In his speech to the Athenians, Paul begins to make the unknown God known. Beyond that, he makes the clearest statement of the purpose of human existence in all of scripture. Gerald May writes: As far as I know, only one place in the Bible explains why God created human beings. The apostle Paul, preaching … Continue reading Acts 17:10-34 To an unknown God
Three things immediately stand out to me about the community that gathers in the synagogue in Thessalonica. The first is that they’re open to discussion and debate. Some of their leaders eventually reject Paul and try to stir up the civic authorities against him, but it’s notable that he’s allowed to show up and dispute … Continue reading Acts 17:1-9 The Synagogue at Thessalonica
This is a very strange passage. At the beginning of it, Paul and Silas have what many people would no doubt like - someone who’s made it her job to run around after them announcing how great they are. The slave girl with the spirit of divination seems to be furthering their mission - saying … Continue reading Acts 16:16-40 Controlling the Message
A friend recently asked me whether the Holy Spirit worked through nudges and intuition. I was quick to point out the moments when the Holy Spirit works through miracles, visions, and moments of ecstatic feeling in a group, mostly because I want to preserve the idea that such things are still possible. But my friend … Continue reading Acts 16:1-15 Lydia and the Holy Spirit
This brief little story of Paul and Barnabas’ falling out makes me sad. Barnabas, the son of encouragement, just can’t keep himself from encouraging everyone he runs into, even if they sometimes let him down. No doubt Paul has heard people repeating the three stories of those who turned back on the way to Jerusalem, … Continue reading Acts 15:36-41 The Falling Out
KPB Stevens 