What did Paul really say in Athens, the hotbed of Greek philosophy?
Despite all that’s false or perhaps wicked in the Aeropagus, Paul does not assume that the pagans have absolutely no true knowledge of God apart from the Bible.
There was already in Athens, even before the coming of an evangelist, a recognition that there was a god who was yet unknown, deserving a public shrine.
God has already spoken in Athens and His voice is not entirely unheeded. Of course, their knowledge, apart from the gospel, does not save since they suppressed it.
Yet Paul recognized the echo of the voice of God in the shrine to the “unknown God” as a common ground upon which he would preach Christ and His resurrection.
The apostle even cited Aratus’ poem “Phainomena” (Acts 17:28) approvingly as part of his rational argument on behalf of the gospel. “We are all his offspring”.
“In Him we live and move and have our being” was ironically quoted from Epimenides of Crete, a pagan philosopher.
The important point is: Paul started at the place where his audience was.
He sought out *existing* common grounds before laying a critique on their belief system.
For example, he didn’t cite the Ten Commandments to critique idolatry. The Athenians may not even have heard of Moses. Instead, he argued that since we are God’s offspring as their own poets agree, we should not think of God as man-made statues.
Paul displayed willingness to understand their thoughts and use what is true and good for the cause of Christ. Depraved minds may reject truth, but not incapable of knowing truth.
Practical application to us, would-be apologists, today:
Be familiar with the opposition’s views. Seek out common ground, even in pagan sources, before offering critique. Don’t argue on authority that they have yet to accept.
(Credit to George Mavrodes, Flight from Reality, for insights on the unknown god)
Despite all that’s false or perhaps wicked in the Aeropagus, Paul does not assume that the pagans have absolutely no true knowledge of God apart from the Bible.
There was already in Athens, even before the coming of an evangelist, a recognition that there was a god who was yet unknown, deserving a public shrine.
God has already spoken in Athens and His voice is not entirely unheeded. Of course, their knowledge, apart from the gospel, does not save since they suppressed it.
Yet Paul recognized the echo of the voice of God in the shrine to the “unknown God” as a common ground upon which he would preach Christ and His resurrection.
The apostle even cited Aratus’ poem “Phainomena” (Acts 17:28) approvingly as part of his rational argument on behalf of the gospel. “We are all his offspring”.
“In Him we live and move and have our being” was ironically quoted from Epimenides of Crete, a pagan philosopher.
The important point is: Paul started at the place where his audience was.
He sought out *existing* common grounds before laying a critique on their belief system.
For example, he didn’t cite the Ten Commandments to critique idolatry. The Athenians may not even have heard of Moses. Instead, he argued that since we are God’s offspring as their own poets agree, we should not think of God as man-made statues.
Paul displayed willingness to understand their thoughts and use what is true and good for the cause of Christ. Depraved minds may reject truth, but not incapable of knowing truth.
Practical application to us, would-be apologists, today:
Be familiar with the opposition’s views. Seek out common ground, even in pagan sources, before offering critique. Don’t argue on authority that they have yet to accept.
(Credit to George Mavrodes, Flight from Reality, for insights on the unknown god)
Comments
It's a huge blessing for me.
God has sent you to teach me what should I do..
Thanks.
Keep in touch..
Ronaldo