A few are still valuable

In Acts 17: 16 we find Paul in Athens. “Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols.” Paul saw the idolatry of the people and yet he would also see the opportunity that was before him. As was his custom, he went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, Acts 17:17.

Despite a city full of idols, there were some who were willing to listen to Paul. In Acts 17:18, we find others (the Epicureans and Stoics) who came to converse with Paul. When they heard Paul speaking, they thought he was the one who was crazy! Why? Because he was preaching about Jesus and the resurrection. Today, there are many who find it crazy to believe in Jesus. After all, He lived thousands of years ago. And to think that He died, was buried for three days, and then rose back to life sounds CRAZY!

When people hear about the true and living God, it will often come across as being strange. But that’s not a reason for Christians to NOT say anything. It’s reason for Christians to speak even more about Jesus and the resurrection. The doubt and skepticism from others did not deter Paul. Do you ever find yourself deterred from sharing the truth because of what others believe? To do so, is to give them the power. And yet, the power is in the gospel. We should be more persuaded by the power of the gospel, and not by the power of the beliefs of others. Here’s what else is interesting. The Epicureans and Stoics were still willing to listen to Paul.

Eventually, as Paul spoke more about Jesus and the resurrection, many began to turn him off. They no longer listened. But a few did. In Acts 17:34 it says, “But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.” Dionysius was a judge on the highest court of Greece. He along with Damaris and others reasoned and judged correctly about God and His son Jesus. Salvation and true hope is found in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life! Only two names are mentioned who were converted. There were some others who were not named. This is way different than the 3,000 who were saved in Acts 2.

This is a reminder that a few souls that are saved are just as valuable as 3,000 who are saved. One soul saved from their sins is a blessing. Start with one person. Share them the power of the gospel! Tell them about Jesus and His resurrection. Let them make a response from the facts.