Day 4-Engaging the Culture with the Gospel (Athens)

As we stepped off the bus this morning and began to ascend the Acropolis, the skies over Athens were heavy, gray and full of the threat of rain. As we reached the top, a light sprinkle quickly passed through. Then, as if on cue, the clouds broke and the sun burst through with radiant light, painting one of the most spectacular rainbows arcing from the city below up and over the hill where Paul once stood.  A divine reminder of promise and presence that God is still at work in this city and in every heart that seeks Him.

We walked where Paul walked in Acts 17, a city filled with idols. Scripture says Paul was “greatly distressed” as he saw a people searching for meaning, yet missing the truth. From the synagogue to the marketplace and finally Mars Hill (Areopagus), Paul reasoned with everyone he met, proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection.

Here, Paul models how to engage our culture, not with outrage or apathy, but with compassion, wisdom, and courage. He knew Scripture deeply, understood people personally, and spoke truth clearly in their own language. Among those who heard him was Dionysius the Areopagite, who believed and, according to early church tradition, became the first bishop of Athens.

As we sat on Mars Hill, with the marketplace down below, we considered Scripture and Paul’s encounters here. 

May, we too, be moved by what moves God, rooted in truth, and fluent in the language of our world so others may know Christ.

Jerrell