Acts 17

Acts 17:1

On his second missionary journey, Paul left Philippi and headed toward Thessalonica, approximately two hundred miles away. On his way there, he traveled through two cities. Evidently, Paul passed through these two cities quickly, for they were small, and his strategy was to impact the major population centers so that in due time they could send out their own missionaries into the more remote areas. Historically, such was the pattern of Christian missionary service. But when news of David Livingstone’s work in the jungles of Africa reached the church, mission strategy began to take a new course as missionaries left the urban centers and headed into the bush. While I praise the Lord that missionaries are going to primitive areas, I pray that the Christian community will not neglect the metropolitan areas of the world, for if major population centers can be reached with the gospel, I believe we will see a renewing of Paul’s missionary strategy as national believers in turn effectively minister to the more isolated areas in their own countries. Whenever Paul went into an urban area, the first thing he did was head for the synagogue. To those with an understanding of the Old Testament and somewhat instructed in the ways of God, he would explain the plan of salvation. If Paul were to go into a city of Europe today, he would probably make his way toward the Catholic church in order to minister to those who, because of their affiliation with the church, have already shown an interest or an inclination toward God. If he were in Egypt, on the other hand, he would head probably for the Coptic Church and talk with those whose association with that church expresses an interest in the Lord, even though they may not yet have a personal relationship with Him. When Paul walked into a synagogue, it was obvious by the way he carried himself and by his style of speech that he was a learned scholar, a rabbi. As was the custom in those days, the ruler of the synagogue would turn part of the meeting over to a visiting rabbi of Paul’s stature. Parents, how we need to reason with our kids out of the Scripturesnot merely telling our kids what to do, but telling them why. Truly the Word is reasonable. It’s logical. It makes sense.

Acts 17:3

This presented a thorny problem to the Jewish theologian who knew passages like Isaiah 53, which spoke of a suffering Messiah, but also Psalms 2, which spoke of a ruling Messiah. The only way to reconcile a Messiah who reigned with authority, with a Messiah who suffered brutally, was to have two Messiahs. Thus, the Jews called the reigning Messiah “Messiah Ben David,” after Israel’s mightiest king. They called the suffering Messiah “Messiah Ben Joseph,” after the Old Testament hero who suffered unjustly at the hands of his brethren. In the synagogue, Paul opened the Scriptures and explained how both sets of prophecies were fulfilled in one Person, how Jesusson of Josephwas the suffering Messiah who was crucified on the Cross, but after three days, HeSon of Davidrose from the dead to rule and reign forever. As seen so beautifully in the ministry of Paul, the key to opening the Scriptures is always to look for, talk about, and focus on the Person of Jesus Christ. Whether sharing with children, talking to a neighbor, or teaching a Bible studythe key to opening men’s hearts is to look not for principles of parenting or methods of marital communication, but for Jesus Christ. Our faith is not in a philosophy, not in principles, but in a Person. You will be a wonderful Bible student and an excellent Bible teacher if you learn this simple lesson: talk about Jesus. Look for Jesus. He is the key to opening Scripture.

Acts 17:4

The Word, the Word, the Wordthat’s what impacted the Jews in the synagogue. It wasn’t Paul’s excellence of speech, but his exposition of the Scriptures that caused them to believe.

Acts 17:5

The unbelieving Jews, envious of the ministry of Paul and Silas, decided to take action against them. When people bring accusations, almost invariably it is due to a deeper reason than that which appears on the surface. Therefore, if you’re working with people, it’s wise not to listen to the charge itself, but to seek the Lord concerning the underlying problem. Envious Jews gathered some rabble-rousers to start a riot and assault the house of Jason, wherein Paul and Silas were staying.

Acts 17:6

“Those who have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” When man rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden, he caused this world to be plunged into rebellion. The world, therefore, is not what it was supposed to be, nor what it was intended to be. It’s upside down. Thus, by turning an upside-down world upside down, Paul and Silas actually turned it right-side up! The charge against Paul and Silas was treason. Church historians record six million Christians were killed in the first two and a half centuries for refusing to say, “Caesar is Lord.”

Acts 17:9

Evidently, the Jews made a deal with Jason, saying, “If Paul and Silas get out of here and don’t come back, we won’t press charges. Send them out, Jason, and give us money as security.” Jason complied in order that Paul and Silas could go free. I’m not sure if this was wise of Jason, but I understand his heart. Perhaps it wasn’t the highest road, but it was certainly understandable. He didn’t want Paul and Silas harmed.

Acts 17:10

You gotta like these guys! I think I would have been burnt out by repeatedly being beaten and/or imprisoned every time I entered a new citybut not Paul and Silas. They just kept going for it.

Acts 17:11

The Bereans listened to Paul as he taught in the synagogue. Every day, they searched the Scriptures, saying, “Let’s check out the teaching Paul’s giving. Let’s consider what he’s saying as it relates to the Scriptures.” And because the Bereans searched the Scriptures daily, they have been noted throughout the ages as being noble.

Acts 17:12

Folks, the power is in the Wordit’s not “What do you think?” or “What do I think?” but “What does God say?” How many problems would be solved, how many questions would be answered if people would only take the time to study the Scriptures daily. Faith comes not by encounter sessions or group therapy, but by hearing the Word of God (Rom_10:17). Faith comes to those who are in the Word, for only the Word can affect lives, change hearts, strengthen faith, and renew minds.

Acts 17:13

“Time to go, Paul,” said the Bereans. “We’ve heard the Word and understand it. Now, since the Jews are out to get you again, you’d better keep moving.”

Acts 17:15

Paul left Berea and headed for the next city, the city of Athensthe intellectual capital of all of history, the city of Aristotle, of Plato, of Socrates. The Athenian architecture alone was overwhelming. To this day, the Parthenon is considered the most architecturally sophisticated building in history. To allow for optical illusion, it was constructed in such a way that the roof lines are concave and the columns lean inward so that the structure looks perfectly straight when viewed from any direction at any distance.

Acts 17:16

While Paul waited for Timothy and Silas to join him, his spirit stirred within him, for here, in the intellectual center of the world, were over three thousand altars and temples built to different deities. The temple dedicated to Aphrodite, with temple prostitutes abounding, was man’s attempt to justify sexual promiscuity. The Temple of Zeus was for those with a “Clint Eastwood Make My Day Mentality” who were into savagery. The Temple of Bacchus was for those who enjoyed alcohol. Paul’s heart was stirred within him. But notice that he neither mobilized people politically to campaign against idolatry nor gathered a group of people to take a stand culturally. What did he do? Read on.

Acts 17:17

What did Paul do about the idolatry that broke his heart? He talked. In the church and on the street, Paul dialogued daily concerning the idolatry that gripped the city. I am discovering that it’s my job as both a pastor and as a father to dispute, to dialogue, and to discuss in depth. Mom and Dad, we have the responsibility and the privilege to talk to our kids constantly, to share with our kids consistently, to invest in our kids wiselynot so much telling them what to do, but teaching them how to think so that, slowly but surely, they will make the right decisions. How do we teach our kids how to think? Through the Scriptures. How long has it been since, like Paul, you’ve talked with your kids in depth concerning issues as they relate to the Word? In 2 Kings 4, we read that the responsibility of one of the young men who studied under Elisha was to prepare breakfast. But when the other students dove into the meal, they spit it out, saying, “This stuff is terrible. There’s poison in the pot.” Spitting and sputtering, they were about to dump out the whole thing, when Elisha said, “Hold on. Don’t dump it out. Take the mealthe good stuffand pour it into the bad stuff.” They did, and a miracle transpired, for when the good was poured in, the poison dissipated. That’s the key, Mom and Dad: We are not to pick the poison out of our kids’ lives, for that will only lead to legalism and result in resentment and rebellion. Instead, we’re to pour in the meal of the Word when our kids are poisoned by the pottage of the world, for greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1Jn_4:4). Not only are we to pour in the meal, but we are to let the dirt go, for in 2 Kings 5, we see another relevant example in the life of Elisha… Naaman, a Syrian who had leprosy, was told by Elisha to dip in the Jordan River seven times. When Naaman obeyed, he was healed immediately. He then said to Elisha, “I must go back to Syria, but I want to take some soil from Israel with me so I can worship Jehovah at home.” You see, in this region of the world, the prevailing point of view was that gods were local and could only be worshiped on the soil of the country of their origin. That is why Naaman wanted to take dirt from Israel back to Syria. Elisha’s response? “Go in peace. Do it.” “Elisha, what are you doing?” I protest. “You know that the God of Israel is not a local deity to be worshiped superstitiously. Why didn’t you correct Naaman?” But upon further reflection, I believe there’s a wise reason Elisha let Naaman return to Syria with dirt from Israel. That is, Elisha knew Naaman’s understanding of God was very limited. Naaman had been touched by God, had received healing from God, but he was not yet very deep in his knowledge of God. Did Elisha give him a lecture on theology? No. Elisha simply let him go his way, knowing that as a brand-new baby believer, he would, in time, discover he didn’t need the dirt at all. So, too, Mom and Dad, if we fight every side issue our kids struggle with, when they face the crucial issuesthe ones dealing with sin and black-and-white matterswe will not have their attention. We see a lot of Christian young people whose circuits are blown because a well-meaning parent pushed too hard on nonessential matters and fought the wrong battles. Consequently, as a father I have to pray, “Heavenly Father, help me to know what issues are essential for my kids. Help me see which questions need to be addressed, and help me, Lord, to let the bags of dirt go.” Folks, our Father delights in dilemmas without easy answers because they make us go to Him. A lot of us would rather talk to a pastor, read a book, or seek counsel from a friendbut in so doing, we are robbed of the opportunity of cultivating a deep, intimate, eternal relationship with a Father who says, “See Me for specific instructions. Search the Scriptures daily, and I’ll guide you and show you what battles need to be fought, for I alone know the hearts of your children.”

Acts 17:18

The Epicureans and Stoics now get involved in the fray. Epicureans were the philosophers who said, “Eat, drink, and be merry. Tomorrow we die, so satisfy yourself sensually. Live the good life. Relax. Take it easy.” Epicureans were couch potatoes. The Stoics, on the other hand, were aerobics instructors. “Be disciplined,” they said. “Free yourself from anything that is emotional, sensual, or material.” The Epicurean said, “Enjoy life.” The Stoic said, “Endure life.” Neither considered eternal life. Neither Stoic nor Epicurean believed in eternal life. Therefore, Paul’s talk about the resurrection captured the attention of both.

Acts 17:19

The AreopagusMars Hillwas three hundred and thirty-seven feet in elevation and located in the center of Athens. It was the place where philosophers hung out and where the council of education and religion met daily. Whenever a new religious thought was propounded, it had to clear the council of education and religion. I find it fascinating that the Atheniansthe smartest men in history from the world’s perspectivesaid, “Religion and education are inseparable.” How far we have come from that today.

Acts 17:21

The Athenians endlessly analyzed and continually discussed new things. But, folks, if it’s true it’s not new. And if it’s new, it’s not true. What the Athenians needed, what saints today need, is not some novel truth or new understanding. We need a return to the old truths that have been with us from the beginning. If you’re searching for some new book, tape, or teaching that will suddenly unlock the mystery of spirituality, you’ll be on a wild goose chase. Paul warned that in the last days people will not endure sound doctrine, but will heap up unto themselves teachers who will tickle their ears with some strange doctrine (2Ti_4:3). How I thank the Lord for every church family that has over the months and years determined to know the Word and the sound doctrine of this timeless Book.

Acts 17:22

“I can see, as I look around, that you are very religious.” So Paul began what is unquestionably his most polished presentationcomplete with good introduction, applicable illustrations, and sequential order of thought. In verse Act_17:24, he spoke of the greatness of God. In verse Act_17:25, he spoke of the goodness of God. In verses Act_17:26-27, he spoke of the government of God. In verses Act_17:28-29, he spoke of the glory of God. In verses Act_17:30-34, he spoke of the grace of God. Yet I personally believe, as we will see, that this was one of the most ineffective messages of Paul’s ministry. While it was his most polished, it was his least powerful. While it had great finesse, it bore little fruit.

Acts 17:23

Although the Athenians had three thousand altars and temples in their city, worried that they might have missed or forgotten someone, they dedicated a huge altar to the Unknown God.

Acts 17:24

God is our Creator. “The Unknown God is the God who made everything,” Paul declared. “He’s too big for any singular temple or any carved altar no matter how beautiful or impressive it might appear.” In Exodus 20, the Lord said, “An altar of earth thou shalt make unto Me…And if thou make an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone, for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it” (Exo_20:24-25). In other words, the Lord said, “If you build Me an altar, make it very simplepreferably of dirt. If you use rock, don’t carve or polish it. Keep it simple so that the attention of the people will remain focused upon Me instead of on the altar.” This gives me great hope because, although I want my life to be used by the Lord, I am increasingly aware of my plainness, my earthiness. I’m not very polished. I don’t know if I’m “cut out” to do great things for God.

Yet, according to Exodus 20, these very doubts make me eminently qualified! Paul said, “We have this treasure [Jesus Christ] in earthen vessels” (2Co_4:7). We’re not fancy vases. We’re just plain canning jars, boasting not of our exteriorbut of whom we have within. If you don’t feel capable to share, witness, teach, or minister, you are an ideal candidate because God will get the glory, not you.

Acts 17:25

God is our Providerwe are not His provider. Any implication that God needs our money to keep from going under financially is completely amiss. God needs nothing. I, however, need to tithe, for if I don’t give the way the Word instructs me to, I will become a restricted personselfish, materialistic, and very unlike my Father. The Father is a giver. He loves us so much He gave the ultimate gift when He gave His Son (Joh_3:16).

Acts 17:26

God is Creator, Providerand Ruler. He has established the boundaries of all men, the boundaries of all nations. This means that the boundaries of the nations are governed by God. There is a lot of talk today, even in Christian literature, about getting rid of nationalism. “If there were no separate nations,” proponents say, “the world could just be one big village, one Spaceship Earth.” In reality, however, the Bible teaches it was God who established nations. In Genesis 10, it is clearly seen that after the Flood, boundaries were established in which men would dwell nationally. This is part of God’s plan for the world in its fallen state.

Study history, and you will see the wisdom of His plan, for invariably, whenever a nation has overstepped its boundaries in an effort to swallow another country or culture, oppression, racial prejudice, bitterness, and death have been the result. Therefore, while there is indeed a unity of humanity in which God has made of one blood all nations, there is also a diversity of nationality in which He has established boundaries for our protection until the time Jesus Christ returns to rule and reign with righteousness.

Acts 17:28

Creator, Provider, Ruler, God is also our Father. I’m so thankful that our God is also our Father. Near the turn of the century, a little boy, walking along the Mississippi River, saw an old man on the bank and began to chat with him. Suddenly, the little boy saw the majestic riverboat, the River Queen, making her way down the river. As the boat drew closer, the little boy stood up and began to shout at the top of his lungs, “Let me ride! Let me ride!” The old man looked at him, smiled and said, “Sit down, sonny. That riverboat’s not going to stop for you.” Then, to the old man’s amazement, the mighty River Queen did indeed slow down and pull up to the bank. And as the little boy ran up the gangplank into the arms of the awaiting captain, the old man heard him utter two words that explained it all: “Hi, Dad!” That’s the way it is with us. “God’s not going to answer you,” say the old men in our lives. “He’s too busy. He’s got elections to oversee and famines to figure out.” Not true. Any of us who have little children know that the cry of our children has precedence over anything else we do. And the same is true of God.

Acts 17:30

Creator, Provider, Ruler, Fatherfinally, God is our Savior. “Previously, in His grace,” said Paul, “He overlooked your ignorance. He winked at your idolatry.” Here is where many people make a grave mistake. Because God is not judging them or chastening them, they think they’re getting away with the sin in which they’re involved. What they fail to factor in, however, is the longsuffering of God. Folks, we make a critical error whenever we mistake the patience of God for apathy or impotence. As Paul said, “God has been gracious. But now is the time to repentto change your mind, to change your direction.” In John’s Gospel, Jesus said the Father had committed to Him all judgment (Joh_5:22). Therefore, Jesus is “that man” to whom Paul referred. I’m so grateful Jesus is my Judge because, having been “in all points tempted like as we are” (see Heb_4:15), He understands what I’m going through and the battles I wage. Before he began his ministry, Ezekiel was caught up by the hand of the Lord and brought to the river Chebar, where the people of Judah were held captive (Eze_3:15). Before Ezekiel delivered His heavy message of judgment, God first had him sit with the captives. So, too, Jesus looked on the multitude with compassion (Mat_9:36). He didn’t come down on the sheepHe felt for them. Why? Because He sat where they sat. He walked where they walked. Our Leader, Jesus Christ, has gone through everything we’re going through or will ever face. He understands it. Others might say, “What’s wrong with you?” Not our Lord. He says, “I understand. I was tempted in the same way. I know exactly what you’re struggling with.” Before I can be effective in ministry, I must first sit where others have sat. It’s easy to come down on people, easy to find fault with people, easy to be critical of people. But when you sit where they’ve sat, you have a ministry based on compassion and mercy, forgiveness and love. I believe the Lord allows us to go through hurts, pains, and struggles physically, emotionally, and spiritually because they are what give us hearts of compassion. Here Comes the Judge A Topical Study of Act_17:30-31 How will God judge the aborigine in Australia who never knew the gospel? How will He judge the woman in New Guinea who never heard of Jesus? How can He judge the man in central Africa who was never exposed to the plan of salvation? I don’t know. But I do know that our text tells us He will judge righteously, fairly, and perfectly. On the day of judgment, no one will say, “Unfair!” On the contrary, all will bow and say, “Righteous and true are Your judgments, O, Lord” (see Rev_16:7). The Bible teaches that the Day of Judgment is comprised of two parts: judgment of believers and judgment of unbelievers. Judgment of Believers The next event on God’s timeline is the Rapture of the Churchwhen the Lord will come for we who believe and escort us to heaven, where we will spend a seven-year honeymoon with Him. During that time, we will stand before Jesus at the judgment seat of Christ (2Co_5:10). Please understand that the judgment seat of Christ is not a place where we will be judged for our sinsfor every flaw and failure, every sin and shortcoming was paid for on Calvary. “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” declares the Lord (Isa_43:25). “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psa_103:12). I’m so glad God said, “as far as the east is from the west.” If He had said, “as far as the north is from the south,” we’d be in trouble, since there are places where north is only one step away from south. Consider the North Pole, for example. If I were to go as far north as possibleto the North Polewith the next step I took, I would be going south. Not so with east and west. Although I circle the globe, going east indefinitely, I will never arrive at “west.” The judgment seat of Christ is not a place where we will be judged for our sins, but where we will be rewarded for the things we’ve done in the name of God. It is the place where all of our works will pass through a purifying fire. The things we did with the right motivesnot to glorify self, but because we loved the Lord and wanted to serve Himwill, like gold, silver, and precious stones, be purified by the fire. But those things that were done for other motives will, like wood, hay, and stubble dissipate totally. That which makes it through the firethe gold, silver, and precious stoneswill determine the crowns we receive. The Bible names five such crowns: those of righteousness, witnessing, serving, overcoming adversity, and resisting temptation. “Why would I want a crown?” you say. “Who cares about walking around heaven with a crown on my head? I’m not into crowns. They’re not my style.” Folks, these crowns are not mere ornaments in which to parade around. No, they are what will determine our capacity to enjoy heaven. You see, just as the stars in the sky have different intensities, so, too, our capacity to enjoy heaven will vary greatly (1Co_15:41). “But I thought everyone will be completely happy in heaven,” you say. They will, but the potential for happiness will differ. A thimble and a barrel, when filled to the brim, are both considered completely full. However, the difference in their capacities determines the difference in their volumes. When my daughter Christy was a baby, she loved to pull pots and pans from the cupboards and use them for drums. One day I decided to join her. But although Christy was intrigued and fascinated by the clanging of kettles, it did nothing for me because my capacity to enjoy and understand life was greater than hers. Paul understood that the crowns he would receive would be significant in relation to the next zillion years. Consequently, he said, “I’m running the race. I’m stripping myself of anything that would entangle me, slow me down, or otherwise keep me from winning the prize of the high calling of God” (see 1Co_9:24-27 and Php_3:14). Judgment of Unbelievers Following the seven-year-period we as believers will share with the Lord, we will return to earth, where we will rule and reign with Him for one thousand years. At the end of that thousand-year period, there will be another judgment, called the Great White Throne Judgment, where unbelievers will come before the Lord. Many at the Great White Throne Judgment will probably say, “Okay, so I didn’t believe in Jesus. I was a lot better than most Christians I knew. I was a member of Rotary and the United Way. I gave blood faithfully and was a good person morally.” Then, the books will be openedand suddenly all of the deeds, motives, and hidden aspects of their lives will be revealed. Every thought they’ve ever had, every deed they’ve ever done, things they’ve long ago forgotten, stuff they were never even aware of will be brought to light. You see, if you’re not a believer in Jesus Christ and you stand at the Great White Throne, saying, “I’m a pretty good person,” the Father will simply say, “Let’s open the books.” And the Judge, Jesus Christ, will look upon you and wait to hear from you as you attempt to defend yourself. But no excuse will come to your mind; no defense will come to your lips because you will finally understand the extent of your sin. You will at last realize that you’re not a good person, for although you may have polished up the outside pretty well, and learned how to behave externally in a way that impresses people around you, at the Great White Throne, your heart will be exposed. It is the end of time. Billions of people are gathered in small clusters on a large plain. A low rumble from the sound of their conversations floats across the air. Suddenly, a woman stands up, rolls up her sleeve, and shouts, “God, how can You judge me? Look at this.” And on her arm is the tattoo of a swastika with seven numbers underneath. “I died at Auschwitz for nothing more than my ethnic background and my religious belief. How can You judge me?” Then the voice of a man rings out. “And what about this?” he asks, unbuttoning the collar of his shirt to reveal rope marks around his neck. “I was hung for no other reason than the color of my skin. How can You judge me?” Next, a Japanese woman comes forward, saying, “And what about me, God? I was only a young girl when my life was destroyed in Hiroshima. How can You judge me?” Hearing these arguments, the entire crowd begins to shout its assent, until finally, these three people, along with everyone else who had gone through very painful experiences, join together and approach God, saying, “Before You can judge any of us, You must first be sentenced to life on earth as a man so that You can see and understand what we have gone through. And to ensure that You don’t make it too easy on Yourself, You must be born in such a way that the legitimacy of Your birth will be questioned.” “Yes!” agrees the crowd. “Second, You must be born to a racially persecuted and oppressed people.” “Yes!” from the crowd. “Third, You must grow up in a working class and denied a formal education.” “That’s right!” the crowd concurs. “Fourth, You will have to champion a cause so just and so radical that every religious organization and political body will be against You. And finally, You must be betrayed by one of Your closest friends, sold out for an insignificant amount of money, brought before a cowardly judge on false charges, indicted by a prejudiced jury, and sentenced to die the most excruciatingly painful death ever devised by man.” The crowd goes wilduntil suddenly on that plain covered by billions of people it becomes so quiet one could hear a nail drop as all of humanity at last realizes that God had already served His sentence. God became a Man. He walked where we walk. He sat where we sit. He went through all the hurts and pains we do. That’s why His judgment will be absolutely righteous, perfect, and fair. Come to Jesus today, precious people. He uniquely understands where you’ve been. He alone identifies with where you are.

Acts 17:32

Some will always mock. They mocked Noah for one hundred years. “You’re all wet, Noah,” they said. But when judgment came, they missed the boat. “We want to think about it,” some said. “Come back tomorrow.” Folks, tell your children, your friends, your relativesanyone you care aboutthat, regarding their eternal state, it’s a very dangerous thing to say “tomorrow.” The Bible warns about a hardening of the heart that takes place in people who say, “Later.” If you are a believerif you have already responded to the Lord regarding your salvationwhen you hear His voice calling you to do certain things or change certain attitudes, respond immediately. It’s a dangerous thing to say, “I’ll think about it.”

Acts 17:33

Paul left Athens. And I personally believe that the message he gave there is recorded not as a model to copy, but as an example of failure. Why? In most of the other cities Paul visited, a church was born as a result of his ministry. Not so in Athens. Even though Paul gave an incredibly polished sermon, only a couple of folks believed. Why? I believe it is because in Acts 17, Paul never mentioned the crucifixion of Christ, nor even the name of Jesus. Why? Could it be that, knowing he was in the company of brilliant men, Paul thought the coarseness of the crucifixion was not culturally correct? In church leadership journals and seminars today, the overriding message is that we must be culturally relevant. That is why we see ministries, churches, Bible studies, and witnesses trying to be careful that they are relatable philosophically and relevant culturally. But, as a result, very few believe. From Athens, Paul went to Corinth, and in his letter to the Corinthians, he explains how he came to them. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.1Co_1:17-18, 1Co_1:22-24; 1Co_2:1-5 A great church was born in Corinth, and a powerful, impacting work of God took place there because Paul said, “After Athens, I came to you in weakness, fear, and trembling, preaching nothing but Jesus and Him crucified.” Gang, it doesn’t matter whether you’re preaching in South America, South Central Los Angeles, or South Medford, Oregonwherever you go, whomever you’re with, whether it be college grads or high-school dropouts, liberals or conservatives, teenagers or golden-agersthe key to relating to anyone and everyone is to preach the Cross of Jesus Christ. That’s where the power is; that is how we will truly be “Cross-cultural.” I have found that every single question and problem in life and ministry is always answered at the foot of the Cross and in the Person of Christ Jesus. Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to Myself” (see Joh_12:32). Preach Jesus Christ and the power of the Cross, saints. Learn the lesson of Paul. Keep your ministry focused. Keep your message simple. Point people to the Cross. And they’ll find Jesus.