In all contexts from Jerusalem to Athens, we must preach the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, an aroma of death to those who are perishing but of life to those who believe. 

Satan’s opposition must not intimidate or depress us because Christ’s triumph in restoring the kingdom to Israel continues today just as it did in Paul’s day, despite Satan’s most insidious schemes. 

God's work of cosmic renewal continues through the same old painful labors of Spirit-empowered witnesses proclaiming the same old gospel. 

As in the ancient church at the Jerusalem Council, the message of salvation by grace through faith alone versus salvation by the works of the Law continues to triumph and rejoice the hearts of weary sinners. 

Knowing that tribulation is the necessary pathway to heaven encourages us to continue in the faith while we encounter various trials.

The message of the gospel presents each one of us with a choice – will we embrace God’s salvation in Jesus for eternal life, or will we reject that salvation and be rejected ourselves?

Christ’s own hand opposes power with power to make his gospel advance & prevail through his missionary church.

The church of Christ is a glorious organism, faithful to and successful in its mission despite great persecution, and therefore worthy of full engagement. 

God shows His wisdom to the heavens by uniting Jew & Gentile in Christ and increasing their experience of Christ’s love until they are filled with His fullness - perfected in Christ. 

The wideness of God’s mercy, including even “unclean” Gentiles, should deepen our confidence in and fire a passion for the gospel and its ability to convert, not only our own souls, but the souls of those seemingly farthest away.