In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
Athens may be an elite city, a place of education and philosophy, nevertheless, in one respect the people are no different from people everywhere. They too must repent!
In fact, Athenian preoccupation with man-made philosophy and mythical religion has left them without any real connection with the True and Living God.
That’s why Paul’s message is the same. They must believe in Jesus and change their lives.
John the Baptizer preached the same message when he prepared the people for Jesus’ coming. Jesus also taught the necessity of repentance. The message is universal because the need is universal.
Athens certainly was no exception – Paul...was greatly distressed to see the city was full of idols.
A city filled with images and temples to various Gods! Paul noticed one altar with the inscription - TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.
Seizing the opportunity, Paul announces his intention to tell them about the God they do not know. He informs them this God cannot be contained in an image, an idol or a temple.
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
He challenges their misguided religious pursuits –In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
They must repent, give up their superstitions and believe in Jesus. For Jesus will one day judge the world.
He challenges their misguided religious pursuits –In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
They must repent, give up their superstitions and believe in Jesus. For Jesus will one day judge the world.
Today, for modern man, the message is The Same!
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