Paul Preaches to the Greeks in Athens

Text:Acts 17:16-34

Reflection and Question: This section of Acts preserves for us an example of how Paul proceeded when he entered a new place to preach and build a following from which to begin a church. He surveyed the scene and then sought out a public forum where he could engage in discussion. Paul does not begin with his distress over a city filled with idols. Instead he highlights the altar to “an unknown god” and reinterprets Greek philosophy familiar to his listeners to bring them to Jesus, the righteous one raised from the dead. How would you proceed to share your faith in a strange place?

Prayer: Spirit of Jesus, the righteous, You inspired Paul to speak and some like Dionysius and Damaris joined him as believers. May it be Your will to inspire us in our time to speak like Paul and to listen like Damaris always to Your glory. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).