The Apostle Paul was waiting in Athens for members of his team. I’m sure he was praying, planning, and preparing his heart, mind and strategy to reach the souls of this needy city. As he walked the streets and learned of its culture, something inside of him began to stir. The word “stirred” means, “Moved; agitated; put in action.”
Acts 17:15–17
“And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.”
How needy this city was! How little they knew of the true God! Paul’s spirit was so stirred that he couldn’t wait any longer! He began to dispute with the Jews in the synagogue and with others in the market daily.
Do you sense the Apostle’s urgency in these verses? Oh, how we need some urgency in evangelistic work
today! Think of how much we could accomplish if Christians’ hearts were stirred for the lost in such a way that they were absolutely compelled by their own conscience to do something about it. They could not wait on others. They could not linger until the next scheduled soul-winning time. They could not wait until the next missions conference. They had to do something today! If this were the case today, more tracts would be passed out today, more soul winners would be on the streets this week, more money for missions in offering plates this weekend, and more families surrendering to mission work.
Oh, how we need some urgency in evangelistic work today!
Why was the Apostle Paul so stirred to reach this city? Could those same truths stir our hearts to new urgency for God’s work? I believe they can.
There are certain truths that captivate the heart and demand attention. These four truths changed the Apostle Paul forever and insisted that he tell the world about Christ.
1. The Condition of Sinners.
As he waited for his partners in ministry, the Apostle Paul was moved by the condition of sinners. What did he see in these Athenians?
A. Idolatry
Acts 17:16
“Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.”
What is idolatry? Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines like this.
IDOLATRY
1. The worship of idols, images, or any thing mode by hands, or which is not God.
Idolatry is of two kinds; the worship of images, statues, pictures, &c. made by hands; and the worship of the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon and stars, or of demons, angels, men and animals.
2. Excessive attachment or veneration for any thing, or that which borders on adoration.
Athens was well past its golden age when the Apostle Paul arrived. Corinth had become the political and commercial center of Greece. However, Athens had a storied history and was still a center of art, culture, and knowledge.
It was home to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Its library was one of the best in the world. Athens boasted of a storied history with great statesmen like Pericles and Demosthenes as well as profound teachers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
The idolatry of Athens stirred Paul to Gospel work. In the market he met tradesmen coming from work, business men selling their wares, and families purchasing goods for their homes. Most of these were held in the cold grip of idolatry. How could he, knowing the Truth, sit idly by while the multitudes trusted their souls to fables and devils?
It is said that at the time there were over 30,000 gods in Athens. Peterronius, one of the ancient historians, said that is was easier to find a god in Athens than a man! False gods could be found to cater to every desire. Religions from the disgustingly sensual to the weirdly detached and everything in between were available.
B. Ideology
Acts 17:18
“Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”
Two popular philosophies are mentioned in verse 18. They represent the extremes of humanistic thinking. Many religions and philosophies today still carry versions of their teaching.
Epicureans were followers of Epicurus the son of Neocles. He was born over 300 years before Christ. Epicureans are atheistic materialists. They believe
there is no God and that pleasure is the highest virtue.
There were two sects of Epicureanism. Strict Epicureans taught pleasure of the mind through moral virtue was the highest goal. Loose Epicureans taught that pleasure of the body in sensual and gluttonous living was the best life had to offer.
Most Epicureans followed the loose path. They taught that pleasure was to be pursued and pain avoided. They sought to be free from from anxiety and fear by living in the moment. “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” was their mantra. They would be like the “Existentialists” of today.
Stoicks were followers of Zeno. He founded Stoicism in the early 3rd century BC. Stoicks were pantheists who believed that a god or gods ruled the universe and the highest goal was virtue in the midst of chaos. They resigned to live life as it came. Their motto was “Grin and bear it.” They strove for moderation of emotion and pleasure. Apathy was regarded as a virtue. They would be like the “fatalists” of today.
These twp philosophies embody two of the great enemies of the Gospel – pleasure and pride.
C. Ignorance
Acts 17:23
“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.“
The multiplicity of deities in Athens displayed their ignorance of spiritual truth. Mankind has a default setting that requires a deity. The only people on Earth that reject the idea of a god are those who have been educated out of it. Atheists and agnostics fail to see that their worldview requires as much faith as a religious person. Often their attempts to explain God away require more faith than simply believing the Bible!
The Athenians were ignorant of their lost condition. They didn’t realize that they were one heartbeat away from an eternity separated from the true God.
They were ignorant of their destination. They were unaware the fiery hell of eternal torment awaited them.
They were ignorant of true salvation. Blinded by their attempts to please a multiplicity of false gods, they could not see the simplicity of salvation by grace through faith.
Paul was stirred for souls by the condition of sinners.
2. The Gospel Of Christ
The Apostle Paul had the truth! He could not wait for others to arrive! He could not delay waiting for a more convenient time or better resources! He was compelled to preach Christ!
Do you have the same passion? Is there an urgency in your spirit to get the Gospel of God’s love to every creature?
Paul made opportunities to dispute daily in the market and in the synagogues on the Sabbath. “Dispute” means to “say thoroughly” or “discuss in argument or encouragement.” What was Paul’s message? He preached unto them Jesus!
Acts 17:17–18
“Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”
The answer to idolatry, ideology, and ignorance is the preaching of the Cross!
Paul used their superstition as an opening to preach Christ.
Acts 17:22–23
“Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.” For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.”
What was the Apostle Paul’s message?
1. There is one God above all others.
Acts 17:24–25
“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;”
2.This God created you and everything else.
Acts 17:26
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;”
3. This God wants a relationship with you.
…
“Are you consumed with sharing God’s everlasting love? Or are you ashamed of the Gospel?”
…
Acts 17:27–28
“That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”
4. This God expects you to repent.
Acts 17:30
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”
5. This God is holding you accountable for your decision about His invitation.
Acts 17:31
“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
That’s good preaching! Today our world needs the same message!
Paul was stirred for souls by the Gospel of Christ.
Allow me to give you three more truths from the inspired writings of Paul that caused him to be stirred up for the cause of Christ and seek the souls of men.
3. The Love of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:14
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”
The Apostle Paul was captivated – consumed – by the love of Christ. It underpinned every action he took.
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
God loves you. What a life-changing thought! The God Who created the heavens and earth loves you. The God Who formed you in the womb loves you. He doesn’t just like you. He isn’t simply interested in you. He loves you! He thoughts of you number more than all the grains of sand on earth. He thinks of your situation. He’s concerned about your well-being. He wants what is best for you. He looks forward to spending eternity with you. Yes, you!
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
The Love Of God
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky. Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure— The saints’ and angels’ song.
Oh, how God loves us!
Ephesians 2:4–5
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
God loves the world. His love is not only for you or those that like you or those who believe like you. His love is for the whole world. He doesn’t want anyone go to Hell. He would rather they trust Christ for salvation.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Christ makes salvation possible to every kindred, tongue, people and nation.
Revelation 22:17
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
This truth mixed with God’s call compelled the Apostle Paul to travel far and wide preaching the Gospel to all who would listen. He knew the Gospel was the power of God unto salvation for all who would believe. He was not ashamed to preach the gospel to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Romans 1:14–16
“I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Are you captivated by the love of Christ? Are you consumed with sharing His everlasting love? Or are you ashamed of the Gospel?
We must be convinced to our core that we will shamelessly share the Gospel to anyone who will listen.
Paul was stirred for souls by the love of Christ.
4. The Example of Christ.
Jesus Christ was our great missionary example. He left the comfort of Heaven. He sacrificed more than we can comprehend to purchase our salvation.
1 Corinthians 15:1–4
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
The Apostle Paul was a student of our Lord Jesus Christ. He studied Him first as a persecutor then as a preacher. Paul knew Christ by divine revelation and daily experience. He knew the lengths that our Lord went through to make salvation possible. The sacrifice of Heaven. The humiliation of denial. The sacrifice of the Cross. The defeat of death. Jesus Christ left an example of doing whatever it takes within the bounds of righteousness to save souls!
The Apostle Paul was compelled by Christ’s example. His life shows that he learned the lesson well.
2 Corinthians 4:5–10
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
In 2 Corinthians chapter eleven, Paul gives a resume’ of suffering he went through to spread the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 11:23–28
“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
The Apostle Paul was a maniac on the missionary trail. No test could detour him. No trial could stop him. No prison sentence would finish him. No punishment could break him. He just kept going from town to town, from person to person preaching Christ.
Why? So that he could save some soul from the fires of hell.
How does your commitment to the Gospel compare? Are you willing to go without, to suffer for the sake of the Gospel? Perhaps that means you leave the comforts of home to serve on a foreign field. So be it. What if God calls you to start a church in the states? Do it. Could you be more dedicated to your church helping your pastor fulfill God’s vision. Probably.
Full commitment to the Gospel certainly implies that you will spread it on your daily journey and make time for soul winning. Are you at least willing to go without some worldly comforts or pleasures in order to funnel money to world missions? You should be. God is keeping a tally of your investments into eternity. You should too. Paul was stirred for souls by the example of Christ.
5. The Leading Of The Spirit.
Paul surrendered to God completely after his salvation. He was called to reach sinners, but how would he decide where to go? Out of all the people on earth, who was he supposed to talk to? Where would he begin?
Paul learned to follow the leadership of the Spirit of God.
Acts 16:5–10
“And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.”
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a priceless gift to every believer. His work in us and through us is incredible. I have counted 34 indispensable operations of the Spirit in the life of every Christian found in the Bible, yet most believers go throughout their day without realizing that He is there. Don’t be one of them.
Decide today that you will get to know the Holy Ghost. You will sense His presence. You will beg for His power. You will follow His direction.
The guidance of the Spirit is necessary in mission work. Over 7 billion people in the world need the Gospel, yet you can only be in one place. The Holy Spirit can tell you where to start.
You probably have multiplied thousands of people within driving distance of your house that need the Gospel. Which ones should you tell today? The Spirit can guide you. What will you tell them? The Holy Ghost will remind you.
The Holy Spirit is the key to Gospel work. Without His anointing and unction all of your hard work and best intentions will fall flat. His voice is still and small, yet unmistakeable to those who are listening. His power is eternal and undeniable, yet He is easily grieved and quenched by sin. His desire is to help you be like Christ and fulfill your purpose on Earth, but He can be resisted by a stubborn will. Be filled with the Spirit and everything else begins to fall into place.
Galatians 5:16
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
The three groups Paul Found in Athens still need the Gospel today.
The Religious
Paul visited the synagogue to preach Christ there. Is there anyone further away from God than those who cling to an alternative to Christ? It is more difficult to win a truly religious person to Christ than those who are not. Yet, they need the Saviour as badly as everyone else.
The Common People
These are they who have religious beliefs, but are not bound by them. They are so busy trying to live life, make money, and raise a family that they are not faithfully religious. This is the group that Christ spent the most time with and they received Him gladly.
The Intellectuals
These are they who saw through the folly of false religion, but replaced it with the emptiness of atheism and agnosticism. They believe man made philosophies that give them permission to live as if there is no God. In their pursuit of knowledge they have become fools. Oh, how they need Christ!
Every living soul needs the salvation that only Christ can provide. Don’t look at anyone with preconceived ideas of whether or not they will get saved. Choose to see their need and love them where they are. Preach Christ to all that will hear! Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you.
Paul was stirred for souls by the leading of the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul was stirred for souls. These truths insisted that the Apostle reach his world. They moved him to action in the most desperate of times. They were common themes throughout his preaching and inspired writings. They created an urgency in him that stirred his heart to action.
These Bible truths will stir us to action if we meditate upon them until we are captivated by them.