Day 1198: True nobility - Acts 17 vs 11 - 21
11-12 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13-14 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the market-place every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities” - because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19-20 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. Acts 17:11-21 English Standard Version
What is true nobility? The Greek word means to be 'well born', and it's where the word 'Nobility' comes from. But the ‘Nobility’ are not always noble! We read today that true nobility is seen when the gospel is received eagerly, and people diligently examine God's word. Oh that more of the Nobility of our day would be such people!
The apostle’s ministry led to many Jews believing the gospel, as well as some noble Greek women. But Jews from Thessalonica who were hostile to Jesus came to to Berea to stir up opposition. Silas and Timothy stayed on to strengthen the Church that had begun, while Paul was hurried away to Athens. Even today we see that hostility to Christ and the gospel is far more than it is towards other religions. There's something about the gospel that upsets people. Why do you think this is so? (vs 16).
It's because the message of the gospel is contrary to all the idols of the world, indeed, to everything that people love more than God. Even Muslims, who say they’re against idols, still make a pilgrimage to Mecca to kiss a Black Stone – one of their most sacred objects. I'm sure that Paul would've been as provoked if he saw the devotion given to football, and to the pop star celebrities of our generation. A true love for God ought to provoke us when we see the world's vain worship. What did Paul do? (vs 17)
He reasoned with them. Particularly with the Jews who ought to have been more open his message. Much like people today, the Athenians and foreigners spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new! One did not need a cellphone to fall into that mindset. So they asked Paul what he could contribute to their discussion.
The Epicureans believed that managing our desires, removing unnecessary fears, cultivating friendship and virtuous living, would lead to a pleasant life and constant happiness, the highest good. They taught that, though many gods exist, they have no involvement in human affairs. The Stoics believed in daily self-discipline and moral improvement, and that the universe operated according to reason. We must live in accordance with nature and align our life with that sense of reason and the rational order of the universe. One can see how such people would be filled with pride in their achievements.
But Paul proclaimed Jesus Christ, and the resurrection, which to them seemed to be nothing but babbling! But Paul knew from Jeremiah that man's heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, and that in their pride they were hopelessly lost.