"This Babbler"

While in Athens, Paul went to the square. There he learned that the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. (Acts 17:21 RSV)

This has to be one of the funniest verses in the Bible. Picture cronies daily rehashing the tiresome latest trends. Standing around with no concept of useful activity, they reacted to Paul with, “What would this babbler say?” (v. 18b) They looked for whatever diversion they could find, even listening to people they identified as babblers—because they needed something to fill their boring, idle hours.

With great grace, Paul saw this as an opportunity. He presented the gospel.

Reactions varied, especially when he told them about Jesus’ resurrection. Then, some mocked, but others said, “We will hear you again about this” (v. 32b)

Paul did not push his message of Jesus. He quietly moved so he was no longer the center of attention. Some followed him and became believers.

Originally published March 19, 1982.

Divine Help - God's Grace

On the matter of proclaiming God’s Word, Paul wrote to the Colossians, Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Col;. 4:6 NKJV)

We don’t always know what to say when we talk to people about God—or even when we try live the life God wants us to live. Sometimes our ability to think vanishes. We need divine help—God’s grace—the very kind of grace the verse above talks about. But we can’t speak with grace unless God gives us grace.

Jesus always spoke with grace. He communicated with His Father and submitted to Him in all things. Everything He said originated from the Father.

Paul knew he was called to the same dependence. That’s why he asked the Colossians to pray for him as he reached out “to speak the mystery of Christ . . .” (v. 3b) He desired that I might make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”(v. 4)

We are in good company if we ask for grace.

Originally published June 25, 1993.