Lesson by Pastor John Skaggs
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church
P. O. Box 1173
Claypool, Arizona 85532
520-425-8345
pastorjohn@gila.net
Date: 01-21-01
Sermon Number: 31
Text: Acts 17:15-34
Topics Addressed in this Lesson
(The existence, character, and requirements of God)
The God Who Made Us
No matter where Paul tried to preach the Gospel danger surrounded him. His life was sought in Thessalonica so he fled to Berea. There he received a much better reception. For the Jews in this Synagogue were genuine seekers of God. These Berean Jews listened to the great Apostle preach and then searched the Old Testament scriptures to see if he was telling the truth or not. What they found was proof that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the promised Messiah. Many of them, therefore, believed and were saved. But Paul had to flee that city leaving Timothy and Silas behind. For the Jews from Thessalonica heard of his preaching in Berea and came seeking his life. Once again some of the brethren escorted Paul out of the city, this time, all the way to Athens Greece.
(Acts 17:15-34 NASB) "Now those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. {16} Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was beholding the city full of idols".
As Paul gazed out on this godless city he experienced a mix of emotions. He was provoked to anger no doubt out of jealousy for God. Here was man created to glorify God, but instead, they were worshipping idols in the form of man and beast. The city was literally full of idols to pagan gods. Therefore the residents of Athens were without God and without hope in the world for there is no God but one. Every idol is a lie. It is a lie on two counts. First, if the idol or image is intended to depict God it is a lie for no man has ever seen God, therefore, the idol is not a true depiction. The Bible tells us that God is a spirit who cannot be seen, drawn, or carved. Second, the idol is a lie if it is intended to represent other gods for there are no gods’ save one, the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The situation was grave but it did not deter the great Apostle.
{17} So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. {18} And also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. And some were saying, "What would this idle babbler wish to say?" (The word behind the English words, "idle babbler," means "seed picker." It was used to describe one who picked up scraps of ideas here and there and passed them off as truth and wisdom but who had no real depth of understanding at all. At the outset then these, "philosophers" thought very little of Paul, to them he was an idle babbler.)
Others, (had a different opinion of him and said . . .) "He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities,"-- because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. {19} And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, (Areopagus (air×ee-ahp×uh-guhs; Gk., ‘hill of Ares’), a low hill in Athens northwest of the acropolis. The hill had stone seats for the council that met there, the origins of which went back to the advisory council of Athenian kings. Though the council’s political power had declined by the fifth century b.c., it retained jurisdiction over cases of homicide. Paul is said to have spoken on the Areopagus (Acts 17:19, 22) and converted a member of the council, Dionysius, Acts 17:34). "May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? {20} "For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; we want to know therefore what these things mean." {21} (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.)Epicurean philosophy, mentioned in verse seventeen, was the teaching that pleasure and the avoidance of pain is the chief end of man. This group did not deny the existence of gods but they believed they did not intervene in the affairs of men. They taught that, at death, the body and soul disintegrate and there is no afterlife. The Stoics, on the other hand, believed that one reached the pinnacle of human existence when he or she could become indifferent to pleasure and pain, feeling nothing was their goal. Both systems are among the many attempts by men to deal with life and death apart from God and the truth of Christianity.
Athens was the center of human wisdom and culture but its citizens were devoid of true wisdom, for they did not know God. So, once again Paul put his life on the line to preach the Gospel. But he must approach these people differently. Had he been speaking to Jews exclusively he could assume they believed in the existence of God, the creation work of God, the sinfulness of men, and the need for repentance. But he was not in the Synagogue at this point. These people had not been given the law and the prophets. They were strangers to the covenants and promises. They were ignorant though they thought themselves wise. Therefore, Paul begins at the beginning, with God. {22} And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. {23} "For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you." In other words, "I am going to tell you about the God you do not know". And so he begins. {24} "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands . . ."
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the Creator of the world and everything in it. It did not evolve, it did not occur by chance, it was not created by any of your so-called gods, rather, Jehovah created the world and everything in it. Further, He is Lord of His creation. Which is to say, the God who made all things rules over all things to this day and forever. Your so-called gods have nothing to do with governing the world or your lives. Paul might have quoted from Daniel at this point saying, " . . . . "But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?" (Daniel 4:35 NASB) The God I speak to you about is supremely powerful to the extent other so called gods and men cannot overthrow or hinder His intent. And one more thing, the true God does not live in temples such as you have built for your gods. Isaiah 66:1 makes this very clear. "Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?"
Paul moves on quickly to declare, {25} ". . . neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; . . ." Have you ever thought about this truth? You and I cannot add anything to God. We cannot meet His needs for He has none! He is the giver of all things, we are the takers, the beneficiaries of His immeasurable wealth. God needs nothing from us, He has no emptiness within that men can fill. He demands obedience yes, but He is in no way diminished if man does not obey. Neither is He made richer if we do. Hear the word of the Lord.
(Job 35:6-7 NASB) "If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against Him? And if your transgressions are many, what do you do to Him? {7} "If you are righteous, what do you give to Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?"
(Job 41:11 NASB) "Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine."
(Romans 11:33-36 NASB) "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! {34} For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? {35} Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? {36} For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."
Contrary to the so-called gods these Athenians worshipped Paul’s God was not a beggar of food, wealth, or human lives. Rather, He is the Creator and owner of all things and, therefore, "needs" nothing from man. If man did not exist at all the true God would not be diminished or lacking. What man is God has made him, what he has God has given him.
Paul goes on now to expand on his assertions. He has proclaimed God as the Creator and Lord of all, now He speaks of specifics. {26} ". . . and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, . ."
What a wonderful statement; ". . . and He made from one, every nation of mankind." This truth should prevent the sin of prejudice from entering the life of the Christian and the body that is the church. But at last it has not done so. Sin has caused us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and more poorly of others than we have a right to. We are prone to look down on people different in color, race, or status, than we are. This was as bad a problem in Athens as it is today. Paul addresses the issue by revealing the truth about men. All have been created by God and are the offspring of one man Adam. God made from Adam every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth! Indeed, on the human level, we are all brothers and sisters with the same Creator and the same human parents, Adam and Eve. May God be pleased to convict us of and cleanse us of the sin of prejudice in light of this truth.
Malachi 2:10 asks the question, "Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?" The answer can only be because we are sinners by nature and practice, otherwise, we would love our fellow humans. Remember dear ones, God does not look on the outward appearance but on the heart. He is no respecter of persons and we are to imitate Him in this. The showing of partiality is sin.
Paul takes our thoughts to yet another topic in verse twenty-six when he declares God’s sovereignty in the affairs of men. {26} ". . . and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, HAVING DETERMINED THEIR APPOINTED TIMES, AND THE BOUNDARIES OF THEIR HABITATION, . ."
Here is a resting place for all the Children of God. Here you will find green pastures and refreshing water with an abundance of food. The place is called "The Sovereignty of God." He has made us and He has ordered our lives in every detail. He has appointed and ordained exactly where I would live on this earth, when I should live, and when and how I will die! Praise God! He who made us and owns us and, therefore has rights over us, has in fact done with us as it pleased Him. He has appointed our times, and the boundaries of our habitation. Our lives are and will be as God has determined they should be. My counsel to you is this, "Ly down in this profound truth and rest your weary souls!" In this valley you can be free of fear and anxiety.
{26} ". . . and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, HAVING DETERMINED THEIR APPOINTED TIMES, AND THE BOUNDARIES OF THEIR HABITATION, . ."Hear with me the words of God. (Deuteronomy 32:7-8 NASB) "Remember the days of old, Consider the years of all generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you, Your elders, and they will tell you. {8} "When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, When He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples . . ."
In Job 14:5 we find him speaking of God’s control over life and death. " . . . . . The number of his months is with Thee, And his limits Thou hast set so that he cannot pass."
(Daniel 11:27 NASB) "As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time." Does this truth bless your heart like it does mine? There is a time for everything under the Sun and God is the one who appointed it. Everything comes to us either directly or indirectly from our all-wise God and it comes right on time! We must learn to rest in our Lord’s Sovereign rule of all He has created.
Paul now moves on to the why of man’s creation. {27} ". . . that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; . ." God created man and then began to reveal Himself so that men would seek and worship Him. Therefore, all who fail to seek and worship the true God have failed to do what they were created to do. Such people will be without excuse for their sin in the day of judgment. That men do have some knowledge of God is made clear in the Bible.
Consider the words of Psalms 19:1-4. "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. {2} Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. {3} There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. {4} Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. . . ." God’s creative works reveal to all men everywhere the reality of His existence.
(Romans 1:18-20 NASB) "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, {19} because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. {20} For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they (all humans on earth) are without excuse." No man, regardless of where he lives, his education, privileges or lack of the same, will be able to offer a defense for his unbelief on judgment day. For God has revealed Himself to all men in every age and they are without excuse. Men were created to seek, worship and thereby glorify God and will be damned if they do not do so.
Having told the Athenians that they should seek his God instead of their gods he now gives reason to do so. {28} for in Him (as opposed to any other so-called God.) we live and move and exist, (The God about whom I speak is the only Creator of men. He is the one who orders and controls all that He has created including you. We live, move, and exist by God, through God, because of God, and for God. Does it not seem reasonable that we should worship this God and no other?) as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His offspring.' {29} "Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man."
Paul’s arguments on this point might have included the following scriptures. (Exodus 20:1-6 NASB) "Then God spoke all these words, saying, {2} "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. {3} "You shall have no other gods before Me. {4} "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. {5} "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, {6} but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."
(Isaiah 44:9-20 NASB) "Those who fashion a graven image are all of them futile, and their precious things are of no profit; even their own witnesses fail to see or know, so that they will be put to shame. {10} Who has fashioned a god or cast an idol to no profit? {11} Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are mere men. Let them all assemble themselves, let them stand up, let them tremble, let them together be put to shame. {12} The man shapes iron into a cutting tool, and does his work over the coals, fashioning it with hammers, and working it with his strong arm. He also gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. {13} Another shapes wood, he extends a measuring line; he outlines it with red chalk. He works it with planes, and outlines it with a compass, and makes it like the form of a man, like the beauty of man, so that it may sit in a house. {14} Surely he cuts cedars for himself, and takes a cypress or an oak, and raises it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir, and the rain makes it grow. {15} Then it becomes something for a man to burn, so he takes one of them and warms himself; he also makes a fire to bake bread. He also makes a god and worships it; he makes it a graven image, and falls down before it. {16} Half of it he burns in the fire; over this half he eats meat as he roasts a roast, and is satisfied. He also warms himself and says, "Aha! I am warm, I have seen the fire." {17} But the rest of it he makes into a god, his graven image. He falls down before it and worships; he also prays to it and says, "Deliver me, for thou art my god." {18} They do not know, nor do they understand, for He has smeared over their eyes so that they cannot see and their hearts so that they cannot comprehend. {19} And no one recalls, nor is there knowledge or understanding to say, "I have burned half of it in the fire, and also have baked bread over its coals. I roast meat and eat it. Then I make the rest of it into an abomination, I fall down before a block of wood!" {20} He feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has turned him aside. And he cannot deliver himself, nor say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
In the New Testament Paul says, "Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. {5} For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, {6} yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." (1 Corinthians 8:4-6 NASB) These are all things Paul might have said in addition to his statement in verse twenty nine, "Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man."
Everything Paul has said to this point is vital, necessary, truth but it is not enough. To recognize that God exists, and even understand who He is, will not save the sinner. Salvation comes only through special and specific revelation concerning Christ. That is why Paul concludes his message by presenting to his hearers the Gospel. {30} "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, (the time from Adam to Christ) God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, {31} BECAUSE He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (This Man is, of course, Jesus) {32} Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, "We shall hear you again concerning this." {33} So Paul went out of their midst. {34} But some men joined him and believed, . . . ."
Christ’s coming brought about a change in the way God dealt with humanity. In the past, Old Testament times, God overlooked many things because of ignorance. That is, He didn’t always judge sin as severely as He could have in reference to the pagan nations. Paul says this mercy was extended because of their ignorance. But things are different since Jesus came. Not only is there the general revelation of nature declaring the glory of God, now there is Christ. Christ who died, and rose from the dead. Christ who preached the Good news and was the exact representation of God. Christ who was God in the flesh. Christ who revealed beyond any doubt the will of His Father that all men must repent or perish. Christ who has been preached to all men. Paul says, "You worshippers of idols must turn from your sin to serve the true and living God I have revealed to you today. You must do so for He is the God who made you, owns you, keeps you, and is due your worship. It is reasonable and right that you should trust this Jesus. But in addition understand this, the judgment is coming.
This God who appoints all times and seasons has fixed a day on which all men will be judged by Jesus Christ the Lord. The standard will be perfect righteousness, which no man possesses in and of himself. Therefore, you must repent and trust in Him who God gave to be the Savior of all who come to Him by faith. He is both the Savior of believing sinners and the Judge of all who shun Him.
In John 5:22–27 Jesus said: "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, in order that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man."
Dear people, this is the Gospel from beginning to end. This is your God. He is the Creator of all, the Owner of all, the Governor of all. In Him we live, move, and have our being. He is our God and He is our only Savior who came in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the God who lay down His life for sinners that we might be saved from His wrath. This is the God who you must reconcile with or perish. And the only way to appease His anger and wrath toward you is to come to Him through His Son Jesus whom He has given to die as a propitiation of His wrath. Jesus is the One, the only One, who can satisfy and quench the wrath of God toward sinners. You must repent of your sin and trust Him for acceptance with God. And when you do your sins will be forgiven and you will have everlasting life. May God be pleased to make this message a source of comfort to Christians and of eternal life to those who began this day in unbelief. Trust Jesus with your never dying soul, you will not be sorry you did so.