The Gospel Is Authoritative
“Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem” (Acts 2:14)
“Men of Athens” (Acts 17:22)
In today's devotion, I want us to turn to Acts 17. I wonder, have you ever noticed the similarities between Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and Paul’s sermon to the Athenians? (Acts17).
FIRST, they are both prompted by questioning from a perplexed gathering. The perplexed in Jerusalem ask “Whatever does this mean?” (Acts 2:12) when they hear “the wonderful works of God” (v 11) in their own tongues, just as the Athenians declare, “You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean” (Acts 17:20) Both audiences “insult” the preachers!
SECOND, in each case, this curiosity is an open invitation for the Gospel to be explained and proclaimed in response. “The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23) says Paul, no doubt grabbing the attention of the Asparagus; Peter is no less bold - “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.” The Gospel is preached first and discussed later (if necessary). The two apostles do not merely offer their own distinctive contribution to a discussion of what is true. What they say is presented as an authoritative proclamation.
THIRD, the message they bring begins (theologically) with God. Paul declares what God is like, what He has done and what He commands (Acts 17:24-31); Peter climaxes his sermon with a similar declaration of God’s action in Jesus. Acts 2:29-36).
God’s initiative is the starting point for the Gospel in the New Testament and particularly in Acts. This explains why it was declared rather than merely offered for debate - with its origins in God the Gospel is authoritative. Let Peter and Paul be our example to day.
Bible Reading
Acts 2:22-39 & Acts 17:22-34.
Prayer
Father, fill me with Your Hold Spirit, that I might share the Gospel with the perishing around me. For Christ's sake. Amen.
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