On Sunday, we looked through Acts 17:16-34 to see the first instance of Paul’s engagement not just in the synagogues, but in the wider Gentile world. Paul encounters the world of philosophy and pagan religion, facing them head on. Here we see how the Gospel stands strong in the marketplace of ideas and among competing religious worldviews. As Paul sees the various idols in Athens, he is stirred in his spirit to proclaim the Gospel. He engages and confronts the differing worldviews, seeking to persuade and expose deficient worldviews with scriptural truth. Reaching the climax, Paul preaches about Christ and His resurrection, resulting in multiple responses to the Gospel. Similar to Paul’s day, we too live in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious country - where Christianity faces challenges from every side. Yet, we have seen that Christianity is still intellectually credible, emotionally compelling, and life transforming. Christianity has stood strong in the public sphere for 2,000 years and continues to do so today. The risen Jesus will one day return as our righteous judge, and He calls us to respond in repentance and faith.
