Son the name that is above all other names because His Son is like no other son. Jesus is the Almighty Prince of heaven. His enduring heritage speaks to the benevolence of God. We would do well to recognize it and revere His hallowed name.
Two, Jesus’ name is holy. Holiness denotes that Jesus and His name are set apart. To believers, this consideration is underscored by way of Jesus’ superior earthly example. Jesus led a blameless life. His behavior is synonymous with integrity, obedience, and sacrifice. He demonstrated absolute reign of moral behavior, total mastery of spiritual conduct, and a transcendent identity. Jesus, having the holy nature of God, bears the goodness of God, the pureness of God, and the perfect constitution of God, all of which validate Christ’s distinguished character.
The contrast between God’s righteousness and the inability of man to reproduce it immediately became apparent after man was formed. Adam and Eve, the inaugural man and woman, ignored the decree of God and refused to submit to His rule by eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which God had explicitly instructed Adam not to do (Genesis 2:17). Adam and Eve’s immoral temperament has affected every subsequent member of the human race. This reality should compel God’s followers to marvel at Jesus, Who temporarily donned the skin of man without giving in to the sin of man. If we desire to revere Christ, our Rescuer, then we will habitually aspire to magnify His holy name. 
Three, Jesus’ name is honorable. That is to say, His name is worthy of honor. In Romans 10:9, Paul wrote that those who acknowledge Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him to life after His death at Calvary will be saved. Jesus’ name is so profound that the very confession of His name opens up the gate to redemption. Truly, Jesus’ name is worthy of honor.
The fact that the Ephesian people treated Jesus’ name as sacred is nothing short of astounding. The city soon became a central location for the transmission of the Christian message. Several residents entered into faith. Some even freely confessed their wicked acts as a sign of their desire to pursue a spiritual purity. Many who were addicted to witchcraft and sorcery abandoned the practice of it. To show there was no going back to the observance of the dark arts, several individuals compiled their magic spells and enchantments and torched them in a city square. This occurrence was so dramatic that the value of the scrolls that were burned was tabulated. According to Acts 19:19, the cost of the material was estimated to be some fifty thousand drachmas. The drachma was a Greek silver coin that was similar to the Roman denarius, which typically equated to a day’s wage. Clearly, transformed lives remove the hindrances that prevent them from honoring God, even if it comes at an extravagant price.
After this happening, the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. Once again, Paul longed to journey to Jerusalem (maybe because he had a collective offering from the Asia Minor churches to take to the city of David). Luke records that it was at this time that Paul acquired a yearning to visit Rome. Apparently, Paul believed his missionary efforts in the eastern portions of the Roman Empire were complete. His gaze was directed westward (Spain in particular). Before Paul set out for Jerusalem, he sent two of his helpers ahead of him (one of which was Timothy who was discussed at length in Acts 16) while the apostle stayed a little longer in the province of Asia. 
A disturbance later arose in Ephesus regarding Christianity. Per Acts 19:24, a man known as Demetrius, a silversmith, began to suffer financially from the Ephesian faith conversions. His salary, or at least a significant sum of it, was dependent upon the manufacture and sale of shrines memorializing Artemis. As the people of Ephesus (as Asia abroad) surrendered belief in Christ, they systematically discarded their idols, which correspondingly reduced the artifact procurements from the temple of Artemis. Demetrius was so enraged that his earnings had decreased that he gathered fellow silversmiths and tradesmen. He told the people of irreverent industry that if they allowed Paul’s evangelistic efforts to continue not only would their businesses collapse but the temple of Artemis would be discredited. Relinquishing a supposedly comfortable, materialistic life has been an impediment to salvation and discipleship for many people (Matthew 19: 20-24). The craftsmen became furious at the conclusion of Demetrius’s fear-based, emotion-provoking speech.
An uprising broke out in Ephesus. Mobsters grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus, two of Paul’s traveling companions and forced them into the central theater. If the crowd could not nab Paul then they would accept the next best thing: his friends. Although anger and hostility were rampant, there was also mass confusion for not everyone knew what the primary issue was (Acts 19:32). Paul was ready to make a defense before the protestors and intended to brave the fray, but he was implored by disciples and officials of the province not to go into the enraged environment. Acts 19:31 documents some of the city’s civic leaders were friends of Paul, signifying the respectability and credibility the apostle had pioneered. 

The disciples and provincial representatives knew Paul was the chief transgressor in the eyes of the scoundrels, not Gaius or Aristarchus. Paul’s confrontation of the mob’s grievances, therefore, would surely result in the apostle’s assassination. Although Paul would eventually lay down his life for the cause of Christ, there was no sense in wasting it. His death in Ephesus would be premature since God had more work for Paul to accomplish still. Paul accepted the advice of his spiritual brothers and stayed away from the theater. To corroborate how inflamed the atmosphere was in Ephesus, Acts 19:33 conveys the Jewish attendees shamefully pushed one of their own, Alexander (likely a Hellenist Jew), to the front of the horde to conceivably absorb the brunt of the peoples’ fury. The involuntary propitiation of a kinsmen does not speak well of the community’s mindset. If anything, it portrays the Ephesian Hebrew populace as a body who lacked loyalty or family devotion.  

The commotion was finally quieted down by a city clerk, who reminded the citizens of Ephesus that they should not take justice into their own hands. Instead, they should bring the matter before a court of law. If Demetrius, or the other craftsmen, had a legitimate case against Paul and the disciples then the dispute could be settled in a legal setting. As it stood, the residents were on the verge of being charged with rioting, which carried with it severe penalties. As reason set in, the peoples’ rage ignited by Demetrius subsided. The city clerk’s rationale and capacity to restore order and civility proved that the Christians in Ephesus had not violated any Roman regulations. It is remarkable to discover how God can communicate and employ heathen hearts to accomplish His will (as He did with Gamaliel in Acts 5).

Although there were some in Ephesus who did not revere the name of Jesus, like Demetrius, Acts 19 confirms many did. Such reverence for Christ stemmed from a consciousness of the Messiah’s high standing: at the right hand of God. Jesus is preeminent and sovereign. The disciples in Ephesus preserved this mindset and appropriately ascribed the Lord awe, praise, and reverence. In an age that tempts us to belittle and depreciate the soul-saving name of Jesus, the Ephesian church’s veneration for Christ affirms the Savior’s name is laudable in every era.   

Is a reverence for Jesus Christ transparent in your life?

Evidence of Faith (Continued): Acts 18

"When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ."

Acts 18:5

        Testimony. A message that acknowledges the superiority of God’s reign. A word that exposes the supremacy of Christ’s love. A lifestyle that honors the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Testimonies are typically viewed within the framework of depositions and trials, where written and verbal statements are rendered or recorded daily. In the courtroom of law, to testify is to authenticate that an event or a series of events transpired. Testimonies are declarations of fact, which can often carry severe penalties if the people professing them knowingly dispense false information. In both civil and criminal matters, witness observations and reports are critical to discerning the truth. Testimonies do not relate to legal proceedings exclusively; they apply to Christianity as well for believers encounter moments daily to present and represent Jesus Christ. I remember such an opportunity that I had some years ago.

In college, I served as a part-time praise band director at a large metropolitan church. The church possessed a sizeable staff and considerable resources. Therefore, it was not uncommon for the leadership to receive calls from other congregations seeking guidance or interim assistance, as was the case when a small, rural church contacted our music minister. A representative from the countryside church explained that their youth pastor had recently accepted a ministry position at another fellowship. As a result, they were in need of guest speakers for an upcoming youth group summer camp trip. The music minister mentioned that I should consider preaching at one of the retreat services. I was tempted to decline the offer on the spot, but God urged me to dedicate thought and prayer to the proposition, so I requested time to think about it. 

“As an aspiring music minister, what business do I have giving impressionable youth a gospel message,” I initially asked myself. I rationalized that I was not a skilled orator and that I lacked sufficient experience composing sermons, particularly sermons tailored to young people. But as the days went by, my excuses and self-contrived limitations were eliminated one by one. God convicted me and compelled me to accept the invitation. Committed to the event, I began to prepare a testimony. I sat motionless in front of a computer for hours on end, unable to write anything of substance. Because sharing my testimony had never been an active discipline, it took me awhile to develop the ability to document Christ’s movement in my life. Eventually, I found the inspiration and encouragement to put an outline on paper. 

As the day of the speaking engagement neared, I grew more and more apprehensive about it. Although God had affirmed that I should publicly disclose my testimony, I continued to allow personal inhibitions to flood my mind. A tidal wave of internal tension engulfed me. I beseeched God to remove my reservations and doubts and let the Holy Spirit work through me. It was an appeal that I prayed repeatedly. 
On the night of the youth service, I was introduced to the teenagers by one of the camp sponsors. As I stood in front of the adolescents, I scanned the eyes of those in attendance. I was moved by the expressions of longing and sadness. I sensed many of the young people were dealing with emotional heartache and discouragement, perhaps in part with having to bid farewell to their youth minister. It was apparent to me that they were eager for truth and desperate for hope. As I opened my Bible, the Holy Spirit inundated me with assurance. He furnished me with the heart and voice to testify of His greatness. All my uncertainties, specifically my capacity to proclaim an enthusiastic testimony, were immediately absent from my mind. All I could feel was a hunger to communicate what God had done in my life, that God had saved me through His Son, Jesus Christ, and that I was being renewed daily through the Holy Spirit’s constant provision of grace, mercy, counsel, and encouragement. In the Lord, there is the dawn of a new day, whether it is in this life or the life that is to come. In Him, there is a satisfying peace, even when confronted with troubling circumstances. Therefore, no heart should be distressed if the God of eternity is controlling it. 

My testimony was not natural; it was supernatural. On my own, I would have either been too fearful to speak or too prideful to admit my dependence upon heavenly aid. But in God, I found the desire to witness, as well as the urgency to witness. That event validated God can overcome all fears and inadequacies if we trust Him enough to supply us with the necessary purpose, perspective, and passion.

The apostle Paul possessed a spiritual drive to testify about Jesus. Even though he was the recipient of brutal attacks and protests, Paul exhibited an unrelenting mission to tell the world about Christ. Often harassed and mocked, Paul never stopped evangelizing. He was undeterred in his quest to help people find salvation. As the narrative of Acts 17 closed, Paul was preaching in Athens. The text does not indicate Paul was physically harmed or threatened by the intellectually, idolatrously-prone elite in Athens, but the people were not especially warm to Paul’s message either. When the peoples’ receptiveness in Athens withered away, the apostle left and journeyed some fifty miles southwest to Corinth (Acts 18).   

Corinth would soon become a vital city for the propagation of the gospel. It was a maritime city, which had established substantial infrastructure and influence. Positioned between two seaports in modern-day Greece, the city had a storied past. Archaeology excavations reveal the Corinthian territory was populated as far back as 2,000 B.C. By 350 B.C., Corinth had become the most inhabited and productive city of mainland Greece. But eventually Corinth drew the ire of Rome, resulting in its decimation in 146 B.C. at the hands of the Roman military. The city was burned to the ground. The Corinthian men were slaughtered on site while the women and children were sold into slavery. For nearly a century, Corinth was largely vacant. But just before he was assassinated, Julius Caesar ordered Corinth be rebuilt in 44 B.C. Corinth soon reemerged as a place of economic significance via a lucrative shipping trade in the Mediterranean area. 

Much like Athens, the residents of Corinth embraced the worship of Greek gods. The city contained many idolatrous shrines, including memorials dedicated to Apollo, Hercules, and Poseidon. When Paul arrived in Corinth he met a man named Aquila who had been forced to flee Italy with his wife, Priscilla, because of an edict released by the Emperor Claudius. The edict banned Jewish people from living in Rome. Aquila and Priscilla were apparently knowledgeable and approving of the message of Christ for Acts 18:2 states Paul sought out Aquila and Priscilla to converse with them and, it would seem, to lodge with them. After determining them to be committed, loyal believers, Paul teamed up with them. We discover that Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla not only shared a zeal for holy truth but they also shared a common profession: tentmaking. 

Although we tend to think of Paul as the great evangelist, apostle, teacher, writer, and preacher, Paul was also a capable tradesman. Tents were a necessity for soldiers and shepherds, vocations that demanded portable quarters since such people were always on the move. Tentmaking, in general, was not an elevated position in the first century career hierarchy. Paul was not ashamed of his skillset, which is something he had probably acquired and refined during his youth in Tarsus. He was disposed to put in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. He even financed his own missionary endeavors so that he might not be an economic burden on the churches and communities he was serving, or planning on serving (Acts 20:34). Though he was imminently trained and educated, Paul took on a practical and unassuming occupation so that his Christ-centered mission could advance.       

That Paul would devote himself to serving alongside Aquila and Priscilla signifies he valued a person’s character more than a person’s class. Paul took many otherwise unnoticed individuals in his charge and tutelage. He cared more about a believer’s heart more than anything else. If someone was sincere to the cause of Christ and displayed a steadfast spirit, then Paul was determined to put that person’s dedication and effort to good use (which helps explain why Paul was hesitant to let John Mark rejoin him in Acts 15). Aside from his mentorship and business partnership with Aquila and Priscilla, Paul actively reasoned the Christian stance in Corinthian synagogue worship services. Time and time again we see Paul’s motivation to persuasively argue the case for Christ. He did not advocate an insolent gospel, but an inviting and intelligent gospel. He was not afraid or ashamed to speak the truth in love. 

Eventually, Silas and Timothy, who had been in Berea, came to Corinth. Upon their arrival, Paul was all the more eager to preach and testify to the Jewish people that Jesus was the Messiah. It could be that the update Silas and Timothy shared about the churches in Macedonia encouraged Paul so much that he was spurred to carry on and honor that which had been started. Or perhaps the reuniting of his support team spiritually revived Paul and gave him a newfound impetus to effectively present the gospel in Corinth. Either way, Paul was not shy or timid about conveying his testimony. His desire to proclaim Christ did not stem from a self-serving nature; it was a response to the Holy Spirit’s movement in his soul. 

But many Jewish people resisted Paul’s message and became abusive. Paul symbolically shook out his clothes, akin to removing unwanted dust from dingy cloth fabric, denoting that the apostle was free from the obligation to testify to such an obstinate people. The Jewish people were responsible for their hardheartedness and defiance. Paul said their loss would be another’s gain for he would exclusively occupy himself with witnessing to the Gentile Corinthians. Even though Paul turned his evangelistic focus away from the Hebrew community in Corinth, some Jewish residents and proselytes became believers in the Lord, as documented with the conversion of Crispus, a synagogue ruler, and Titius Justus, a Gentile who lived near, and was likely a member of, the synagogue. After this we read that many Corinthian people were saved and baptized. 

Later, Paul had a vision of Jesus. Christ reinforced Paul’s calling to testify of Him. He told the apostle to keep preaching in Corinth for the Lord’s protection would be upon him. Therefore, Paul stayed in Corinth some eighteen months. But his prolonged tenure was not without further conflict. The Jewish people formed an alliance to thwart Paul. They apprehended him and brought him before the Roman governor of the province of Achaia (which Corinth was the capital city of), Gallio. The swiftness upon which this plan was carried out identifies a seething desire on the part of the Jewish people to see Paul painfully punished, if not murdered.

The charge the people levied against Paul was that he had persuaded Israelites and Israelite sympathizers to worship Jesus, which they deemed to be an act contrary to the Mosaic law. As in previous chapters of Acts, this accusation was a distortion of the truth. Paul did not forbid the practice of Old Testament traditions and observances; he endorsed the acceptance of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial offerings. A vast majority of Jewish people could not understand this. As a result, they were adamant Christians, like Paul, be brought to justice for their perceived blasphemy. Because of their spiritually stubborn resolve, they utilized any means necessary, including the Roman courts, to justify their rejection of the gospel.  

When the matter was brought before Gallio, Paul was prepared to give his defense. But before he could address the Roman governor, Gallio turned away the case since it pertained to Jewish law and customs, of which he obviously had no interest in. After summarily dismissing the proceeding and ejecting the people from his presence, the Jewish people became furious. Demanding retribution, they seized a man named Sosthenes and beat him in front of the court. One would hope that Gallio would have maintained decency and order in his precinct and put a stop to the abuse of Sosthenes, but Acts 18:17 states Gallio showed no concern for Sosthenes’s wellbeing. It is probable that the Sosthenes identified in Acts 18 is the same individual Paul referred to in the opening address of his first epistle to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1:1) Maybe he, like Crispus, was a synagogue ruler who found Paul’s testimony to be convincing and true. Sosthenes presumably accompanied the apostle to his trial with Gallio as a sign of his support for Paul’s ministry.                   

Paul tarried in Corinth after this incident but later set out for Syria with Aquila and Priscilla. Before Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla left Corinth, Acts 18:18 denotes the apostle shaved his head because of a vow he had made (although some scholars make the case that Aquila may have shaved his head, not Paul, based on the Greek text construction). There is a plausible indication that this action was, in fact, performed by Paul because of a compelling yearning to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, where the apostle intended, presumably, to deliver a hair offering. This may seem like an unusual account in the modern-day setting, but this deed was not bizarre in the ancient Hebrew-centric culture for God outlined such criteria in a select vow known as a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:18). The Jewish community, by and large, considered vows a sacred, critically important undertaking, which deserved a strong sense of urgency and sacrifice (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). In the upcoming verses of Acts 18, Paul refused to be delayed in Ephesus (conceivably to make his sacrifice in the city of David), which solidifies that a Paul-initiated vow (rather than an Aquila-initiated vow) is more logical. 
After Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla sailed from Corinth, they landed in Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla decided to remain there while Paul made preparations to journey on. But before he departed, Paul went to the local synagogue and presented his testimony, attempting to excite the Jewish people to believe Jesus is the Messiah. The Hebrew residents in Ephesus did not arbitrarily dismiss Paul’s message. Because their curiosity was peaked, they requested Paul spend more time in Ephesus to speak further about salvation in Christ. Paul graciously turned down their recommendation (probably because of his aforementioned zeal to go to Jerusalem), but promised if it be the Lord’s will then he would return to Ephesus. 

Scripture supports Paul maintained the right balance of divine and human autonomy. The apostle had private ambitions for God’s kingdom-building work, but those ambitions were secondary to God’s overarching providence. He mindfully purposed to perform the mission and tasks sanctioned by God. Thereafter, Paul went to Caesarea and then greeted the church (probably referring to the church in Jerusalem) before going on to Antioch, thus completing Paul’s second missionary expedition. One wonders if the visit to Antioch refreshed Paul as he fondly remembered the evangelistic harvest he and Barnabas had sown so many years earlier. 

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul commenced his third missionary journey, strengthening the believers throughout Asia Minor. As Paul visited many places, including Galatia and Phrygia, a Jewish man named Apollos, a native of Egypt, appeared in Ephesus. Acts 18:24 says Apollos was fluent in Scripture and possessed extensive schooling, which is validated by his former residency in Alexandria, a city well-known historically as being a center for scholarship and academic excellence. Apollos was educated in the way of the Lord (confirming Christianity’s westward expansion) and began teaching in Ephesus with great vigor and fervency. 

Acts points out that Apollos had only experienced the baptism of John, not the baptism of Jesus, prior to his arrival at Ephesus. John’s baptism was a moral repentance in preparation for the work of Christ. Jesus’ baptism, on the other hand, is a spiritual repentance that symbolizes a lasting grace and enacts the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Although Apollos was gifted in speech and intellect, he did not fully comprehend the legacy of Christ. Apollos’s understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry was not as comprehensive as it should have been, in regard to training up new or young disciples. This passage underscores that the mature Christian must maintain both a thorough knowledge (of the Bible) and a thorough faith.

Aquila and Priscilla, Paul’s former students, heard Apollos preach and invited him into their home so that they could convey the way and Word of God (as it related to Jesus) more sufficiently to the eager convert. Already the investment Paul made in Aquila and Priscilla was yielding huge dividends. After Apollos had sufficiently been instructed in truth under Aquila and Priscilla’s guidance, he longed to employ his wisdom and eloquence for communication by pronouncing the tenets of Christianity. Desiring to go to Corinth (where Paul had recently departed), the disciples in Ephesus wrote a letter of commendation informing the Corinthian church that Apollos was an authentically skilled spokesman who merited service opportunities. When Apollos started witnessing in Corinth, he made an immediate impact. Acts 18:28 states he convincingly refuted the Jewish unbelievers in Corinth by efficiently debating that Jesus is the Messiah predicted in Scripture. Once again, Scripture is highlighted as the essential source for evangelism and bringing about lasting, spiritual transformation.
The power of testifying about Christ is a theme repeated throughout Acts, specifically in Acts 18:5, when Paul dedicated himself to preaching and proclaiming Jesus’ lordship. His example, like that of so many other disciples, imparts three key aspects of God-honoring testimonies. One, God-honoring testimonies are devoted. Paul routinely experienced rejection and pain because of his willingness to share his faith. He was frequently injured and afflicted, both emotionally and physically, due to his allegiance to Jesus. He was persecuted and hounded by numerous unbelievers. But Paul never gave up testifying about the grace of God. He endured the hardships, recognizing that he was not working unto man, but unto the Lord. Paul would come to write of the challenges of ministering to the world, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). Clearly, a heart filled with salvation is a heart that flows with devoted surrender. 
Two, God-honoring testimonies are demonstrative. Paul was not ashamed to demonstrate the measure of his relationship with God for he proclaimed Jesus unto the ends of the earth. The apostle’s testimonies were not unspoken convictions. They were not secret stirrings. They were outward expressions that corroborated the permanent change that engulfed his life. Paul’s testimonies verified Jesus had ransomed and revived him. They overwhelmingly articulated the goodness of Christ’s love. 
It is important to note that the demonstrative nature of God-honoring testimonies are not elaborate productions laced with superficial speech. They do not base their appeal on a sensational script or story, nor do they base their allure on a generic formula or fanciful form. God-honoring testimonies base themselves on the direction, digression, and delight of the Holy Spirit. They declare and display honesty, integrity, and humility. They draw attention to the incredible and glorious nature of salvation, as made available through Jesus’ atonement. 
Jesus told His disciples that they did not need to be concerned with rehearsing evangelistic lines or developing a persuasive speaking finesse. What they needed to do was trust God and let the Holy Spirit provide the words to say when witnessing opportunities were unveiled (Matthew 10:19-20). Therefore, testimonies rely on God’s ability, not man’s. No eloquence on our part could ever adequately expound the greatness that accompanies Christ’s eternal forgiveness of sin, but we should endeavor to disseminate the Lord’s redeeming message with sound speech and coherent reason.
Three, God-honoring testimonies are direct. Paul did not conceal his testimony or reserve it for one sect of society. When one audience spurned him, he sought another one. Paul relentlessly enunciated God’s saving grace. His own reformation through Christ offered undeniable evidence of God’s propensity to effectively and drastically alter lives.
The righteous model of the Jesus was ever before Paul’s spiritual gaze. The apostle aspired to emulate Christ’s character. Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, the Lord was direct and approachable. He moved people to evaluate and exercise God’s standard, as opposed to the fleshly inclination to adopt the world’s standard. Jesus continually pointed humanity to His Father. His sincere, straightforward method was not widely accepted at the time, but it was necessary.
The ears of many are attentive to what we say. We bear witness to our beliefs daily through our discussions and our decisions. In the courtroom of life, where our actions and confessions are examined, challenged, and scrutinized, testimonies are pivotal to helping those lost in darkness find the light of Jesus, where we receive emancipation and liberation. May we actively strive to tell others about it.

Do you have a heart and voice that perpetually renders God-honoring testimonies? 

Evidence of Faith (Continued): Acts 17

"For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'” 

Acts 17:28

        Purpose. A reason to exist. A motivation to endure. The inspiration to embrace and apply the Lord’s truth. The dedication to heed the authority and direction of the Holy Spirit.
The world defines purpose as an objective or goal to be achieved. It rates financial prosperity, vocational success, and self-belief as crucial benchmarks needed to experience satisfaction and happiness. But such pursuits are meaningless if a relationship with God is missing. After all, God is the One Who ultimately gives humanity purpose. He is the One Who forms and fashions the framework for our passage though this life. If our days are consumed with personal aspirations developed outside of God’s command and blessing we will almost certainly have a spiritually unsubstantial existence. Our core drive should be to know God, and thereby delight in Him.
An incident some years ago, when I was the part-time music minister for a small church in Oklahoma City, reminded me how critical purpose is at both the individual and corporate level. My pastor, at the time, was a truly gifted man. He had an infectious appreciation for God’s Word, and an extraordinary ability to communicate it, especially in regard to conveying the historical and cultural nuances of the biblical world. His educational pedigree and zeal for Scripture produced some incredibly rich sermons. The pastor was also a very organized administrator. On his office desk sat a calendar which catalogued, in great detail, upcoming events and seminars. Because of his desire to stay apprised of the various ministry happenings, it came as no surprise when the pastor asked me and the youth minister to begin participating in staff meetings every Wednesday afternoon before the church-wide evening dinner. 

For the first few weeks, our discussions were informal and devoid of dire agendas or matters. We planned important activities and functions. We discussed budgetary figures, as well as fiscal constraints. But as the months passed, the pastor broadened the scope of our meeting and opened up about an emerging burden that was bothering him. He could not pinpoint it, but he felt something within the overall church ministry was lacking, which troubled him a great deal. The youth pastor and I attempted to diagnose the source of the pastor’s distress but we were unsuccessful. The hour we had in our weekly staff meeting did not provide us enough time to adequately analyze the dilemma. The pastor suggested we arrange a staff retreat one weekend. He recommended the retreat take place outside the city limits in order to help minimize distractions. We selected a date and chose a location: a lake cabin some ninety miles outside the metropolitan area.

When we arrived at the lake cabin, I was a bit restless. “What would we understand in a few days that we had not discovered over the course of several weeks,” I thought to myself. But my anxiety quickly subsided after our first prayer session. Right from the onset, God pressed upon us an urgency to focus on discipleship. Our church had a lot of programs, but what good were those programs if people were not growing in their walk with God? Although the congregation must yearn to commit itself daily to the exploration of Scripture, we, as the church staff, were deeply convicted to help ensure the body of Christ had the proper opportunities, tools, and resources to spiritually mature.

God reinforced our definitive purpose: to train up believers and equip them so that they could passionately tell others about Christ. Therefore, the prime consideration of the staff retreat became the discussion and review of the discipleship voids. We wanted to understand God’s purpose so that we could more effectively minister to each church member, as well as the community. With newfound motivation, we laid out a discipleship implementation strategy. We determined what topics and curriculum should be taught through class offerings. We decided how and when to integrate the precepts. The entire tenor of the weekend summit was one of hope and encouragement because we latched on to the power of purpose. 

The days that followed produced an abundance of blessings and spiritual development. Students became teachers. Spectators became servants. God affirmed an explicit purpose: to reach and teach others. As a result of God’s inspiration, the church leadership had a significant message to present to our fellow believers, which yielded a great response. 

Purpose has an uplifting quality to it. For Christians, it urges us to see something beyond ourselves, particularly Jesus’ redemption and grace. When we cling to the Lord’s instruction and marvel at His holiness we are left forever changed. The selfish nature we demonstrated prior to salvation no longer satisfies the longing of our soul. We desire a superior nature - the righteous nature of God. We desire a superior outlook - an outlook filled with praise, contentment, and sacrifice. We desire a superior purpose - to honor God in all things and in all ways.

The apostle Paul was well acquainted with the transformative property of godly purpose. Once an adversary of Christianity, he became one of its most notable advocates. Paul’s purposeful conviction to testify to the legacy of Jesus Christ post-salvation was so evident that he amassed many denouncers. Acts 16 disclosed an example of such opposition, when Paul was physically assaulted in Philippi. Even though Paul was wrongly accused of telling people to break Roman laws, the civil authorities in Philippi tortured Paul and Silas by way of flogging. They kept the evangelists in prison overnight. The next morning, the magistrates decided to release Paul and Silas without further penalty or injury and requested the missionaries leave Philippi at once. After encouraging the Philippian disciples, Paul and Silas departed the city, without trace of bitterness or malice. Encounters such as this confirm Paul continually displayed a resilient character and a heart of purpose. If one door closed on him, Paul looked for another. And thus Acts 17 states Paul went to Macedonia’s capital city, Thessalonica, shortly after Philippi.  

When Paul made it to Thessalonica, he went to the Jewish synagogue, an opening he did not have in Philippi since the city did not possess one. As was Paul’s custom, he offered the first fruits of evangelism to the Hebrew people. If they rejected it, Paul then took the message to the Gentile people. For three straight Sabbath days, Paul reasoned with the Jewish people that Jesus was the Messiah prophesized about in Scripture. This account underscores that Christ’s life and lordship are not irrational or illogical. They are, in fact, credible and defensible. Using the Bible as his foundational reference, which is always a proper and essential witnessing aid, Paul proved that Jesus was both the Savior of mankind and the Son of God. This persuaded some of the Jewish people to believe. They submitted themselves to Paul’s teaching and grew in faith. But Paul’s preaching not only captivated Jewish people, it drew the attention and receptiveness from Greek people in Thessalonica. As the church in the Macedonian capital expanded, so did the resentment of Jewish unbelievers. Whether they associated Christianity as a violation of Jewish doctrine or they were jealous that Christianity appealed to Gentile people the text does not say. But Acts does note that the Jewish unbelievers in Thessalonica assembled despicable, immoral individuals to lead a Christian resistance. 

A ragtag band of misfits went to the local marketplace and sparked a riot in the city. In anger, people rushed to the home of a man named Jason, where Paul and Silas were apparently lodging. The mob barged into Jason’s residence without permission or warrant. When the people realized Paul and Silas were not there, they apprehended Jason and some fellow believers, dragged them through the city, and brought them to the local magistrates. The mob falsely accused Jason and the believers of defying Roman law by promoting Jesus as King. The implication was that the Christian faith was attempting to overthrow the governmental structure by advocating the worship of Christ, a lie that was applied to Jesus before His crucifixion (Luke 23:2). The disciples never advocated sedition against earthly leaders. If anything, the believers showed immense respect for civil authorities for they recognized such people held the reigns of command throughout the nations because of God’s awe-inspiring will. 
When the city officials heard the charges against Jason and the disciples they were deeply troubled. But rather than afflict or punish Jason and the other Christians without due process (as the leaders of Philippi did with Paul and Silas), the magistrates released them upon posting of bond. That same night, Paul and Silas, who were presumably awaiting the cover of darkness to move quietly through the city, fled to Berea. For all the hardships and acts of persecution the first century missionaries endured, they certainly were not unwilling to leave a city when they recognized a general openness to the gospel was absent. Paul exited places of duress many times over to this point in Acts, but he never left the respective cities in order to abandon ministry altogether. He simply departed one place so that he could immediately serve in another. 

When Paul and Silas arrived in Berea, they went to the local Jewish synagogue. As Paul had done in Thessalonica, he reasoned with the Jewish people about Jesus’ legacy through Scripture. Luke points out that the Bereans were much more receptive and respectful than the Thessalonians to Paul’s witness. They did not arbitrarily dismiss his testimony, but evaluated the merit of his salvation presentation against God’s Word. They searched the Bible daily with eagerness to determine if what Paul said about Jesus was true. The response was phenomenal. Many Jews and Greeks became Christians in Berea. This passage verifies that when we concede to the rightness and relevance of Scripture we cannot help but be changed.  

Before long, agitators from Thessalonica learned Paul was preaching in Berea. Exercising hearts of obstinate defiance, they journeyed to Berea to incite the general public against Paul. One wonders how they could feel justified in their conduct as God’s covenantal people for they intentionally followed, harassed, and stirred others against Paul. Because they refused to accept salvation from Christ, the Christian dissenters would see to it that others would share the same hardhearted disposition. For his protection, Paul was asked to leave the tumultuous environment by Berean disciples. It would seem that the aggression of the Thessalonians was solely aimed at Paul because after Paul stepped foot out of Berea, Silas and Timothy stayed behind to work with the church without further report of incident or persecution.  
Some Berean disciples led Paul to Athens. They probably accompanied Paul to exhort him and help ensure his safety along the way. When the company arrived in Athens, the disciples immediately started back for Berea, but not before Paul gave them some parting instructions. The apostle requested Timothy and Silas join him in Athens as soon as possible. Paul’s pattern (as was that of the other apostles) was to evangelize with one or more witnesses so that the message could be affirmed by multiple sources. This method also helped promote accountability of speech, thought, and action. While awaiting the appearance of Timothy and Silas, Paul traveled throughout Athens. Although he had seen a fair share of idolatry in his life, Paul was especially grief-stricken by the spiritual emptiness that pervaded the Athenian streets. This once great city enjoyed much historical significance. It was the birthplace of democracy and was an important center for arts, learning, and philosophy. It was renowned for human wisdom and enlightenment. But its people had a propensity to accept and accumulate false gods. In a place highly revered by most of the known world for its intellect and knowledge, idol after idol revealed the people of Athens were steeped in spiritual captivity.
The desire to amass a pantheon of idols was so rampant in Athens that Paul found an inscription on an altar dedicated to an unknown god. The people were enslaved to mythology and religious fabrication. So much so that that they chose to enshrine a nameless god just in case they had somehow overlooked one in their numerous pagan temples. Athens’s citizens had many avenues to worship, but no real worship. They were so consumed with the notion of accumulating gods, and thereby power, that they never cognitively assessed the plausibility of their belief system. 

The counterfeit faith of the Athenians deeply disturbed Paul. He went to the synagogue and marketplace day after day speaking against the widespread idolatry. Some of the Greek philosophers disputed the validity of Jesus’ life and resurrection. But because they could not convincingly counter Paul’s claims, they asked the apostle to address the Areopagus, a council of academics who met together to discuss personal, social, and spiritual ideals and viewpoints. When given the opportunity to refute the worship of pagan gods, Paul seized it. Realizing that his audience did not have the appreciation or understanding of Hebrew history, Paul chose not to preach through the prism of the Old Testament. Instead, he focused on the truth that God is the Creator of this world and everything in it, as attested to by nature itself. 

Unlike idols and statues, God’s image cannot be reduced to any manmade structure. The majesty of the Maker of heaven and earth cannot be memorialized by something constructed by human hands. God is the eternal One, Who ordains the rise and fall of nations and controls the destiny of humanity. No temple could ever enhance or adequately contain the glory of the true God. Paul’s message ended with an appeal to consider the pending judgment day, a day in which humanity will face a reckoning for its lifestyle. Jesus, the One Whom God appointed, set the standard for holy righteousness and was raised from death as proof of His divinity. 

Paul’s sermon in Athens was passionate and had several impactful statements. It emphasized the dependency mankind has for God, a dependency humanity rarely acknowledges or addresses. It highlighted the considerable difference God’s purpose makes in a person’s life. In Acts 17:28, Paul said, “For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Paul’s truthful declaration identifies three important attributes of purpose. One, God’s purpose gives us connection. Paul stated it is in God that we live. Life, therefore, is not defined by our perceived level of acumen, our perceived level of accomplishment, or our perceived level of health. It is defined by God. Only through His blessing do we have an existence.  

Our destiny literally rests in the hands of God. We are solely and wholly dependent upon Him to live out each and every day. This reliance upon our Sustainer connects us to Him. He fashions us and He fortifies us in order to take pleasure in a relationship with Him. He wants us to forge a relationship with Him, a relationship we can treasure. This reflection should not produce a distorted image of God, but rather a humbling view of God. That God would even reach out to an often defiant and discontent people divulges much about the compassionate nature of God.

Two, God’s purpose gives us counsel. Not only do we have a physical existence because of God, but we experience spiritual existence because of Him as well. Salvation gives birth to a soul that has meaning, fullness, and vigor. It yields a newfound spiritual breath and purpose. Believers do not just live in God; we live for God. His power governs our steps. His providence envelops our days. His presence leads us and satisfies us.
     The Holy Spirit renders a continual source of guidance and counsel for believers. He makes us liable for everything that we think or do. We are always under the leadership, protection, and discipline of the Holy Spirit. This persistent process of correction is not administered out of some malevolent intention, but rather out of an abundant love. God sees our shortcomings and refuses to let us stay in such a miserable state. Although setbacks and hardships sometimes deceive us into feeling as though we are isolated or abandoned, we are never alone because the Holy Spirit is inseparable from believers’ hearts. Through the Holy Spirit, we have a Comforter and a Counselor ever near.
Three, God’s purpose gives us a calling. We live in God and move in Him. Although God can and does control humanity’s ability for mobility, this movement is better expressed in terms of the spirit, rather than in terms of the body. The movement of the spirit is a superior work to the activity of the human frame for it is through the spirit that man discovers divine purpose, as well as a calling. God does not just give our spirit the ability to move; He gives it reason to move. In Him, we have all we need. In Him, we have all we could ever long for. In Him, we are free from the stigma of a sin-stained life. 

With clean hearts and cheerful testimonies, salvation sets regenerated spirits in motion. When we affix our eyes on God, our soul is uplifted. Our mind is enamored as it reflects upon the heavenly realm of God’s eternal kingdom. This inspiration motivates us and moves us to live lives that are not relegated to personal, selfish ambitions. It calls us to exercise the holy, righteous nature of God through the supervision of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 17:28, Paul cited a Greek poet, Aratus, who wrote that humanity is the offspring of a supreme maker. Unfortunately, the creator Aratus was referring to was Zeus, the Greek god of sky and thunder, who many wrongly believed to be the father of gods and men. Although Aratus (along with many others) misunderstood who the true God is, Paul knew the real origin of mankind. Not intimidated by the supposed brilliance of the Areopagus, Paul testified that it was God Who made us and it is He Who moves us. No other explanation or scholarly argument will stand against the truth when we reach the end of this life.
When Paul finished his sermon, some of the Areopagus attendees sneered at him, thinking the apostle’s words were absurd and laughable. Others showed a mild interest and asked Paul to speak again at a later time. But a few became followers, one of whom was a senior member of the Areopagus. In a society largely filled with sophisticated Greek humanists, a small number of salvation experiences were recorded as having taken place in Athens per Acts 17. But this resistant atmosphere did not prevent Paul from producing a compelling message, a message that speaks well of the fulfillment and purpose mankind can find in God. 

Have you grasped the significance of God’s purpose for your life?