Freeing the World of Ignorance

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). The bible is full of hard sayings like these but knowing about them does not make them any easier to accept. Some of the teens on Wednesday night found it particularly difficult to understand how simply because one never hears of the gospel than it disqualifies them from heaven.

The context of the verse we can see starts back in v. 22 as Paul is addressing the men of Athens. Apparently while strolling through the streets Paul came across an idol to the unknown god. It is this ignorant worship that Paul tells these men that God no longer winks at.

Having that said on, can safely apply this verse to those who do not know the one true and living God. For just as the men of Athens knew not what they worshiped neither does the lost soul who may never hear the name Jesus or the sacrifice he made for all. Acts 17 only highlights the importance of the Christians duty to spread the Gospel to every one we come in contact with (Matt. 28:19-20).

One man that has continued to be an encouragement to me is Walter Young at the Wesconnett church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL. While on the job with this great man of Faith, he would tell any one that would listen to him about Christ and his church. That is all one can do, tell any and everyone we come in contact with about the saving power of Christ’s blood.

This, however, does not mean all will head our message and warnings. Jesus told the parable of the sower in Mk. 4. This parable explains that not every one will listen or grow in Christ. Even the apostle Paul was rejected. Acts 25:13-26:29 tells of the Gospel message delivered to King Agrippa and ultimately the rejection of eternal life.

Don’t let the fear of being turned down discourage you from teaching the Gospel truth. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (emp. ADM 1Tim 4:2)