16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Big View: Person of Peace
Small View: Perception – Preparation – Permanent Relationships
Christian Pudel
Riverbend Church of God – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Canada
Observation: This whole narrative unfolds while Paul is waiting. Paul’s Kingdom vision and mindset allowed him to engage with those around him, even in unplanned times.
Action: I need to stop and ask myself if I have a Kingdom vision and mindset. If not, I will pray for one. And I will consciously begin to engage with people around me until this becomes an unconscious competency for me.