The Foolishness of Preaching
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked:
and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed
from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed;
among which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named
Damaris, and others with them.
Acts 17:32-34
Read Psalm 89:15-18
In the Bible, we read that the preaching of Christ crucified is a stumbling
block to the Jew and foolishness to the Gentiles. The latter was true of Paul’s
hearers; they regarded his address as foolishness. They began to speak derisively
of God’s servant, especially when he began to speak about the resurrection
of the dead at the end of time when Christ returns. Any talk of being
raised from the dead was unheard of in Greek culture; that a person would
be raised from the dead and be given a new body that would live eternally
was utter foolishness to them. Greek thought was more concerned about
man’s soul; the body was secondary to them. It seems that some Christians
think in this way as well, for they take part in all kinds of activities that
are not becoming of Christians. They do not consider that their bodies are
temples of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are important; one day they shall be
raised from the dead.
Suddenly, some of Paul’s hearers began to mock. That often happens when
individuals do not accept an idea; they resort to ridicule. Some comedians
earn a living by making fun of basic Christian principles to satisfy their audiences.
If you love the Lord and His service, this should offend you and cause
you sorrow.
But some hearers reacted in a friendlier way, saying they would consider
what Paul had said; yet they disregarded his message. Thankfully, there
were some who came to a true faith. This is a great wonder, just as it is a
miracle when you too may, by grace, love the Lord.
Thought: Have you personally experienced the miracle of God’s grace in
your life so that you have begun to love Him?
Psalter 422:5 (based on Psalm 89)
How blessed, Lord, are they who know the joyful sound,
Who, when they hear Thy voice, in happiness abound!
With steadfast step they walk, their countenances beaming
With brightness of the light that from Thy face is streaming;
Exalted by Thy might from depths of desolation,
They praise forever Thy Name, Thy justice and salvation.
