Like Paul in Athens

"Always be ready to answer anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and fear." 1 Peter 3:15

When Paul arrives in Athens, the city has lost its grandeur, but it remains, with Rome, the intellectual and artistic capital of Europe. Many artists, writers, philosophers and speakers of all kinds live there or make a stay there. While waiting for his companions, Paul makes a "city tour" to absorb the atmosphere of Athens and its culture. He is thus preparing to answer any question that may be asked of him, his goal being, of course, to present the Gospel adequately. He meets epicureans whose life boils down to seeking pleasure, Stoics who think that man must first seek control of himself ... Paul is invited to explain on a hill in Athens to an audience of people who are cultivated and curious about new things. He immediately captures the audience's attention with a concrete example. While walking in Athens, he remarked, he said to them, "an altar with this inscription : To the unknown (or unknowable) God" (Acts 17:23). Paul draws an unexpected lesson from his listeners : this unknown god is the God he wants to make known to them, the Creator God of the world, the Father of all men, the Savior of all men, the Judge of all men .

What an example for us, without even having to speak in front of an audience of intellectuals eager for new things! But we can all meet men for whom pleasure alone is important and others who say they can bear any pain or ordeal by their own strength of character. Let us be ready to answer the reasons of our hope and prompt to proclaim the gospel of the "Blessed God" (1 Tim.1.11). May the simplicity of Paul's speech show us how to start from a concrete example of daily life to develop and announce the good news of salvation for every man who believes in the work of Christ.

No need for big words or keen intelligence to proclaim the Gospel around us. It is enough to have the approval and support of God, but also to prepare to be "ready" ; let us ask him for help so that he will answer us as he did to Moses : "I will be with your mouth, I will teach you what you will say" (Ex. 4. 12) ... and give us boldness first apostles !

Source (Pleasing the Lord)