Resurrection Preaching in Acts
“We ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” Acts 17:29-32
On his missionary journeys the Apostle Paul, upon entering a community, first approached the Jews. In his preaching he used the Old Testament to show that the crucified and risen Jesus is indeed the Messiah (the Christ). Paul would then bring the Gospel to the Gentiles of the city as well.
At Athens the Apostle varied his approach. It appears there were no Jews meeting for worship there, so Paul went directly to the Gentiles of the city. Instead of using the Old Testament as a pathway to the truth about Jesus, he used the writings, practices and culture of the Greeks to approach them with a call to repentance. He called them to faith in the one true God and in Jesus the Man of Righteousness that had been raised from the dead.
While the upshot of Paul’s “Sermon on Mars Hill” was more negative than positive, there are nonetheless important things for us to take to heart. One is this: when presenting the Gospel to others, the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is always key. It opens the door to primary truths. At the empty tomb we see Jesus is indeed the eternal Son of God and the promised Savior from sin and death. His Word is utterly reliable. The gift of forgiveness of sin and the believers’ resurrection to eternal life is at the heart of the Gospel.
Praise the Lord, His reign commences, Reign of life and liberty
Paschal Lamb, for our offenses,Slain and raised to set us free!
Evermore Bow before Christ, the Lord of Life adore!
Worship Supplement 729:4