Secondly, Paul seized the opportunity afforded by the pagan traditions of the Athenians to open up spiritual conversations. Being invited to speak to the key influencers and thinkers of Athens, “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: ‘People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship and this is what I am going to proclaim to you'” (Acts 17:22,23).
What a great example of turning a pagan tradition into an evangelistic opportunity! We can use questions like, “Have you ever thought seriously about the true meaning of Easter?” as a conversation starter with our friends, family, neighbors, teammates and classmates.
Thirdly, Paul quoted a pagan poet. In Acts 17:28,29 Paul says, “As some of your own poets have said, We are his offspring. Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image made by human design and skill.” Here, Paul is both relational and relentless. He builds a bridge by quoting the poet and gently twists the knife by confronting their idolatry.
The name ‘Easter’ is derived from Eastre, the Teutonic goddess of Spring. Although, centuries ago Christians hijacked this celebration back from a pagan celebration of new life accompanied with Spring to new life as pictured through the resurrection of Christ. This ancient, interesting and factual tidbit provides good fodder for great conversations about the hope that the living Jesus offers to all.
Finally, Paul took his conversation with the men of Athens to the empty tomb of Christ. In Acts 17:31, Paul brings his evangelistic opportunity to a powerful conclusion, “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
What was the response of those who heard him? “When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.’ At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed” (Acts 17:32-34). Some believed, some wanted to talk more and some mocked him.
As you engage others about the real reason behind Easter, you’ll get the same range of responses. Some will believe, others will want to have more conversations, and, yes, some may mock and marginalize you. No matter what their response, what an amazing opportunity you have this weekend to share the real reason for the season!
Beyond the Easter eggs and jelly beans is the resurrected Christ, waiting and wanting to satisfy those around you on the deepest level. Whether or not you have an Easter egg hunt is up to you, but don’t miss the amazing opportunity to seek and save those who are lost this Easter.
