As Paul faithfully ministered the gospel in his second missionary journey, as usual, the envious Jews hounded him from city to city. They followed Paul from Thessalonica to Berea. We can pick up the story in Acts 17:13-15: “But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.”
So, at this point, Paul has some time on his hands. He is waiting for Silas and Timothy. Maybe a bit of sightseeing would be in order, or just some kicking back and taking a break, since he had been going pretty hard. He certainly deserved it! Is that what the text details in the next verses? Certainly not! The next two verses explain: “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.”
You can tell a good deal about someone by what they do in their free time. Paul took advantage of this time to give out the gospel. He followed the instruction He gave to Timothy because He loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Him too. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (II Tim. 4:2) Paul gave this command to Timothy near the end of his life. He finished well and redeemed the time.
I enjoy a good riddle. Here are two that go along with this discussion (answers are at the bottom):
1. What goes up but never comes down?
2. What flies but does not have wings?
We will never get back any of the time we spent today. How are we spending it? May we be encouraged to “… press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Here are some other encouraging verses and a quote, about time.
James 4:13-16 “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ “
Eph 5:15-17 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Psa 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Keith Neds
Answers to riddles:
1. your age
2. time