the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 4 of 5
Acts 17:16-34
Remaining alone at Athens, Paul is not interested in its monuments and sculptures. His heart is stirred and shocked at discovering that this city, famous for its culture, is filled with the most dreadful idolatry. In the market place he meets the philosophers from different schools, who had worldwide reputations for their wisdom. Intelligence has been given to man so that he can discern the eternal power and Godhead of his Creator (Romans 1:20). Now the ignorance of these eminent minds confirms that "the world by wisdom knew not God" (1 Corinthians 1:21). He is in the midst of them, an "unknown God". Beginning at the beginning, Paul speaks to them of the "Lord of heaven and earth" (v. 24), who has revealed Himself not only in creation, but now also in redemption. This sovereign God "now commandeth all men every where to repent" (v. 30). Thus no-one, not even you, can pretend that this command is not for him.
Intellectual curiosity has nothing in common with the real need of the soul. Certain of Paul’s hearers openly mock him; others put off until later their consideration of these things. But some believe. These are still the three results of the gospel when it is preached today.
