GOD’S GRACE: PAUL’S SPEECH ON MAR’S HILL
Johnny Ramsey
Considered one of the most marvelous sermons of all time, Paul’s speech on Mar’s Hill, is a classic lesson on the grace of God! In Acts 17:16, we learn that the great apostle was stirred within as he viewed the idolatry of the city. Those who loved to hear and tell any new thing would soon be stunned by the tremendous challenge of the glorious gospel of Christ (Acts 17:21; 1 Timothy 1:11). Though the Athenians were considered highly intelligent, they would soon hear brilliant and eternal truths. There are four major points in the exciting dissertation Paul delivered that day, so long ago, that are, nevertheless, vibrant, fresh, and needed in our period of time:
- Idols or temples do not impress God!
- All men stand on level ground before him!
- Jehovah no longer will overlook sin!
- One day all shall give account to the Maker!
God’s gracious provisions for our daily sustenance can be seen in the remarkable statements Paul delivered that day:
God that made the world and all things therein
He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things
He is not far from every one of us
For in Him we live and move and have our very being
We are the offspring of God
Yea, verily, we owe all that we are, and ever hope to be,
to the divine storehouse of infinite grace and mercy.
This sentiment was summed up in a beautiful song Christians enjoy singing:
O Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace,
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Jehovah has conveyed precious promises in our direction and deeply desires our salvation (Acts 14:17; 1 Timothy 2:4).
There is no prejudice from heaven toward or against any color, race, tribe, or nation (Romans 2:11; 10:12). Paul made it clear that of one blood the Creator made us all (Acts 17:26). When we handle the gospel message in a biased way, we do greatly err (James 2:1-10). In the final Judgment, it will be sad for those who would not preach the glad tidings to the poor, their political enemies, or folk of a different color. Christ died for all (Hebrews 2:9) and commanded us to tell every creature the sweet story of redemption (Mark 16:15).
Another major point in Paul’s exclamation of grace in Acts 17 deals with the universal accountability of every person to the demands of the gospel. Each one shall give account unto God for the deeds done in his own body (Romans 14:12). The grace of the Lord has appeared unto all (Titus 2:11) and, therefore, the universal nature of Judgment Day is chronicled in this graphic speech:
Someday you’ll stand at the bar on high
Someday your record you’ll see
Someday you’ll answer the question of life
What will your answer be?
Even our secret sins shall be made known (Romans 2:16) when we stand before the searcher of hearts (Acts 1:24). May we strive diligently to be ready for that awesome moment!
It is not strange, in view of concepts today, that Paul included very practical and pertinent, and even demanding points, when he preached “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). If we would be true and loyal servants today, this will be the thrust of our preaching also!
The gracious heavenly Father, before whom we shall one day stand, challenges us to live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:12). Let us never waver from the loyalty for Truth Paul manifested in Athens long ago. It is true that some mocked him that day, but the Lord was glorified. That’s what counts—for time and eternity!