Acts 17: Paul Preaches and Uncovers Idols

Paul Preaches and Uncovers Idols

Paul and Silas made it to Thessalonica and Paul preached the word on three Sabbath days (as was his custom) that Jesus was the Christ and had to suffer and rise from the dead. More people began to follow Jesus and the Jews who did not like what was happening became jealous. The gathered wicked men and formed a mob to find Paul and Silas. Instead they found Jason (his house served as the church) and brought him before city officials. Jason and those that were with him had to leave a security deposit to keep the riots from happening again (Acts 17:1-9).

Paul and Silas were saved and were sent to Berea and went to another Jewish Synagogue. These Jewish people received the word and were more noble and eager to receive the word. But once the Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul and Silas were there, they went there too looking for them. Paul and Silas were made to escape which sent Paul to Athens and Silas and Timothy to meet up with him later (Acts 17:10-15).

While Paul was in Athens, he saw that the city was full of idols. Some didn't want to hear what he had to say and other saw him to be a preacher of foreign divinities (they did not know of Jesus). Paul goes on to tell them that their "unknown God" (as was an inscription on some idols) did not live in temples made by man (Acts 17:17-31). 

As "cool" as it is to have a nice gold crucifix or a bracelet or set of beads, we must remember that God does not live in these items. If you need a reminder of what Christ did for you, then personally I understand. But personally, you have to make sure that what you have is not for looks or fashion or to be in awe of others. Just because you have the biggest crucifix necklace or the shiniest crucifix necklace, it doesn't mean that you are a believer. Your necklace and Christ inspired jewelry is not what truly represents your faith in Christ. It is what you do with that faith in Christ.Will you serve? Will you love others? Will you submit to the will of God? That is a true mark of your faith, not what you wear or what idol you have made.
 
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