Some years ago, a survey about greatest fears in life revealed that death is the second greatest fear. What was the greatest fear? According to the survey it was the fear of public speaking. Taken to a logical conclusion, some would rather be in the casket than speak at the funeral.
Paul did not miss the chance to speak a word about Christ. Notice that Paul knew his audience. He addressed children of Abraham and God-fearing Gentiles. No one in Paul’s hearing was beyond the grace of God to save. Paul also knew his subject: he offered the message of salvation. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers condemned Jesus to death on the cross. Unwittingly, they fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53 by crucifying Christ. But God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus appeared to his people and they became witnesses to all who would listen.
Once again, we see God working all things together for good. As Joseph said to his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). When humankind was at its worst, God used our very act of hatred to demonstrate his victorious love. God’s answer for our insurrection was the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It still is. What the enemy means for evil, God is working for our good. This is the good news our world desperately needs to hear. Will we bear witness today?
