May 12 - Always be Prepared

Acts 17:16-29

In today’s reading we find Paul in Athens. He speaks in the synagogue and in the marketplace with a variety of people and eventually encounters “A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers (who) began to dispute with him.” My Concordia Self Study Bible notes indicate that Epicurean philosophers originally taught that the supreme good in life was a lasting happiness. But at the time of Paul’s interaction “this philosophy had degenerated into more of a sensual system of thought.”The Stoic philosophers “taught that people should live in accord with nature, recognize their own self-sufficiency and independence, and suppress their desires.” By Paul’s time this system had become a system of pride. Ultimately this leads to Paul addressing a larger group of Athens’ citizens and responding to questions about God and the gospel.

It turns out that Paul is up to the task of defending his faith. He tells the crowd in simple terms about the one true God and ultimately presents the gospel message. Acts 17:34 confirms this by stating “A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”

Like Paul, we are surrounded by people who hold life philosophies that are different from ours – and like Paul we should be prepared to share the truth of God and the gospel. 1 Peter 3:15 has some good advice on this topic: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

When there is an opportunity to share our story we can learn from Paul how to present our faith in simple terms and follow Peter’s advice about doing so with gentleness and respect. Let’s look for opportunities to do that in the days ahead!