The Pagan Hymn That Was Used For God

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

When the apostle Paul spoke on Mars Hills in Athens, he did an interesting thing. In Acts 17:28, he quoted from pagan Greek writers including a quote from a hymn to Zeus. How could this be? How could he use something so pagan for such a holy purpose? Paul quoted them to aid in defending and spreading the Gospel. He took a truth which was expressed and applied it to build a bridge to speak of the One True God. Paul determined to use all things at his disposal to spread the Gospel; to be as a Gentile to the Gentiles, in order that people would come to salvation. In the same way, you need to have the same heart, to be so zealous for salvation, to use all things in your life for the glory, the purposes, and the heart of God for the salvation of the lost. Use every situation, every circumstance, everything you have and know for the glory of God. For if Paul could use part of a hymn to Zeus to accomplish God's purposes, then there is nothing in your life that cannot be used likewise.

From Message #1286 - Apostles And Pagans