Acts 8:1-3; Galatians 1:13-14; Acts 9; Acts 17:15-34; Deuteronomy 16:20
Large parts of the Bible were written during the ancient Greece and Rome eras. Although much smaller and weaker than either nation, ancient Israel had vital interactions with the two superpowers. Some of the most important, and well-documented, interactions happened because of the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. Paul proclaimed Truth wherever he went. Indeed, speaking truth to power is inherent in the Biblical exhortation “Justice, justice shall you seek” (Deuteronomy 16 :20). Paul set an enduring example of what it means to “speak truth to power”
, which we, as Christians, must always seek to do.
Notice especially that after his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul publicly lived out the direct revelation given to him by Christ. In Acts 17, we find Paul engaging others in the public marketplace and center of worship, the Areopagus, which had a statue “to the unknown god”. Although many scoffed at Paul, he proclaimed the Truth to an extremely pagan city, and the truth produced fruit for the gospel. He was able to do this because he used his education and travel experience wisely and courageously.
Upon reflection, please answer the following questions:
- What are some current spiritual controversies in which Christian leaders have engaged with well-known unbelievers?
- What are some issues in which you have followed Paul’s example of dialogue?
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