Rooted in Resurrection: Faith of the Early Church
Summary
### Summary
In our ongoing series, "The Acts of the Apostles," we delve into the early church's reliance on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of their faith. Unlike us, the early Christians did not have the New Testament; they only had the Old Testament scriptures and the firsthand accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This lack of a compiled Bible did not hinder their faith; instead, they hinged everything on the resurrection of Jesus. This is a powerful reminder that our faith should also be deeply rooted in the reality of the resurrection.
We explored the story of Paul in Athens from Acts 17, where he encountered a city full of idols and diverse philosophies. Paul engaged with both Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who had differing views on life and the divine. The Epicureans believed in seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, thinking the gods were indifferent to human affairs. The Stoics, on the other hand, believed in living a virtuous life through wisdom, courage, temperance, and moderation, thinking the gods were deeply involved in human life.
Paul used their altar to an "unknown god" as a starting point to introduce them to the living God, Jesus Christ. He explained that this unknown God is the Creator of the universe, who does not dwell in temples made by human hands and does not need anything from us. Instead, He gives life and breath to all. Paul emphasized that God overlooked the ignorance of idol worship in the past but now commands all people to repent because He has appointed a day of judgment through Jesus, whom He raised from the dead.
The resurrection is the linchpin of our faith. It is not merely about the Bible but about the historical and transformative reality of Jesus rising from the dead. This truth should shape our lives, our beliefs, and our actions. The early church thrived on this truth, and so should we.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Resurrection as the Cornerstone: The early church did not have the New Testament; they relied solely on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This foundational truth should also be the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that our belief is rooted in a historical and transformative event. [01:31]
2. Engaging with Different Worldviews: Paul’s engagement with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens teaches us the importance of understanding and addressing different worldviews. He used their own cultural and philosophical context to introduce them to Jesus, showing us how to effectively communicate the gospel in diverse settings. [10:31]
3. God’s Involvement in Our Lives: Unlike the indifferent gods of the Epicureans or the overly structured life of the Stoics, the living God is deeply involved in our lives. He is the Creator who gives life and breath to all, and He desires a personal relationship with each of us. [30:32]
4. The Call to Repentance: Paul’s message to the Athenians included a call to repentance, emphasizing that God now commands all people to turn from their ignorance and false worship. This call is still relevant today, urging us to turn to the living God who raised Jesus from the dead. [31:56]
5. The Resurrection as Proof: The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of God’s power and the basis for our faith. It validates Jesus’ claims and promises, and it should compel us to live in accordance with His teachings, knowing that He has conquered death and offers us eternal life. [34:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:31] - The Early Church and the Bible
[03:01] - Dr. Luke’s Investigations
[04:22] - Writing the Book of Acts
[06:11] - Paul in Athens
[07:24] - Encountering Idols
[08:56] - Greek Gods and Idols
[10:31] - Engaging with Philosophers
[12:01] - Epicurean Beliefs
[13:18] - Stoic Beliefs
[14:45] - Paul’s Teachings on Contentment
[16:16] - Stoicism and Virtue
[17:54] - The Missing Element: Love
[19:42] - Preaching Jesus and the Resurrection
[21:19] - The Aeropagus Council
[23:02] - Paul’s Address to the Athenians
[25:55] - The Unknown God
[27:17] - The Living God
[29:02] - God’s Call to Repentance
[30:32] - God’s Involvement in Our Lives
[31:56] - The Call to Repentance
[34:08] - The Resurrection as Proof
[36:02] - The Importance of the Resurrection
[38:07] - Responding to Skepticism
[39:20] - The Early Church’s Faith
[41:00] - The Invitation to Believe
[44:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:16-34 - Paul's Sermon in Athens
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's reaction when he saw the city of Athens full of idols? ([06:11])
2. How did Paul use the altar to an "unknown god" to introduce the Athenians to Jesus? ([25:55])
3. What were the main beliefs of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers that Paul encountered? ([10:31])
4. What was the response of the Athenians when Paul preached about the resurrection of Jesus? ([34:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Paul choose to start his message with the altar to the "unknown god"? How did this approach help him connect with the Athenians? ([25:55])
2. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as the cornerstone of Christian faith according to the sermon? ([34:08])
3. What does Paul's engagement with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers teach us about sharing the gospel in diverse cultural settings? ([10:31])
4. Why is the call to repentance a crucial part of Paul's message to the Athenians, and how is it relevant to us today? ([31:56])
#### Application Questions
1. The early church thrived on the truth of the resurrection without the New Testament. How can we ensure that our faith is deeply rooted in the reality of the resurrection? ([01:31])
2. Paul engaged with different worldviews to share the gospel. Are there people in your life with different beliefs or philosophies? How can you effectively communicate the gospel to them? ([10:31])
3. The sermon emphasized that God is deeply involved in our lives. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in your life. How did it impact your faith? ([30:32])
4. Paul called the Athenians to repent from their ignorance and false worship. Is there an area in your life where you need to turn back to God? What steps can you take this week to do so? ([31:56])
5. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of God's power. How does this truth influence your daily decisions and actions? ([34:08])
6. Paul used the cultural context of the Athenians to introduce them to Jesus. Think of a cultural or social context you are part of. How can you use it as a starting point to share your faith? ([25:55])
7. The early Christians were devoted to their faith despite not having the New Testament. What can you learn from their example to strengthen your own faith journey? ([01:31])
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection as the Cornerstone
The early church did not have the New Testament; they relied solely on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This foundational truth should also be the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that our belief is rooted in a historical and transformative event. The resurrection is not just a theological concept but a historical reality that changed everything. It validated Jesus' claims, empowered the apostles, and gave birth to the church. Our faith today should be equally anchored in this transformative event, recognizing that the resurrection is the ultimate proof of God's power and love.
The resurrection of Jesus is the linchpin of our faith. It is not merely about the Bible but about the historical and transformative reality of Jesus rising from the dead. This truth should shape our lives, our beliefs, and our actions. The early church thrived on this truth, and so should we. The resurrection is the cornerstone that holds everything together, and it should be the foundation upon which we build our lives. [01:31]
1 Corinthians 15:14-17 (ESV): "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily life and decisions? What changes can you make to ensure that this foundational truth is the cornerstone of your faith?
Day 2: Engaging with Different Worldviews
Paul’s engagement with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens teaches us the importance of understanding and addressing different worldviews. He used their own cultural and philosophical context to introduce them to Jesus, showing us how to effectively communicate the gospel in diverse settings. Paul did not shy away from engaging with those who held different beliefs; instead, he sought common ground and used it as a bridge to share the gospel.
Understanding and addressing different worldviews is crucial in our mission to share the gospel. Paul’s approach in Athens is a model for us today. He did not condemn the philosophers for their beliefs but engaged them respectfully and thoughtfully. By understanding their perspectives, he was able to present the gospel in a way that was relevant and compelling. This teaches us the importance of being well-versed in the beliefs and values of those we seek to reach, so we can communicate the gospel effectively. [10:31]
Acts 17:22-23 (ESV): "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who holds a different worldview. How can you engage with them respectfully and thoughtfully to share the gospel in a way that is relevant to their beliefs and values?
Day 3: God’s Involvement in Our Lives
Unlike the indifferent gods of the Epicureans or the overly structured life of the Stoics, the living God is deeply involved in our lives. He is the Creator who gives life and breath to all, and He desires a personal relationship with each of us. This truth is a profound contrast to the distant and impersonal deities of other philosophies and religions. Our God is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer, who is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives.
God’s involvement in our lives is a testament to His love and care for us. He is not a distant deity but a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with each of us. This truth should bring us comfort and assurance, knowing that we are not alone and that God is actively working in our lives. It also calls us to respond to His love by seeking a deeper relationship with Him and trusting Him in all circumstances. [30:32]
Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God’s involvement in your life recently? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence and activity in your daily life?
Day 4: The Call to Repentance
Paul’s message to the Athenians included a call to repentance, emphasizing that God now commands all people to turn from their ignorance and false worship. This call is still relevant today, urging us to turn to the living God who raised Jesus from the dead. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but about a complete change of direction, turning away from sin and towards God.
The call to repentance is a central message of the gospel. It is a call to recognize our need for God and to turn away from anything that separates us from Him. This call is not just for those who do not know Christ but for all of us, as we continually seek to align our lives with God’s will. Repentance is a daily practice of turning away from sin and turning towards God, seeking His forgiveness and grace. [31:56]
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? What steps can you take today to seek His forgiveness and realign your life with His will?
Day 5: The Resurrection as Proof
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of God’s power and the basis for our faith. It validates Jesus’ claims and promises, and it should compel us to live in accordance with His teachings, knowing that He has conquered death and offers us eternal life. The resurrection is not just an event in history but a present reality that transforms our lives and gives us hope for the future.
The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, providing the ultimate proof of God’s power and love. It validates everything Jesus taught and promised, giving us confidence in His words and assurance of eternal life. This truth should compel us to live in a way that reflects our faith in the risen Christ, knowing that He has conquered death and offers us new life. The resurrection is a powerful reminder that our faith is not in vain and that we have a living hope in Jesus. [34:08]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the resurrection of Jesus give you hope and assurance in your faith? What changes can you make in your life to live more fully in the light of this truth?
Quotes
1. "The Bible isn't really just a it's not really a book it's just a compilation of a beautiful tapestry of letters and and historical documents put together and stringed together that was miraculously put together like 300 years after the after the apostles did what they did after Jesus's death and resurrection." [01:31] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The only thing these people had was the resurrection that's all they had they hinged everything on the resurrection and look how devoted they were in so many ways they put us to shame you know what I mean they didn't have the Bible to sit down and read and study the words of Jesus like you and I have they didn't have that all they had was the fact that this man lived was brutally murdered and he lived a godly life a wonderful life and he came back to life by his own power that's what they had for 300 years." [06:11] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He says, here's how you deal with the pain of loss instead of just living the rest of your life with pain over the loss of greatness that you had he says just be grateful for the great things that you did have live with gratitude be thankful in all situations these are the things that paul taught and this is where some of his communication comes from the epicureans in that way." [14:45] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Aeropagus and said, people of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. I see that you want God in your lives or gods in your lives. For as I walked around and carefully looked at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription to an unknown God. He says, OK, this is interesting." [24:18] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He says, in the past, God overlooked what you guys have been doing. God overlooked all of these shrines and idols in the past. But now he commands all people everywhere to repent, for he has set, a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. How many of you know that's Jesus? And look at this. He's given us proof that he's going to do this by raising Jesus from the dead." [31:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The resurrection is why you and I believe. It's not because the Bible says it. It's because the Bible says it. It's because the Bible says it. It's because the Bible says so. They didn't have the Bible. They had the living word. The Bible is the living word. And it's passed down to us. And I'm very, very grateful for it. But what I'm trying to tell you is it's beyond that. It is Jesus himself that we worship, not the book." [34:08] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "There's more evidence for this man having lived, died, how he died, who killed him, the names of the people, where it happened. There's more evidence for what this man did. Everything that happened to him than any other person in the history of this world and the facts that he raised from the dead. There's more evidence for that than anybody else in the history of the world. And what's happened in our lives today in my life is reality. He lives in me. Jesus raised from the dead, period. And because he raised from the dead, I'm going to trust him and I'm going to believe." [38:07] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "All I need to know is Jesus raised from the dead. That's all that matters. Oh, well, what about the fact that there are other books that were left out of the Bible? That's ridiculous. And somehow they, you know, they, they, they make it that it's something so, wow, this is messed up. They left the book of Thomas out. Well, the book of Thomas wasn't written for at least two or three centuries later. We're talking about books in the Bible that were written during that period of time, 20 to 50 or 70 years after Jesus was resurrected. That's current information by the people that experienced him. That's awesome." [39:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "All I know is, Jesus raised from the dead. That's all I know. And if he raised from the dead, then if he doesn't like something, I need to listen to And if he does like something, I need to do it. I need to live for just common sense. If he has the power to throw your soul into hell, probably need to listen to him. But it's bigger than that. He didn't just give you something to run from. He gave you something to run to. And he has promised a place for you and me to live." [41:00] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "It's way bigger than the Bible. It's way bigger than coming to church every week, just so, just in case. about loving him. Loving him. Personal, intimate relationship with him." [41:00] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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