Unveiling Paul's Preaching To The Athenians Part 2

WHO IS THIS GOD?

In a previous post, we established that the esteemed Apostle to the Gentiles was currently delivering his message to the pagans in Athens. In this context, the term "pagan" refers to individuals who adhere to religious beliefs that differ from the predominant or officially recognized religions. These individuals worshipped multiple gods, with one particular altar dedicated to an "unknown god" catching Paul's interest and motivating him to proclaim the singular God. Let's briefly revisit our previous discussion on this matter.

• He is the God who made ALL and He is Lord

• He does NOT dwell in buildings made by men

• He is NOT helped by men

• He gives LIFE and BREATH to all things

• He made every RACE from ONE man (Adam)

• He APPOINTED man's time to live on earth

• He SET the boundaries (nations)

For this post let's notice the two phrases below from Paul's message to the pagans.

"he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs-for he has no needs." Acts 17:24,25

It may seem like a minor detail, but I want to emphasize that there are no buildings constructed by humans that can truly be called the "house of God". This concept was ingrained in me during my youth.

Often I would hear statements like...

"It's time to go to the house of the Lord." or

"Take that hat off! Don't you know this is God's house?!" or

"Stop running in the Lord's house!"

As I matured and delved into the scriptures, I came to understand that the earth belongs to the Lord and everything in it! What a profound realization! Let's move on.

According to Paul, it is said that "human hands cannot serve his needs..." This statement embodies the essence of religion! Serving God involves the mission to save the world, which in turn is serving God. What actions can we take for God? A God who lacks nothing! Pay attention to the rest of the verse...

"He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."

He is the one who supports all life on this planet! Without Him, you and I cannot survive! He breathes life into us, sustains us, and keeps us alive! Believers and non-believers alike.

*Scripture taken from New Living Translation