Global Missions Conference

Daily Devotional

Day 12

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.” Acts 17:16–17

Read: Acts 17:16–34

Athens was renowned for its art, science, literature, and philosophy. Athens’ reputation had endured for five centuries before Paul’s time. Socrates, Plato, and a host of others had invigorated the city. Pericles had developed its democratic political system. At the height of her glory, Athens had constructed several great temples.

None of that seemed to register with Paul. He was “greatly distressed” not greatly impressed. He saw a city “full of idols” not a city full of wisdom. Paul was a monotheist. He was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). He knew what Scripture taught about idols and was passionate about it: “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below” (Exodus 20:4).  It’s instructive to see that his passion didn’t lead him to a purely emotional response. “So he reasoned in the synagogue…as well as in the marketplace.” Paul had zeal and fire in his belly, but he also had logic. We might describe his response as “logic on fire.”

Taipei is the capital of the Republic of Taiwan. It’s a hub city for East Asia for hi-tech, business, and culture. Though Taiwan has a small population (23 million), it has one of the largest foreign currency reserves in the world (over $500 billion). One surprising aspect of the city to many Westerners is the mixture of modern life with ancient religion. Taoist and Buddhist temples are widespread and small outdoor shrines to local deities, often with candles, figurines, and offerings, are commonplace. The Bible shows clearly that the gospel Paul proclaimed was communicated publicly in the marketplaces of the ancient world. Taipei is like many huge Asian cities with its international businesses and global networks. If the gospel can take root there, then it will spread across Asia and beyond. 

Question

What distresses you when you visit a city?

Action Step

Ask God to reveal idols you may have in your heart: money, comfort, sport?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are the one, true, living God. Thank you that there is no other. Forgive me for replacing you in my life with feeble substitutes like comfort, approval, security, money, and pleasure. Send your Holy Spirit into my heart and life to cultivate a zeal for your holiness and a commitment to your truth. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.