- We should see the world through God’s eyes.
- Pliny claimed there were 73,300 statues in Rhodes with ‘no fewer’ in Athens. Xenophon called it ‘one great altar, one great sacrifice’ and The Satyricon, ‘there are so many gods that it is easier to meet one than it is to find a man!’
- Paul saw ‘a city submerged in idols.’ – John Stott
- What we see should move our hearts.
- Paul’s spirit is provoked (v16). Cf Deut 9:7-8; Ps 106:29; Is 65; Ezek 8:16-18.
- ‘I could not endure existence if Jesus was not glorified; it would be hell to me if He were to be always thus dishonored… If anyone pluck out your eyes, there is no saying why you feel pain; it is feeling. It is because I am one with Christ that I am thus dreadfully wounded.’ – Henry Martyn
- We must fearlessly respond with God’s word.
- Paul’s is a righteous anger rightly expressed. Eph 4:25-27 cf. Acts 9:1-2. (v17).
- Though his audience varies his message is the same, and Paul is not intimidated. He preaches Jesus and the resurrection (v18).
- The wisdom of God is not the wisdom of man. 1 Cor 1:18-31 cf. James 3:13-18.
- Not every conversation is worth entering into. Prov 15:2; Eccl 10:14.