During my trip to Greece in 2002, one of the places I visited was Mars Hill where Paul preached to the people of Athens. When Paul arrived in Athens, he became distressed over the many idols adorning the city. The Athenians and foreigners who frequented the market place were accustomed to hearing new philosophical and religious ideas. Paul stumbled upon an altar inscribed with the words “To an unknown god.” Paul declared that this “unknown god” is the God who created the world and everything in it.
Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One who you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.” Acts 17:22-23
Salvation at Mars Hill Paul waited in Athens. His spirit was distressed. It’s a sinful city; With idols they’re obsessed. He reasoned with the Jews, And with the Gentiles too, In every synagogue And marketplace he knew. Philosophers questioned, “What does this babbler say? He talks of foreign gods. He claims he knows The Way.” Paul preached to them Jesus, The Lord’s life and His death, And the resurrection, The truth with every breath. They took Paul to a place, The Areopagus site, Where the advisers speak And discuss wrong and right. They ask him to answer, “May we know what you teach, For you are bringing us Strange doctrine and speech? “We want to learn new things And to know what they mean. All of us here today Want to listen and glean.” So Paul stood in their midst On Mars Hill and he said, “I see you’re religious; Your idols are outspread. “I have found an altar. It’s inscribed with these words: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD I know Him; I have heard. “So I proclaim to you: God, who gave to men birth, And all that’s in the world. Yes, He’s Lord of the earth. “He dwells not in temples Built up with human hands. He is not served by man. All is in His command. “He gives men life and breath And everything they need. From one man He has made Every nation, decreed. “The earth to inhabit, All times He decided. Exact places to live For God blessed and guided. “God did this so that men Would seek Him; hear His call. Reach out for Him and find Him, Because He’s near to all. “For in Him we will live, Move and have our being, For your poets have said, ‘For we are His offspring.’ “Since we are heirs of God, We should not think of Him As gold, silver, or stone, An image dead and grim. “God overlooked blindness In the past, days gone by. Now commands all people, ‘Repent and never die.’ "For He has set a day When He will judge all men By His appointed One, Righteous Christ, without sin. “He raised Him from the dead, Giving a pledge and vow That the Man named Jesus Came back to life somehow." The dead’s resurrection! When they heard they were shocked. Some believed what Paul said, Yet others stayed and mocked. Others wanted to hear More of the truth Paul said. A few men followed him, Believing what’s ahead. Mars Hill is in Athens. It is still there today. Salvation, still the same. Always the only way. Acts 17:16-31