Sabbath: Mission to the Unreached: Part 1
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 2nd of December 2023
Read for This Week’s Study
Acts 17:1-34, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Romans 1:18-25.
Memory Text:
“ ‘The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands’ ” (Acts 17:1-34:24, NIV).
Depicting what Paul did in Athens, Luke wrote: “Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:1-34:17, NKJV).
Naturally, Paul would have been most comfortable working among the Jews, his own flesh and blood. But Paul refused to be satisfied with working among only his own people. He had been called to reach others, as well.
Or Paul could have worked just with the “God-fearing” Gentiles, whose worldview already had undergone substantial change. They had a biblical foundation that Paul could build upon, even if they still needed to know the God whom they “feared”—Jesus the Messiah.
But, no. While in Athens, a city famous for its philosophy, Paul sought to reach the people there, as well. Many of these had a radically different background and worldview from that of the Hebrews and their sacred history, which formed the foundation of the faith that Paul wanted to teach the Athenians.
How did Paul go about seeking to reach these people, and what can we learn from his attempts?
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 9.
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Perhaps the real success of Paul's mission to the impossible was not in his direct presentation of arguments with people, but in leaving behind congregations who were led by the Holy Spirit to live Christ-like lives. And perhaps we too need to learn the Gospel of living.
Amen Brother! We are not called to live lives that "deny the Power of God" (2Tim.3:5), but to live lives that testify to the prevalence of Power of God that overcomes the world! 1John5:4
It is a very interesting bible study when you compare the sermon from Peter in Acts 2 to the jews and the one from Paul in acts 17 to the greeks. The jews had a biblical foundation and the greeks did not. As Maurice has pointed out to us many times we live in a world today that has no foundational knowledge of the Bible and what it teaches, in other words we live in a secular society. This raises the question how do we evangelize to this secular world. Being a witness thru our lives for sure has an impact but when they ask questions how do we answer them. I have found that being familiar with genesis 1-11 helps a lot to give a foundation for where we are today and why we as christians believe the way we do. Secondly I like to point out to those secular people that I look at the world from a bibical view and I don't wonder into secular views to make my case to them. Just a few thoughts for you this week. Have a happy Sabbath Tim.
Footnote
Some would say the Paul wasn't very successful in his presentation to the greeks but I would submit that he was very successful in converting people when you consider the environment he was in.
Thanks much for your observations, Tim.
Regarding Paul's sermon in Acts 17:18-31, I get the idea that he wasn't too happy with the results, because he said later that "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2) That makes me think that, even in a secular society, preaching Christ is still the best approach. The initial chapters of Genesis are important to establish who Christ is and why we need salvation. And it seems that that is the path you have chosen. May God bless you continue to minister to those in your circle of influence.
The world still offers a multitude of gods to those who are seeking after the spiritual meaning in life. Unfortunately, the hold of old religions is still strong in many parts of the world, as it appears that their call to follow their gods is still heard by many.
Paul speaking to those already believing that their is a god, reasoned with them to replace their god with the Creator - God of heaven and earth -, who sent to mankind His Son to become our risen Savior and teacher. A teacher who’s Truth comes directly from the mouth of ‘the Lord of heaven and earth who does not live in temples built by human hands’ – Acts 17:1-34; 24.
Paul was learned enough to fully understand the differences between the old and the new Coventant as it regards the Old Testament law, but he was also inspired by the Holy Spirit to explain the difference a risen Savior makes that was sent by the Father to bring His children home by/through faith.
I believe those willing to reason for their faith but follow the wrong gods will most likely discuss the reason why the Christian’s God is more superior then their own. We need to be prepared to answer their questions, deep down knowing the reason for our faith, and able to communicate it intelligently to who ever asks us to explain why we believe such to be the Truth revealed by our God - 1.Peter 3:15.
To be efficient in preaching the Gospel to others requires a connection with the Author of it. God can use whatever talent you and I may have and make this work.
My comment is on our memory text. It seems to contradict Exo. 25:8. God said "Make me a sanctuary and I will dwell among you" and true to his God's glory would be seen in the temple. The problem though is Jews now believed in the temple. They thought as long as the temple is in their midst the could do as they pleased (Jer 7:4). God dwells with those of a humble and contrite heart