In Acts 17, we find Paul in Athens – a city that mirrors our modern culture in striking ways. Like Paul, we’re called to engage with people who are close to us but far from God, bringing the gospel into spaces that may feel hostile or indifferent to our faith.

What Made Athens So Challenging?

Athens wasn’t just another stop on Paul’s missionary journey. This was a powerhouse city known for philosophy, military might, and stunning architecture. When Paul walked through the streets, he encountered temple after temple, idol after idol – a visual assault on his Jewish sensibilities that left him deeply disturbed.

But the real challenge wasn’t just the idols. Athens represented three major worldviews that still dominate our culture today.

The Battle Between Being Good vs. Being Happy

Two philosophical schools dominated Athenian thought:

The Epicureans believed the gods were distant and uncaring, so their philosophy was simple: pursue happiness and pleasure. Whatever makes you feel good is what you should do.

The Stoics believed the gods were everywhere, constantly watching, so they emphasized moral behavior out of fear of divine retribution.

Sound familiar? This is the same question driving our culture today: Should we strive to be good or should we strive to be happy?

The Agnostic Middle Ground

Then there were the academics – followers of Plato and Socrates who couldn’t figure out the truth about the divine. They were so uncertain that they built an altar “to the unknown god” – just in case they offended someone. This sounds remarkably like people today who attend church on Easter and Christmas but don’t let faith impact their daily lives.

How Did Paul Engage This Hostile Culture?

When Paul was brought before the Areopagus (Mars Hill) – essentially the Supreme Court of Athens – he didn’t panic or retreat into a Christian bubble. Instead, he engaged thoughtfully and strategically.

Paul Knew Their Culture

Notice that Paul quoted their own poets. He had taken time to understand what the Athenians believed and how they thought. He didn’t just preach at them; he engaged with their ideas and met them where they were.

Paul Addressed Each Worldview

In his Mars Hill speech, Paul systematically addressed each philosophical group:

• To the Stoics: God isn’t like your gods who need constant appeasement. He’s the creator who gives life and breath to everything.
• To the Epicureans: God isn’t distant – “he is not far from any one of us.”
• To the Agnostics: “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

Paul Proclaimed the Resurrection

The foundational document of Mars Hill explicitly stated that once someone dies, they cannot rise again. Paul directly challenged this by proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection – the very heart of the gospel that changes everything.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

We live in our own version of Athens. Most Americans are being discipled by algorithms rather than the Holy Spirit, spending eight hours a day on social media platforms. We’re surrounded by people asking the same fundamental questions the Athenians asked.

Do You Know Your Athens?

Paul didn’t just preach in Athens – he engaged with Athens. Are we engaging with the culture around us? Do we actually know what’s driving the people close to us but far from God?

The challenge is to step out of our Christian bubbles and listen. Use your two ears and one mouth – do twice as much listening as speaking. Christians are often great at answering questions no one is asking.

Where Is Your Mars Hill?

Your Mars Hill might be the gym, your workplace, a coffee shop, or your neighborhood. These are the places where real conversations happen, where people wrestle with life’s big questions.

The Power of Repentance

When Paul called the Athenians to repent, he wasn’t asking for minor adjustments. Repentance means a complete 180-degree turn – stopping in your tracks and going in the opposite direction.

Whether someone has been living for happiness, trying to be good through their own efforts, or sitting on the fence of agnosticism, the gospel calls for a complete reorientation of life around Jesus and His resurrection.

Life Application

This week, identify your Athens. Where are you regularly around people who are close to you but far from God? Instead of scrolling through social media, spend that time actually engaging with these people. Listen to their questions, understand their worldview, and look for opportunities to share how Jesus addresses their deepest concerns.

Ask yourself: Am I living to be good or to be happy? How does the gospel of Jesus offer a better way than either of these approaches? How can I engage my culture without compromising my faith?

Questions for Reflection:

• Who are the people in your life who are close to you but far from God?
• What questions are they asking that you could address with the gospel?
• Are you spending more time in Christian bubbles or engaging with your culture?
• How does the resurrection of Jesus change everything about how you approach life’s challenges?

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