Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Comment; What was the core of Paul’s message?
- God is not an idol, constructed by men. He is alive and understands.
- God is righteous, people are not. God calls all to repentance.
- The past ignorance God is prepared to overlook, but He is now calling all to repentance.
- Judgement is coming by the resurrected Jesus, whose name is not recorded here.
- We are left a bit ‘up in the air’. They invite Paul to finish another time. Some are so interested that they immediately attach to Paul, and a small group f believers (church) is established.
By putting off to ‘another time’ for deeper thought, many are saying ‘no’ to the idea.
Prayer: Judgement is fixed by You for the future, O God. Help me to face the issues as Your Word presents them.
As I read it! 