The second half of this chapter shows us how wherever the apostle Paul finds himself, he takes time to see and understand where people are at. He uses his understanding of the scriptures, along with the clarity of the impact of Jesus death and resurrection, to reach people. But he also uses words, culture and prevailing philosophies to show the religious leaders that their own world view is confused.

The existence of God makes sense of commonly held values, such as the moral wrongness of killing others, or stealing. These moral values don’t make sense unless the moral conviction is beyond mere humanity. Who makes the rules, or sets those convictions in our hearts if it isn’t God? And how do we come aginst our prevailing culture in a way that brings people to belief?

Paul was also distressed when he saw the city of idols. The word distressed is the same word used by God when he sees the Israelites worshipping the golden calf. It deeply pains him… He wants to free us from the futility of worshipping false idols, into worshipping Him, the only God.

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Dawn’s First Light by Sascha Ende