Focus! Focus? Yes, focus. What do we focus on in life? Usually what is directly or indirectly affecting us, yet not able to look around. Paul was focused on the salvation that comes through accepting Jesus Christ.
Others, focus on idols that are man made. However, sometimes people will look around in awareness and investigate other things going on in their lives. Let us look at
ACTS 17: 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Some background here. First, Paul was disturbed by the idolatry the city was engulfed in. Paul went daily to the synagogue to preach to the Jew and to have a chance to minister to the Gentiles as well.
Paul was invited to Mars Hill to explain his message in an open forum. Here were the philosophers of the day; the Epicureans and Stoics.
The Epicureans, founded by Epicurus about 300 B.C. believed in the existence of gods, but never their interference in the affairs of men. Their philosophy of life was one of pleasure and freedom from fear of death. Their motto was, "Eat, drink and be merry."
The Stoics were founded by Zeno about the same time and believed in the brotherhood of all men and held to the high moral principles of a life of self-denial. These men felt that Paul was definitely 'babbling' in his talk.
Read verse 21 again and you will see why these men listened and were willing to hear Paul's words. They tended to be much as our politicians today, sitting around talking and sharing ideas. And where does all this get them? Well, Paul is getting ready to drop the WORD on these people and we will see how that goes on Monday. Thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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