Seeking God

Scripture Reading: Acts 17:22–34
 

For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, 

I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ 

What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

Acts 17:23 

Meaningful conversations about faith begin with preparation and attention. Paul brought both to Athens. His background in Tarsus and his training under Gamaliel had helped equip him to reason carefully and communicate clearly (Acts 22:3). Yet he also took time to observe the people before him. An altar dedicated to an unknown god became an opening for conversation. Paul’s example encourages us to deepen our understanding of Scripture while sharing what we already know. We need not wait until we can answer every question. Peter calls us to be prepared to explain our hope with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Faithful witness grows as we keep learning, listening, and trusting God.

Eugene Peterson reflects that philosophy and religious activity can leave people inwardly empty when they lack a living relationship with God. Familiarity with Christian language likewise does not necessarily mean someone knows Jesus. C. S. Lewis suggests that humanity’s religious stories and longings may contain partial reflections of divine truth, like sunlight reflected in a pond. Paul recognizes a point of contact in the Athenians’ searching. Without endorsing their worship, he uses something familiar to introduce the Creator who gives everyone life and breath. We, too, can listen for questions about purpose, forgiveness, belonging, and hope, allowing Scripture to guide our response.

Paul establishes common ground, then moves toward God’s call to repentance and his raising of Jesus from the dead (Acts 17:30–31). His message invites a response to the living Christ. Some mock, some want to hear more, and some believe. We cannot determine the outcome, but we can speak faithfully and graciously (Colossians 4:6). As a resurrection people, we prepare our minds, open our hearts, and share the hope entrusted to us. An ordinary conversation may become an opportunity to help someone know Jesus.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, 

Deepen our desire to know you. Help us hear the longings of others and share our hope in Jesus with gentleness and courage. 

Amen.