Pine Village Christian Church

Like Paul, we must have open eyes and broken hearts.

Athens was in a period of decline at this time, though still recognized as a center of culture and education. The glory of its politics and commerce had long since faded. Paul had to confront 2 opposing philosophies: Epicureans and the Stoics. The Epicureans were materialists and atheists,
The Stoics rejected the idolatry of pagan worship, they taught that there was one “World God.” and that the most important thing in life was to follow one’s reason and be self-sufficient.

Some laughed and mocked and did not take Paul’s message seriously.
Others were interested but wanted to hear more. A small group accepted what Paul preached, believed on Jesus Christ, and were saved.

When you contrast the seeming meager results in Athens with the great harvests in Thessalonica and Berea, you are tempted to conclude that Paul’s ministry there was a dismal failure.

Proud, sophisticated, wise Athens would not take easily to Paul’s humbling message of the Gospel. The soil here was not deep and it contained many weeds, but there was a small harvest.

Take the Gospel to your “Athens."