Acts 17
Paul's motives for preaching the Gospel come from the distress of seeing Athenians worshipping idols. He saw the emptiness and futility of their conversations that were devoid of meaning. Paul sought to start where the people were and to bring Christ to them. He commended them where he could, used creation as a starting point, talked of certainties when he could and used their culture to talk of Christ and His coming judgment.
He talked of what they knew and what was around them v22-23, he then talked of God in relation to the universe they saw, humanity around them and the idols and images they were obsessed with, before talking of the response they needed to make. All this raises questions of what our preaching is like today? Are we even connecting with the everyday people in the marketplace? Is our message as clear and compelling as Paul's?
Ch 18 The gospel goes to Corinth
Paul seeks friendship with like-minded people, he has friends join him, and seeks the friendship and company of other believers. God's command and all comes to Paul to keep preaching the word of God because God "has many people" in Corinth.
Paul started in the synagogue, moved out of it and into the court when he was brought there. When hindrances came, he saw them as opportunities and used them.
Paul travelled widely, with the clear intent of preaching the gospel and encouraging the believers.
We are told Apollos has a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, he spoke with great fervour and taught about Jesus accurately. Aquila and Priscilla heard him and invited him into their home to explain the way of God more adequately. His preaching was a great help to others who had believed. Apollos was one link in the chain of the gospel going out to people and them believing.
I must similarly ask what my:
Knowledge of the scriptures is?
My enthusiasm is like?
My willingness to take help from others is?
My preaching is like?
Value is in preaching? Does it benefit others?
No comments:
Post a Comment