a Snippet of Athens

a Snippet of Athens

Acts 17

In Acts 17, we read a lot about the happenings of Paul's second missionary journey. Here is a map, also found here. Acts 17 discusses the part of his mission that takes place on the upper left corner area, starting in Thessalonica.  (Right below the "Macedonia Area" bolded words.)

Whilst preaching in Thessalonica, Paul encountered two different types of people, found in Acts 17:4-5:

"And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people."

The two groups:1- respected and educated Greek people- who chose to believe what Paul was preaching about the resurrected Savior. 2- The jealous Jews, who not only chose not to believe, but stirred up the poorer, less educated and wicked townsmen into what might be comparable to a gang riot. This mob of unbelievers then set out to attack the house of Jason, where Paul, Silas and Timothy had been staying, and seeking refuge from the craziness outside. When they weren't there, they took Jason and had him arrested and post bail to be released. Second group= not so easily taught.

While that was going on in Thessalonica, Paul continued on his mission, and began teaching the people of Berea, (follow the reddish road on the map a little southwest of Thessalonica.)

In Berea, Paul also found two similar groups. In verse 11, we read about the first group, (also Greeks):

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all the readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

So not only did this first group of people had a more suitable attitude for learning, but they also took the time to search out their questions within the scriptures. They were able to commit themselves to believing fully, because of their effort put into their own study. More on this in a minute.

While teaching these noble, educated and thoughtful Greek men and women, the angry Jews from Thessalonica caught wind of it and headed on down to Berea. There, they managed to stir up the same mischief. Paul was asked to leave, and headed down south on the reddish road (see map above), to Athens.

Once in Athens, Paul noted how idolatrous the people were. Sure they were more educated, more philosophical and well-thought, but they worshiped everything but the one true God. Paul found himself dealing with two types of people, found in verse 18:

"Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection."

The Epicureans were people who believed that the Earth and everything on it was created without any rhyme or reason- just completely random. The Stoics were people that believed that everything was created by some sort of divine being, all according to reason and logic. Neither group could wrap their minds around a God that would choose to have a body, believed to have major limitations. Moreover, they simply could not understand why any Godlike being, after losing his restricting body through death, would choose to gain back his body with resurrection. They depended so much on their own thought processes and reason, than on trying to gain a spiritual knowledge of the truths of God.

Which brings me back to the part about searching the scriptures from earlier. Just like we are taught from a very young age: when we want to talk to God, we pray. When we want God to talk to us, we read the scriptures. Had the people from Athens chosen to soften their hearts enough to scriptures, they might have received that spiritual knowledge needed to believe in Christ and in resurrection.

Last week, my husband asked me to read part of this quote he had in his science course. I found it very interesting and kept on reading the rest of the talk he was assigned (here). Part if it discussed the reality that our Father in heaven created every little particle and atom and building block found in this universe, and all the other universes as well. He is literally our Father- the one who created our bodies, our spirits and is a true Father figure in each of our lives. He knows each of us personally, as His own children.

Then he quoted this scripture found in Moses 1:35:

“… There are many worlds... and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.”

It was something I had been thinking and praying about for a few weeks. I really, honestly wondered if my Father in heaven knew my problems and my feelings and the stressful pains that are seriously making me feel a little crazy. Upon reading this, my heart felt like it exploded. I KNOW that Heavenly Father is my literal father. He loves me, he knows me and he cares about me. He hears every whiney prayer I give, and he is hopefully waiting me to set aside my pride and ask for help. I prayed to feel it, and my answer came in the scriptures. 

If you have a question, then pray. If you want an answer, then read. 

Back to the story...

I am told that a lot of the Christian community does not believe in a pre-existence of our spirits with Heavenly Father. Neither did these Greek people. Whilst in Athens, Paul witnessed an altar, used for showing respect and appreciation to some God, IF THERE WAS A GOD. Inscribed on the alter was: "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD." Paul, noting their lack of belief of a pre-existence, began teaching the leaders there about their Heavenly Father and his role in their lives. Then in verse 26, Paul says:

"And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation."

Basicially, He made all of us, we are all related, we all live lives that he is aware of and in places where he determined that we be. This seemed very unlikely to these wise and educated Greek people. They believed in Gods much different than one who assumed a parental role. 

My initial reaction is to say: "Duh!" to those unbelieving people, but after a little inspection, I don't think that that is something that I can do in all honesty. Their vice may have been that they believed in some water god, but our vices that are holding us back now days are much less easy to detect- though very real! 

It may be something so superficial as forgetting to worship and celebrate the Savior's resurrection in the midst of the Easter bunny craze. Or it may be something less detectable, such as some feeling of self-justification in contempt for church-leader's decisions. Do we put some form of political correctness over the will and commandments of the Lord? Is that awesome concert we bought tickets for six months ago take us away from church on Sunday? What about something a little more hidden...what about a choice to not believe in our potential? Do we worship our thoughts about ourselves instead of God? The list is endless, and the only way to get rid of it, is to make sure you know your God, and that you stay close to Him.

I know my Father in Heaven is real. He created every single little thing on this Earth- and every single space around it. Can you imagine the amazing mind that can create a body that heals itself, one that has the ability to grow life inside a womb after two parents combine and share god-given abilities to create life? What majesty there is in a mind that can build a world full of flowers and trees and grass- all able to grow and reproduce through the effectiveness of their surroundings! Heavenly Father is amazing and brilliant and full of power. So why can't he know each of His children individually?? Sure- there are a lot. But I would think after all He has done, that task might not be so difficult. He can do anything- including knowing that I am sad or happy, or just having a rough day.

I know that through the scriptures, our prayers will be answered. We will understand more deeply, and feel more powerfully the things that the Lord wants us to know. I know that if we can single our loyalty to belief in Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and their plan for us, than we will truly be happy. 

I am very grateful for this lesson and the chance if gave me to really study out some of these principles, and hope that I can more efficiently and steadily apply them to my life. I want to be a little more Berea Greek, and a little less Athens. 

a Portion of Peter and the Pentecost

a Portion of Peter and the Pentecost

The Acts 2

The Pentecost was a day celebrating the ascension of Christ into heaven. It took place seven Sundays (50 days) after the feast of the Passover and was observed by faithful Jews. In the book of Acts, chapter 2, starting in verse 2, we read about the miracles poured upon the Apostles that were gathered together, on this day of Pentecost.

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

So as they were all sitting around discussing Apostle stuff, the powers of heaven came in as a wind and engulfed them. They were so overcome with the Holy Ghost, that they were able to speak, each of them, in different languages.

When news got around of this miraculous splendor, groups of people flocked in to see what it was about. Foreign spectators were shocked, and confused at how these Galileans were able to speak to them in their own languages. Verse 12:

“And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?”

There were some in the crowd who doubted and made light of the situation. They accused the apostles of being a little drunk.

Hearing these accusations, Peter arose and reprimanded those ideas. He announced that they were not drunk, but instead overcome by the Spirit. He explained that, just as Joel the ancient prophet had foreseen, God’s spirit was poured out on them.

He continued to preach of the signs and happenings of the Last Days, referencing further the prophecy of Joel. He preached of repentance, baptism and called people to save themselves from their path of sin. Peter then also bore his testimony to the people of his knowledge of the Savior as a “special witness.”

In a Q& A session with Elder David A. Bednar, he answers the question of what a special witness is:

“The role of an Apostle today is the same as it was anciently. Our commission is to go into all the work and proclaim ‘Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” An Apostle is a missionary and a special witness of the name of Christ. The ‘name of Christ’ refers to the totality of the Savior’s mission, death and resurrection—His authority, His doctrine, and His unique qualifications as the Son of God to be our Redeemer and our Savior. As special witnesses of the name of Christ, we bear testimony of the reality, divinity, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His infinite and eternal Atonement, and His gospel.”

As Elder Bednar stated, his role as Apostle is the same as the calling that Peter had all those years ago. Peter spoke of Christ’s life, his ministry, death, Atonement and resurrection. He warned the people around him of their personal plights should they continue in their ways. He boldly called people to repentance, and lovingly taught what steps must be taken to take on Christ’s name. He testified of Christ and witnessed of His glory. Peter fulfilled his role of Apostle, and “special witness,” exactly as Elder Bednar said Apostles said they were called to do.

Because of Peter’s strong faith and resilient testimony, on this Pentecost occasion, he was able to soften the hearts of the crowd. In fact, three hundred people chose to repent and be baptized. Also, it wasn’t a temporary change for these people. They continued to grow in faith and love for each other and God.

I bet being able to witness this day was an amazing experience. Not only was there the new languages aspect, but the Spirit was so strong as to melt the hard hearts of hundreds of people. Part of me really wishes that I could have heard Peter bear his personal witness of his relationship and adoration for Christ, but then I remember that Peter’s calling is no different than our Apostles right now.

This leads me to think about the upcoming General Conference and how we will have the opportunity to hear similar things from men in similar callings. If I am prepared for it, and do my part to feel that same Spirit, I will be able to witness that overwhelming Holy Ghost for myself. I can have that same conversion if I make the choice to work at it.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to kick-start my term with this story, and the experience that it has provided me to learn from! Cheers to a great term!