PAUL, THE STREET PREACHER -- Devotional for September 16, from "Good Seeds"

Paul stood in the middle of Mars Hill and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious, for while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship I saw an altar with this inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” What therefore you worship in ignorance I now proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:22-23)

Years ago I attended a week of gospel services at our local fairgrounds, conducted by one of Billy Graham’s associate evangelists. The interesting thing about his messages was that though they were thoroughly biblical, they were laced throughout with quotes from that day’s edition of the local newspaper. We looked forward to each night’s message, to discover what current sports event, government problem, human interest story, crime, accident or juicy local gossip might find its way into his sermon – and then to see how he would use it to bring men to Christ. Isn’t that just what Paul did on Mars Hill? The first rule in public speaking is to garner attention. If Paul had started right in preaching the blood of Christ – or the end of the world – he would have been ignored as just one more religious nut. Instead, he just mingled for a while. If there had been a local paper, he would have bought one and scoured its pages for ideas. As it was, he found just the “baited hook” he needed in the colorful “news story” he picked up while on a self-guided tour through the “idol graveyard” of the Areopagus. The second rule of thumb in gaining a hearing in the public square is to pay the people a compliment (but make sure it is genuine, for they will quickly pick up the flattering tone of the salesman and turn you off). Paul saw evidence that these people were seriously religious, and he said as much to them. They were proud and pleased to see that this noble stranger had noticed one of their city’s strong points. Paul did notice it, but its strength, to him, was as a perfect point of entry for the gospel. As far as they were concerned he was no more than an interested admirer of their artistic, religious relics. So smoothly, then, does he slide from observation to declaration that his hearers hardly notice what is happening. Still thinking Paul is enamored with their “holy hill,” they hear his comment about its central altar. We might say it was like Arlington Cemetery, with every eye trained on “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” - but for them it was the unknown God. What a perfect opportunity to bring to seekers of the truth the very truth they sought! Paul said, in effect, “Good for you – you’re on the right track, but you’ve bogged down, haven’t you! Let me help you finish your journey to enlightenment. It just so happens I know this illusive god of yours – I can tell you His name, and everything about him. Interested? Stay tuned!"