Devotionary

You may recall the 1939 movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring Jimmy Stewart in the title role. In the movie, Mr. Smith, a relatively naïve and recently appointed United States Senator finds himself emmersed in the corruption-filled context of Washington power politics. He is a fish out of water, an innocent lamb surrounded by vicious wolves. Mr. Smith is appointed because he is seen as an easy to manipulate stooge who won’t rock the proverbial boat or cause any waves. But he would prove them wrong. In a way, Acts 17:10-21 reveals Paul in a similar vain. But he is far from naïve and anything but a stooge. Paul is a powerful proponent of the gospel and a formidable adversary for any who would stand against it. Even when he finds himself alone in the big city of Athens, surrounded by false gods and pagan philosophers who spend their days debating and discussing, he is anything but overwhelmed. In fact, he is in his element, seizing the opportunity to discuss the truth of the gospel with those who had a p