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By Tyson Thorne

August 16, 2017
 
 

During his second missionary journey Paul traveled to one of the great cities of his day and what he noticed was a culture in confusion – a culture ripe for the gospel message. The city was a jewel of the Roman empire whose culture, artwork and practices started long before there was a Roman power. The city was full of temples, but none were as great as the acropolis which stood on high ground and was the center of pantheon worship. People came from around the world to worship, and they still do. The city is Athens, and Paul had his work cut out for him.

If you’ve read our commentary on the book of Acts then you know that, culturally, Paul’s day was very much like our own. There was a focus on sexuality, wealth was a sign of spiritual blessing and intellectual prowess, idolatry was literally everywhere and aside from these priorities the rest of the cultural values were in flux and confusion. The idolatry in particular rankled Paul. The more he walked the marketplace, the more idols he spotted. In shops, on shop doors and roofs, in the middle of the streets and at water fountains. Each new deity inflamed Paul’s righteous anger more and more.

Walter Truett Anderson, author of several political commentaries including Reality Isn’t What it Used to Be, makes an interesting comment about American culture – one which is equally true of ancient Athens:

Never before has any civilization openly made available to its populace such a smorgasbord of realities. Never before has a communications system like the contemporary mass media made information about religion—all religions—available to so many people. Never before has a society allowed its people to become consumers of belief, and allowed belief—all beliefs—to become merchandise.

This is the root of Paul’s anger, an anger he did not permit to lead to sin. Instead he channeled it toward a commitment to take the true and only gospel to the people. One thing you have to admire about Paul, he never felt helpless and always stuck to the mission. Regardless of the size of the city, Paul’s game plan remained the same. First he went to the synagogue to try and convince his people of the truth of Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah. Following these debates he made himself available to all, including common Gentiles, in the marketplace. This was his regular habit, and any interested in his teachings knew where to find him.

Like Athens, America needs Jesus-followers willing to swim against the flow and offer the truth about Jesus. For exceptional training on how to do that, see our previous series on Engaging Culture. Training is important, but more important still is a willingness to obey our commission and the courage to do it. In Matthew 28.19-20 Jesus said:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This explains a lot about Paul. It explains his mission and, perhaps just as important, his fearless attitude when presenting the gospel. His mission is obedience to the command to go and make disciples, and his courage stems from the truth that Jesus never leaves our side no matter how bad our circumstances may get. This command and this hope were not given to the apostles only, they were given to each and every Jesus-follower. Now, follow Jesus other command: “So Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’ “ (Luke 10.37)