Paul was sent to Athens;
He saw idols all around.
His spirit was provoked,
So he spoke to the town,
"Men of Athens, I sense
Religions you are seeking,
So in your synagogue
And market I'm speaking.
"As I was passing through
I saw something so odd.
I found an inscription
Signed,'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.'
"This God is not unknown;
To you I now proclaim
The One whom you worsip
Without knowing His name.
"The God who made the world
And everything in it
Is the Lord of heaven
And earth, I now submit.
"He lives, not in temples
Built by the hand of man;
Neither needs to be served,
For He gives life, His plan.
He gives to all their breath
And everything they need.
He has made from one blood
Every nation and breed.
"All to dwell on earth's face.
He determines their time,
Their borders, where they live;
And seeking Him is prime.
Hoping men might reach out
And find that He is near.
In Him we live and move,
Believing, without fear.
"Some of your own poets
Have spoke word so true,
'For we are His offspring.'
Think what He means to you.
"Since you are made by Him,
Do not think He is stone,
Not like gold or silver,
Or shaped by man alone.
"God overlooked your times
Of ignorance, so blind;
But now commands all men,
Repent, His grace to find.
"He's appointed a day
On which to judge the earth
By the Man He ordained
In righteousness and worth.
"Jesus Christ, whom I preach,
Is the Savior of men.
Slain and raised from the dead.
Living proof, we're saved from sin."
Some listen and believed.
Some mocked and turned away.
What is your decision?
What will you do today?
(Based on Acts 17:14-34)
During my recent trip to Greece, 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
