Acts 17: 32 The moment they heard Paul bring up the topic of resurrection, some of them ridiculed him, then got up and left. But others said, “We want to hear you again later about these things.” 33 So Paul left the meeting. 34 But there were some who believed the message and joined him from that day forward. Among them were Dionysius, a judge on the leadership council, and a woman named Damaris.
Scholars say that Paul’s discourse at the Areopagus is a superb theological argument. Even with this, the majority scoffed at Paul. Why? Greeks thought the idea of a bodily resurrection was ludicrous. It was the concept of resurrection that was a deal breaker for them. They couldn’t get past that idea and refused to listen to Paul and left.
What’s your deal breaker with Jesus? Maybe the idea of a Creator doesn’t jive with your belief in evolution. Maybe you’re afraid of losing control over your life. Maybe God might send you to deepest, darkest Africa or something. Maybe you think that if you follow Jesus you can’t have any more fun. Whatever the reason, many people refuse to believe in Jesus because of some kind of deal breaker.
If you are a believer and have been scoffed at as you share your faith, it was the same with the Apostle Paul. You are in good company. There is a battle for the souls of humankind. Our story shows how that even a great theological argument doesn’t always result in people coming to faith. Sometimes it takes many times to hear the Gospel before it sinks in.
But there was a couple who came to faith. Dionysius, who was a leader in the community and Damaris who also had influence became believers. According to the church historian Eusebius, Dionysius would later become the Bishop of Athens.[1] Paul would leave the area, but the Gospel did not. It would take time, but eventually a church was planted in Athens.
To hear more about Paul and the battle for souls, listen here: : https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/mission-trip-two-radio-show/the-battle-for-souls
[1] The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC. thePassionTranslation.com