Read Acts 17:18-21 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. Who did Paul have a debate with?
2. How did they react when he told them about Jesus and His resurrection?
3. Where did they take Paul, and what did they ask him to do there?
Reflect
No matter where he went in Athens, Paul told the story of Jesus, including to a group of philosophers. The Epicureans believed God existed but wasn’t involved in humanity. Their main purpose was pleasure and happiness. The Stoics were all about the rational over the emotional. Paul entered a conversation, and these philosophers invited him to speak to the high council. Even though they didn’t fully understand, Paul stayed focused on his main message, which was Jesus.
Jesus continues to be our message today. There are all kinds of messages in this world – self-help, prosperity, horoscopes, and more. The message of Jesus is the only one that says God sees you and loves you. It’s the only message with the power to redeem, save, and restore those who are lost, hurting, and broken. Everything we do and say should point to Jesus and the hope that’s available in Him.
Would you say your life points to Jesus? How intentional are you in your words and actions to point to the hope that’s available in Him? Who in your life could use that hope today?
Respond
Pray through today’s reading, reflecting on the questions just posed. What do you think God is prompting you to do in response? Write it down, share it with a friend, and take a step to start making it happen.