In Acts we learn about Paul and some of his different missions. He taught to many different people and they all had different cultures and things that they did. For example, there was a great difference between the people of Berea and Thessalonica. The people of Berea "received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11). This is a great difference between those who will receive the gospel and those who won't. People may respond differently to the gospel. Some reject it. Others greet it with open arms. Many will be suspicious and then come around to it. They may fight against it or wonder and just take parts of it. Everyone is different and I believe that much of this has to do with how we respond to the scriptures. Nephi tells us that the scriptures will testify of Christ and teach us all that we should do. They will persuade to do good. If we are willing to read our scriptures daily then we will be more receptive to the message of the gospel. We will see what the Lord wants us to do and we will have more courage to do it. For example, when I am having a hard time I often turn to a scripture I may have memorized. I remember that scripture throughout the day and it gives me strength to keep going. It affects me like nothing else can.
It's interesting that Acts 17:18 bunches the Epicurans and the Stoics together. The Epicureans believed that the world came into existence by chance and that there is not Divine Power. However, they also believed that you should do what feels good. This does not mean momentary pleasures, but what feels good for long-term happiness. The Stoics believed in a Divine Power. They wanted to accept conditions they were placed in and kind of believed in a fate theory. Whatever, happens to you is suppose to happen and you shouldn't try to change it. The Athenians in general believed in many gods. These two sects are a good representation of them. The people would just take what they wanted at the time and apply it. However, they did not understand God the Father as we see Him. They titled Him the Unknown God. He was always there, but they just couldn't place Him somewhere or characterize Him. We may say that the Athenians were of the view point of 2 Nephi 9:28-29 and Colossians 2:8 because they sought wisdom of themselves and did not really care too much for what God thought. Who cares if He is just another god. So they carried on doing whatever they wanted to do. I believe that now days we do have many gods just like the Athenians. Sometimes when I learn and study a lot I begin to think that I understand everything. I don't need help because I know so much! This is where I go wrong and where many of us go wrong in our lives. We forget to recognize our Father in all things. For in Him we live and breathe and have life. We put things in the way of the true God.
As Paul is explaining the Unknown God to the Athenians he brings up the interesting doctrine of premortal life. Before this Earth we all lived in heaven together. We were learning and searching. We were helping each other and making choices. We made the biggest choice when we decided whether or not to follow Lucifer of Christ. All of us here on this Earth chose to follow Christ. There were many other choices though. We gained a certain amount of knowledge and intelligence, which helped to determine where we are here on the Earth. We were not all placed equally on this Earth. It is according to what we did in the previous life that determines where we are born and in what time. The idea of choices was not new on this Earth. We chose before. We can always change what we have come to the Earth as though. It is never too late. We can do more than we did before and become like our Heavenly Father.
This brings us to Acts 17:28-29. These verses teach a very important doctrine. We are the offspring of God. For over a thousand years Christian churches did not understand this doctrine. They believed that God was some almighty thing that could not be comprehended or understood. However, He can be understood and we can become like Him! That is the hope of this gospel! We are children of God and He will not leave us helpless. He will always be there for us.
Understanding that we are more than just God's creations, we are actually His children is extremely helpful. This always reminds me of Matthew 7:7-11. In these verses we are asked, "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?" As our Father, He will not give us what we do not need. He is there to help us, not to torture us or watch us suffer. He wants us to succeed just as our own earthly fathers care. He cares and understands. What a magnificent doctrine!
After explaining these many things Paul then brought up the doctrine of the Resurrection. Some mocked him and some wanted to hear him again. They had mixed feelings about it. The Resurrection is a wonderful idea though. In Moses 6 we learn that Adam fell and as a result we are all fallen and subject to the devil. However, through Jesus Christ we can be redeemed from this fall, which included both physical and spiritual death. The Resurrection saves us from the physical death forever. We will live again!
This is what Paul taught the Athenians. This is what we must teach our children and anyone who will listen. We must read our scriptures so that we will know what to do and what is right. That is the blessing of the gospel!
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