Comforted by Providence (LD 10; Acts 17:22-31)
/In Acts 17:22–31, Paul addresses the philosophers in Athens, presenting the gospel, and calling them to see that they do not market god. It is God who continues to uphold this creation whether we affirm it or not.
Paul begins by acknowledging the Athenians’ religiosity, even pointing to their altar “to an unknown god.” He uses their cultural and spiritual hunger as a starting point to reveal the true God — not a distant deity but the Creator who is near, sustaining all life. Paul calls them to account for the fact that they do not discover and promote the gods but that there is one God who sustains all things.
Paul then calls them to repentance, announcing that this God has revealed himself in Christ. Jesus’ resurrection is proof that God will judge the world through him.
The resurrection isn’t just evidence of God’s power; it’s the assurance of his love and the hope of renewal for all creation.