Communicating with people is a tricky thing. It has become increasingly difficult because of texting and other forms of written communication where without proper context of "tone," unfortunately, things can be easily misunderstood. Paul didn't have to worry about texting, but he did have to worry about speaking to an audience in a way that they could hear him.
"for as I was walking along, I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about." Acts 17:23
As I mentioned before, Athens was a city of great idolatry (see April 25). Paul could have easily condemned them for this idol worship by pointing out the pagan idolatry and attacking it head-on. Instead, he was concerned about Athenians "hearing" the Gospel so rather than attacking, he used grace. The word interpreted "shrine" here was not a negative connotation but meant more like places of devotion. Paul saw their devotion to so many idols and decided to reach them where they were.
Paul was speaking to some of the most brilliant minds of the ancient world. Like Jesus and the woman at the well, he did not condemn but spoke to them from where they were. They were religious men with many gods, so in God's wisdom, he spoke to them about the idol he had before him, "To an Unknown God." If Paul would have criticized their idols, biblically he would have been correct, but spiritually he would have missed reaching the people. If he attacked their gods, they would have at least stopped listening and at most arrested him.
He didn't need to attack their gods. Instead, He showed them the real God! Can you see this in situations in your life? There are plenty of situations for us to condemn, there is rampant sin in our friends, families, and co-workers. The Lord loves them and desires for them to come to Him and to repent, but we must use wisdom to show them Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to bring conviction on their brokenness or have them come to us after they have come to Christ to help them walk the walk!
1 comment:
Yes! Attacking or accusing only pushes others away. This can be very trying at times especially if you do not see any change BUT we are to be salt & light to everyone. Jesus said Himself, He didn’t come to call the righteous, but the sinners, to repentance. How will they know if we don’t show them! Jesus came for all of us, He loves unconditionally. Never throw someone else’s sin in their face, as I once was told when we point our finger at someone else we have three pointing back at ourselves.
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