“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols” Acts 17:16

What provokes us? Amidst a myriad of injustices, abuses, and misunderstandings, what stirs us deeply to action? For Paul, it was not things that caused him inconvenience or irritation, but the stark spiritual reality of a misguided culture. This moved him deeply; the word translated, “provoked,” is a strong word meaning sharp agitation and even pain. He was so deeply provoked as to be moved to action.

Paul’s Mars Hill message (verses 22-34) is the brilliant response to his provocation. It serves as an excellent pattern for gospel presentation to an uniformed and misguided people. Rather than beginning with critical condemnation, he built a bridge with an awareness of the current culture. He clarified the true nature of God, explained His sovereign purposes, spoke of His nearness, and then exposed the errors of idolatry - culminating in a call to repentance. All of this was in response to Paul being provoked in his spirit. He sought to engage people, reason with them, and speak truth.

Like the culture of Athens in Paul’s day, we too live amidst a proliferation of idols. It is not a matter of IF they exist; it is that of whether we even notice them anymore. The danger we face is of no longer being provoked; of our hearts growing quiet. Instead of idolatry provoking us we are entertained by it, and subtly accept it as normal.

“Lord, provoke me. Help me to see the world as You see it. Where I have grown numb, stir me again. Let me not be consumed by trivial frustrations, but moved by what truly matters to You. Give me a burden that leads to love, and a love that leads to faithful witness. Amen.”

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