Daily Study: Day One

From the beginning of time, men and women were placed in the world so they could perceive God’s power and divinity in the creation and worship Him.

Read Acts 17:16-34 – This is Paul’s speech to the Athenian philosophers. Although the Athenians had only been exposed to General Revelation from what they saw in creation, notice how Paul introduces Special Revelation in terms his audience will understand.

Review the passage and answer the following questions:

• Where is Paul referring to things recorded in Genesis?
• Where is Paul referring to things recorded in the Gospels?
• How many statements about historical events is Paul making? Why are these important to his argument?
• What is the overall point Paul is making to the “religious” Athenians about their duty toward God?
• Why does Paul refer to Jesus’ death and resurrection as an event that recently happened in order to encourage them to repentance?

There are many people in our culture today who are like the Athenians: they have been exposed to General Revelation, but have little knowledge of Special Revelation. As you speak to people you know, consider how you can use the events recorded in Biblical history as reasons for people to turn to God and repent before the next judgment occurs. It is possible you will receive the same response Paul did: some will mock you, but others will want to know more.

Pray that God would give you opportunities to speak the truth about His creation to others.