Inquisitive Greeks
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics,
encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say?
other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of some strange gods:
because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Acts 17:18
Read Psalm 135:15-21
Paul engaged the Athenians in conversation, which led to a discussion about
the worship of deities. The people he debated with were philosophers from
the schools of Epicurus and Zeno. Greece was well known for its various
schools of philosophy. There were many free thinkers who promoted their
unbiblical teachings, seeking to influence their followers. A few followers of
Epicurus and Stoa, ancient teachers who lived four centuries before Christ,
still existed in Athens and promoted their beliefs. These philosophers believed
very different things about the gods than the biblical truths that Paul
brought to the public forum.
Epicurus, for example, taught that man ought to enjoy as many earthly pleasures
as possible in this life. They believed that the existing gods did not
get involved with man’s life on earth, so their motto was to enjoy life to the
fullest extent possible.
Paul brought a very different message; our earthly life is preparatory for
the one that is to come. God in heaven took reasons out of Himself to provide
for us by sending His only Son to save sinners like you and me. When
the philosophers heard this message, they held Paul in contempt. In their
haughtiness, they called him a babbler. We still see this air of superiority in
others today when someone seeks to defend the Christian faith. When, for
instance, you oppose a homosexual lifestyle on biblical grounds, you will be
viewed with contempt.
Thought: In our society today, every religion is given just as much credibility
as Christianity.
Psalter 415:3 (based on Psalm 25)
Call to mind, O Lord Jehovah, Tender mercies manifold,
And Thy store of loving kindness Which has ever been of old.
Sins of youth remember not, Nor recall my hidden transgression;
For Thy goodness sake , O God, Think of me in Thy compassion.
