Must You Remain Silent?

“Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore, disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.” (Acts 17:16-17, KJV)

When the Apostle Paul reached Athens, he saw that the city is full of idol worship. So, he began to address the people and presented the Gospel daily in various places – the synagogue, the marketplace, and finally to the Areopagus (i.e. court).

The Apostle Paul could not contain the Gospel to himself. Have you learned something from his approach to the Athenian intellectuals? This passage encourages us to engage not only in religious places but more so publicly – in our neighborhood, shopping malls, work areas, schools, and social media platforms.

The Apostle Paul exemplified the life of boldness and commitment.  We need to prepare to represent the Lord Jesus Christ, His values, and the Gospel wherever we set our foot. We must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit – He will direct and prompt us when and where to share to Gospel as mentioned in Acts 16:6-10.

Must we remain silent? Brethren, we must take this opportunity to share the Gospel while we have the freedom. Let us not wait for the time when the world will forcefully silence us from sharing God’s word.

Moreover, we need to remind ourselves that our faith is not purely a personal affair but must be declared publicly. Therefore, pray to God, our Father, to give us the courage, the wisdom, and the innovative way to proclaim the Gospel wherever and whenever we have an opportunity – in Jesus’ Mighty Name! Amen.

– Contributed by Ptr. Neil Marlon Crisostomo