Acts 17:16
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
We have no reason to think that Paul intended to spend time in Athens. He was merely there for a few days while he waited for Silas and Timothy to catch up with him. The threats to his safety had got too serious in Berea, so he had been escorted south to the relative safety of Athens. He surely needed a good break after the dangers and pressures of the recent months of ministry. However, Paul wasn’t one for holidays, so he spent his time walking around the city reflecting on all that he saw. Politically, Athens had become far less significant than it had been in the past, but it was still a leading centre of culture. It was famous for its sculpture, literature and philosophy, and Paul was clearly fascinated by all that he observed - but also deeply distressed. The city was full of temples and images of pagan gods, and Paul, who had been brought up as a very strict Jew, was alarmed.
I find this a deeply challenging verse. We too live in a society which is full of idols, and it seems to me that the Church is hardly troubled by this at all. We have come to accept that that’s just the way it is – unfortunate, but just one of those things. Vibrant Christian evangelism and mission occurs when the Church wakes up and feels, as Paul did, deep distress at the idolatry of society.
Question
What are the main idols in contemporary society?
Prayer
Lord God, help me to open my eyes to our world’s desperate need for You. Amen

Released on 31 Aug 2026