Read Acts 17:22-31.

At this point in history, Greece was in decline, much like our Western civilization today. False religions were rampant throughout the culture. Ancient Athens was cluttered with idols. The people were up to their eyeballs with philosophers. The last thing they needed was another new-fangled teaching, a new religion.

As Paul walked through the city, he encountered countless statues and altars dedicated to false gods. Although the people of Athens cherished learning and wisdom, they were lost. They needed the same message our culture desperately needs today—not something new but something true.

One day, Paul ascended Mars Hill and preached the Truth of Jesus Christ to those who had gathered to talk and hear the latest ideas (see v. 21). He told them about the true God of heaven and earth, who died and rose again. He called them to worship the one and only Lord—a divine being not made of silver, gold, or stone—but who gives us “life and breath and everything else” and who has made us to “seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him” (vv. 25, 27).

The people of Athens had no problem believing in new gods. They always had room for one more. In fact, they even had an altar “to an unknown god” (v. 23)—they were covering their bases. So Paul used their concern that they might be neglecting a god to open their eyes to the only true God. He told them that Jesus’ resurrection is both proof that He is who He claimed to be—the one true God made flesh—and proof that He will return as Judge of the world. Paul called them to repent and be saved because your eternal destination depends on your surrender to the resurrected Jesus.

Jesus died to redeem everyone who would come to Him in faith, repenting of their sins. Then He rose again to assure every believer of their own future resurrection. Make no mistake about it: All the founders of other religions, they’re dead in their tombs. Only Jesus’ tomb is empty. He has no rival. He has no equal.

Jesus’ resurrection power qualifies Him to be the only Judge of the universe. He is the King of glory that Psalm 24 proclaims. He saves. He loves. He empowers. He transforms sinners into saints. He rescues souls from the coming judgment and freely offers eternal, abundant life. He wants to bring you peace, hope, and joy—here and now and forever.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. He is the way, the Truth, and the life—proved through His resurrection from the dead. Because this same power is at work in me (Ephesians 1:18-21), I will serve Your Kingdom with hope and joy. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

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