Read: Acts 17:16-32
Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.” (v. 22)
As I read this section of Acts 17, my heart races and my blood pressure soars. Here the apostle Paul has taken the gospel on the offensive into the heart of enemy-occupied territory. I’ve stood on the Areopagus in Athens, Greece, with some of my students and urged them to follow Paul’s example. To picture the Areopagus in Paul’s day, imagine yourself standing on a small hill made of solid rock strategically positioned to overlook the bustling financial and business district of a great city like New York or Washington DC. From that vantage point you’ll also see statues to the Roman and Greek gods proudly standing like sentries, feebly blessing and protecting all that happens in the city. It’s here where Paul makes his defense of the gospel. What courage! What obedience to Jesus’s call to go into all the world.
Here’s my takeaway from this account. We must, as followers of Jesus, become more courageous and vocal about the gospel in uncomfortable places. It’s one thing to share your love for Jesus in your small group at church, where most people affirm you. It’s quite another to offer your convictions humbly but boldly where nobody accepts it. But we must follow the example of Paul—disregarding our fears and feelings of inadequacy. And remember that wherever you go, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God is with you!
As you pray, ask God for courage and wisdom in sharing the gospel.
Dr. Timothy Brown is the Henry Bast Professor of Preaching and President Emeritus at Western Theological Seminary where he served from 1995-2021. Tim continues to actively coach and encourage former students and pastors who seek help in their preaching life and he has become a certified public school substitute teacher so that he can continue investing in the lives of young people. He is married to Nancy and together they have three children and ten grandchildren.
