Final Words

Acts 17:31-34

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Now we are starting to see the heart of the whole matter. This includes the truth about that certain man. See, a day has been appointed and the judgment set. Not only is this a day of judgement but it is also one of rewards. You might not believe me at first. But the parable of the talents fits right here for the faithful in much. For so will they be given the more even from out of the inheritance God which has in store. Some folks hear the word judgment and fear as if they have done something wrong. Yet here we see two things clearly. Behold, for the believer the assurance is there. You know the ruler of that judgment, this certain man that Paul knew. Here the man is seen as the Judge ordained and assured. See, God set his seal of approval on him by bringing him back from the dead. Even so he comforts all that are his by similar signs. Yet for the unbeliever who is part of "all men," such a thing is frightening indeed. Those of you that know not this man also know this Judge not. Nor have you yet been raised from any dead, seeing there remains a certain judgement.

Paul makes his closing remarks to this church in 2 Corinthians 12:15-21 concerning their spiritual father. As such he was content to spend on their behalf and more abundantly love them. Yet as wayward children are prone to do, they love him the less for it. So also, is Paul spent on behalf of the church, poured out like a drink offering unto the Lord. Contrary to their claims, he burdened them not. Even those he sent failed to take advantage of the people. Certainly, they sent no profit that our apostle had ever seen. But these others came for the building up of the church. Here we see the solemn truth. The little church was crafty indeed, being caught with guile. Paul came, yet the church was unaware. These others went, yet the believers were not ready. Christ arrived, and he caught them with their pants down so to speak. This is why I preach none other than Jesus. So will I live by none other save for his life in mine. Without him is a dangerous place for the believer to be indeed.

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them.

To the unbelievers and the lost, the things of Christ indeed sound as foolishness. Here we see why faith and philosophy cannot go together. Nor do personal gains and the gospel walk hand in hand. I can well understand the hearers' mocking after all they had suffered. Some had lost loved ones. But to hear that Christ rose from the dead just as the Scripture said was all a bit much. Yet Paul really ought to know; he just finished testifying about this man. Look with me at the reaction of the others. In effect they are saying, 'tell us of it again when your own time has come.' However, none was more qualified to testify to this than Paul. He himself had been stoned by the church to whom he ministers, even from afar. Then they laid him out on the ground and watched him get back up again. Here we see that Paul really has had quite enough. Sure, these men reason so out of unbelief and ignorance alike. But such a lack is truly inexcusable. Nor will Paul say as some were wont, 'I'm sorry; please forgive my madness.' See, believers really ought to speak the truth in love. For so are others edified, the church cleansed, and all built up for the glory of God. If you speak not Jesus, then so it profits none. More than this, the text goes so far as to include some "all things." This goes beyond the speaking and preaching to the living, the dying, and the prophesying also. Now you see why some prophets do so to their own peril. All sorts of nasty things come crawling after, as you will soon see. When you go to bring a Word, you had better make sure first that it is true. Then you are to bring it with God. So also, Paul prayed for Titus's help; when it came, Paul sent a brother with him. Nor did Titus seek his own gain to the people's hurt. For behold, both apostles had the same Spirit, even God's. Moreover, they walked also in the same paths. If I were to go looking for you, I ought to find God not far behind.

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Remember Paul's reminder to them in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25. He speaks of the one coming in that had sinned. The same would listen then fall upon his face to the glory of God; so, would he confess his sins due to their gift of prophecies and God's glory. But now it seems much of the church has fallen into error. Paul alone can see it through his gift of prophecy and the eyes of faith. Now we see this third trip to them will not happen. If it does, then may Paul be as the one who sinned. Only then will he mourn for the state of the church when he comes. See, they repented not. For so have they sinned from uncleanness, fornication, and lasciviousness. Nor are they well. Just as a sickness invades the body, so their illness was endangering their souls. Now Paul will not find them in good health, peace, and prosperity should he come. Once full-grown, such things produce debates, envying, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispers, swelling, and tumults.

Just as without, so will the church be within, overgrown and badly in need of a cleansing. This Corinthian church is standing in immortal danger of being among the seven of Revelation in eternal peril. These things seem to be related to their misuse of prophecy. Somewhere, somehow this little church got away from the one who was leading it. As Revelation 2:4 would say, they lost their first love. Such a thing is painful indeed to lose; it is worse still to give up willingly. It puts them in the position of always seeking, never finding, and going from bad to worse. Behold, he that trims the lamp stands of Revelation 1:13 is coming. Make ready to receive him. For then will he be as a comfort, guide, and a friend rather than the relentless keeper of much. Now is he with you always even unto "the end of the world" as in Matthew 28:20. No matter where you wander, trust him with your life, little church. The Lord will keep you like no other. For so is he faithful. Believe on him and walk with him today just as these Athenians did.