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“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to inhabit all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His offspring.’”

Acts 17:24–28, LSB

As Paul taught and proclaimed the Gospel to the Greeks at the Areopagus, his words were presented in a way that would foster understanding. So it is when we proclaim to others. Words have power and convey deep meaning, so understanding is important. In a world that often seeks to convince and convert, this concept can be lost, and the nuance of language may be missed. Of course, Paul hoped that those hearing Him would believe in the One, True God, but he knew that to condemn their flawed understanding would not help them to come to know God any better, so he spoke to them as a spiritual people and utilized their temple to an “unknown god” as an opening to introduce them to our Lord Jesus Christ. As he revealed our Lord, he spoke of our Lord’s attributes as well as how God, unlike the false idols, seeks out His people and calls His chosen to Himself, so that all who are open to Him may find Him and come into His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.