Times of Ignorance Are Gone

2014-03-16

Act 17:30-34

English Standard Version (ESV)

30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

Formerly, Paul established rapport by using cultural references, but now Paul became counter-cultural.

·      The speech both challenged pagan religion & unashamedly proclaimed the gospel.

o   A truth that struck at the heart of Greek philosophy.

With all their wisdom & culture, Greeks failed to find the One true God. 

·      God is not hiding but is unknown because they didn’t want to know Him.

o   Paul reveals the “unknown god”: JC. Acts 17:30 & 14:16-17, Rom 3:23-25

·      Now they have heard the gospel so the times of ignorance are at an end.

o   God overlooked: not condoned, but rather had not yet judged it. 

·      God has also been patient with the USA & you. God's patience will not last forever.

o   Don’t take the gift of time for repenting & use it as argument for unbelief.

The resurrection showed the Father’s approval of the Son & gave undeniable proof that Jesus Christ is the only Messiah (to Jews), Savior & Judge.  Acts 17:31, I Thes. 1:10, Rom 2:16, Jn 5:22-29

·      Resurrection proves the inevitability of the coming judgment.

o   The greatest fact of past is that Jesus came as a man (incarnation), and died on cross to free Christians from the penalty of sin.

o   The greatest fact of the future is that He is coming again as a King & Judge.

·      Judgment is made on basis of response to the Gospel: Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

o   If we trust Jesus today, He saves us; if we reject Him, in future He judges us.

§  Christians will give an account how they live their lives on earth, but have passed through judgment to life.

o   Jesus is the beginning and end of history/universe & every life. Revelation 21:6-8

The heart of the matter is that because God has set a judgment day & selected a judge, Greeks must repent & abandon all other gods otherwise God would remain “UNKNOWN” to them

·      Must trade in their wisdom for foolishness (moral, not intellectual) & accept as true what they considered unacceptable. 1 Cor 1:18-25, 1 Thes 1:9

·      But it is not mere mental acceptance: they needed to commit themselves to these truths.

o   It was a blow to the philosophical, and academic approach to religious pursuits.

This speech is often regarded as brilliant, and is a textbook example of evangelistic witnessing.

·      Paul begin by teaching the doctrines of God, creation, & doctrine of man, God's offspring.

·      Then concluded with the basic elements of the gospel: sin, repentance, judgment, & resurrection.

o   The same areas Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convict people.  John 16:5-11

·      Paul received a mixed reaction…..expect similar reactions. Act 17:31-34a, 2 Cor 6:2b, Mt 25:31-34

o   many people mocked/ridicule, some had polite indifference /delayed, and a few believed

Paul knew the concept of a bodily resurrection was unbelievable & offensive to Greeks but Paul did not hold back truth or water down the gospel to gain converts. 1 Cor 15:13-14

·      The gospel & message of divine judgment causes either people to repent/believe in Jesus or harden heart/turn away from God.

o   The times of ignorance are over, now is the day of repentance, salvation, evangelism.

·      Time is limited, & judgment is imminent. Decide upon truth & commit yourself to truth.

o   Be motivated to holiness/ godliness & outreach,

§  not simply intellectual discussions.