Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
After leaving Berea, Paul traveled alone to Athens. He left Silas and Timothy in Berea for a short time. They would follow him a few weeks later. Paul found Athens to be quite different from the other cities he had been to. This place was totally given over to idolatry. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. (Acts 17:16)
The people in Athens were educated and driven by the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. At that time, there were three major universities in the world; Tarsus, Alexandria, and Athens. Of the three, Athens was by far the most famous. The Greeks were masters of architecture and built some of the most beautiful temples and monuments such as the Acropolis, which still stands today.
The problem is that they made idols of their mythology, philosophy, temples, statues, and monuments and they worshiped many gods. They idolized their past and all the philosophies of old. Swaggart said, “In effect, their god was culture, wisdom, and learning. However their culture was jaded, their wisdom was sensual, and their learning was error.”
As was his custom, Paul ministered to the Jews in their Synagogue and to the Gentiles in the busy marketplace in Athens. In those days, public entertainment consisted of various people speaking to the masses at a specific place in the center of the city. Paul took his turn at this too but was rejected by most.
These people were so grounded in their false teaching, paganism, and idolatry, that they were not open to the Truth of the Gospel of Christ. Unlike the Bereans, whose faith was based on the Scriptures, the Athenian's faith was based on philosophy which was all false.
Therefore, Paul’s ministry was more like a debate or argument rather than that of a Preacher and Teacher of the Gospel. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and the market daily with them that met with him. (Acts 17:17) They simply would not listen to Paul and actually referred to him as a babbler. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him, and some said, what will this babbler say? Other some, he seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the Resurrection. (Acts 17:18)
Like the other great philosophers, both the Epicureans and the Stoicks were philosophers in Athens prior to the Birth of Christ. A study of these various philosophies is interesting but suffice it to say, they are all false and lead to idol worship.
This is what Paul was up against when he was in Athens and as a result, although there were a few believers, there is no record of Paul ever establishing a church in the great city of Athens. The majority of these people were simply not reachable because they were not open to hearing the Truth. They loved their idols and believed their philosophies. Paul would later warn the Colossians about such people in his letter to their church. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
This same warning goes out to all of you today. Beware of false teachers who try to convince you through philosophy and psychology (principles of the world). This is the work of the Devil who comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. If what you are hearing is not in accordance with the Word of God, discard it immediately. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The Gospel of Christ will………..turn the tide……..in this world.
Only the Truth! Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
