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Song: The Unknown God |
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(Most users may place the mouse over the words to highlight them.)
Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens. As he walked around the city he saw many beautiful buildings. He also saw numerous idols. Men would carve statues out of stone or wood, and they would call them their gods. They would bow down and worship these statues as if the stone or wood had some power.
They wanted to make sure they hadn't left out some "god" so they made an idol "To an unknown god". Paul said, "I want to tell you about this God", and he began to tell them about the true God who had created the world and everything in it. He told them about Jesus and how he had come to earth, been killed and made alive again.
The people of Athens were extremely interested. They loved to hear new ideas, and this was certainly something new to them. Some people believed the preaching of Paul and became followers.
If you visit Athens today you can climb the tall hill and view the Acropolis. You will see the ruins of the same buildings Paul viewed when he preached to the Athenians. During Paul's time the buildings were already over 400 years old. Today they are more than 2400 years old.
What does this story
mean to me?
People who lived in Corinth made "gods" out of stone and wood. What do people do today to create idols? Anything that takes the place of God in our lives can become an idol.
Do you spend all your time thinking about the latest entertainment or video game? Are you consumed with having the latest fashions and the biggest and finest of material things? Be careful that you don't place these things above your service to the Lord. Let Him have first place in your thoughts and in your life.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Memory Verse
John 4:24 KJV
You can read about Paul in Athens in
Acts 17:16-33
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Acts 17:24-25 Fill-in the Blanks
Discovering Acts: A Bible Study for Teens, 9
By Gene Sanford / Beacon Hill Press
Discovering Acts will introduce you to the early days of the Church, as the good news is beginning to spread around the world. Catch a glimpse of the early disciples—individuals such as Peter and the apostle Paul—as lives are transformed by the power of the gospel. While journeying with the apostles you will also discover what it means to be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ and how to live the Word. A leader's guide is available, sold separately as WW4117142.
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul Visits Corinth
Children's Bible Lessons
