Answers
By BGEA Staff • February 27, 2024 • Topics: Bible
Q:
Touring parts of Greece recently my husband and I were stunned to learn that many people there still worship the ancient gods. We visited the Parthenon and were disappointed that there was no indication of where the Apostle Paul actually gave his address to the people of Athens. Isn’t this what made the location famous?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
As Paul was proclaiming Christ to the people of Athens, his spirit was troubled because the city had been given over to idols. Paul was given a forceful escort to the Areopagus, named for the Roman god of war, and also known as Mars Hill. This was the court of law where people gave speeches and debated world problems. While on the way, men asked Paul to explain his new doctrine.
Standing in the midst of the crowd, he said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22–23, NKJV).
The pagan society had a niche for every god in the world. They worshiped the constellations and the physical body, and they indulged every pleasurable obsession.
Paul preached the Gospel and dismantled the false power of the gods to whom the Athenians looked upon and bowed down, proclaiming that God made from one blood every nation to dwell on the face of the earth … that they would seek the Lord. This message still resounds today around the world.
The city of Athens in Paul’s day was not much different from today’s carnal culture. Idols today are not statues made of gold and marble, but from entertainment, technology, and fashion industries. May we humble ourselves before God in repentance and make Him the center of our thoughts, words, and deeds.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)G
