“SOME MEN JOINED HIM!”

Acts 17:29-34                               (ESV)

“29 Being then GOD's offspring, we ought not to think that the Divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

30 The times of ignorance GOD overlooked, but now HE commands all people everywhere to repent,

31 because HE has fixed a day on which HE will judge the world in righteousness by a MAN whom HE has appointed; and of this HE has given assurance to all by raising HIM from the dead."

32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this."

33 So Paul went out from their midst.

34 But “SOME MEN JOINED HIM” and Believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

It should come as no mystery that seemingly intelligent human minds have very little success in “figuring out” the things of GOD.   Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:27 “But GOD chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; GOD chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;”!  GOD, our CREATOR, made us to not be able to SEE the things of the SPIRIT without being in the SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:14)!  

The Greeks (“Gentlemen of Athens” Acts 17:22) were considered to be “great thinkers” who pondered things considerably before passing judgement on a matter.  One commentary says the following, “According to Luke, the Athenians in general were known for spending their time in passing around the latest news and ideas. Much of the discussion took place in the Stoa, or colonnaded area, around the market place.”  The Apostle Paul was also full of much earthly knowledge, but in contrast, he was also SPIRIT filled and led!  

GOD uses those whom HE chooses, regardless of their pedigree.   Peter was an uneducated fisherman.  Paul was a Pharisee.  Both were used of GOD to further HIS PLAN!  It’s not about the person HE uses, it’s all about HIM receiving Glory.  Could it be that Paul preached to the Gentlemen of Athens because he had “standing” before them?  If so, WHO caused him to have his so-called “standing”?  

The point we have to observe is that Paul “reasoned” with the gentlemen of Athens, but the SPIRIT OF GOD selected “SOME MEN (who) JOINED HIM”.  Most said “We will hear you again about this”, but those who GOD “called” were the ones included in “SOME MEN JOINED HIM”!  When GOD’s SPIRIT is drawing you, it will behoove you to become “SOME MEN JOINED HIM”!!!