Contemplative Bible Reading

Acts 17:16-17 (New Living Translation)

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

Paul saw things that troubled him in the city of Athens. He went to the Jewish schools (synagogues) to discuss these things. He went to the public square to discuss these things. He spoke to everyone he met about the one true God and the grace of God.

Notice how the existence of the city state of Athens enabled Paul to speak of God and the grace of God.

Yes, the city state of Athens enabled all sorts of evil to exist and all sorts of people filled with evil to run amok. Still, the city state enabled the spread of the gospel. I believe that God helped mankind establish civil order that enabled the spread of the gospel. Civil order enabled us to live peacefully.

There is much that I do not like about America today. There is much that I do not like about the nations of earth today. Nevertheless, I give thanks for God helping mankind a sense of civil order.