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Lessons from the Paul Preaching the unknown god

The Apostle Paul saw preached to the gentiles and when he was in Athens, he quickly came to understand that the city was given to idolatry. Even though he would debate with the Jews in the synagogues, when he debated the learned people of Athens, they had no discernable knowledge of Jesus and the resurrection. Paul, the astute teacher, was in a bind because it is much easier to teach something if the lesson can be tied in some way to prior knowledge. The lack of understanding was so profound, that they compared his teachings to the teachings of a strange god. Paul used techniques that any good teacher would use. He used re-teaching and used a visual aid understandable to the common person. Notice Acts.

Acts 17:16-23
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing. Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

The people of Athens during Paul’s life were not unlike the people of today. Just like today, people then liked to learn and be entertained, or to teach and entertain. Paul used this coupled with what knowledge they had to preach the gospel. He did not condemn or belittle them for being idolaters, even though idolatry is mentioned in the Ten Commandments. He used terminology that they could relate to, also another good teaching tool. Instead of condemning the idolatry, he said they were too superstitious because among all the other alters to the gods they worshipped, they had an alter to honor a god they might have overlooked, the unknown god. Even though the last sentence of verse 23 seems to be an insult because the word ignorantly is used, Paul is only saying they worship a god they do not know. So Paul used this god they did not know, but acknowledged, to preach the gospel! In the final verses of chapter 17, we have the result of Paul’s use this unknown god to preach the gospel.

Acts 17:32-34
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

As a result of understanding the established religious beliefs, Paul was able to leverage that belief to preach the Gospel. Paul did compromise his faith. He did not worship the unknown god, just like he did not worship the other gods. And he did not demean those who worshipped these gods. He taught them the truth in a style that was common to their way of learning. This does not mean he purposefully taught incorrect teachings, nor does this mean he taught them shades of the truth. Because discussions regarding knowledge were important to the people of Athens, Paul presented his teaching as a discussion of knowledge.

What does this mean for those of us who are commonly referred to as first-century primitive apostolic Christians? It means we have to provide teaching in a manner that does not demean people with different believe systems, including those with modern Christian views. Though we cannot hide from what we believe to be the original faith, sometimes it is what we believe that is offensive. We cannot change what we believe in matters of faith, even when it is offensive. We can change the words we use to preach the original faith. We need not be offensive, and indeed, if we seek to offend because somehow we believe we have license from God to do so, we might actually condemn ourselves. Notice Luke.

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

For those who live our lives as first-century primitive apostolic Christians, just like Paul was aware of the religious and learning habits of the Athenians, we must be aware of the religious and learning habits of those in our communities. For many of us who live this calling, we have to be aware of modern Christian teachings and how to present religious knowledge. We have to be careful to avoid demeaning those who believe differently or presenting ourselves as superior. We have to work within accepted learning standards, and avoid situations that can appear to be intellectually dishonest. And if we do this, instead of preaching to the choir, we might actually reach those outside on the streets!

All verses are from the King James Version.
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