Some . . . Believed

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, we will hear you again on this matter. So, Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 

Acts 17:32-34 

Not everyone believes the gospel. This is simply a matter of fact. The narrative from which our text derives summarizes the common reaction of humanity to the preaching of Christ. Some mock, some procrastinate or withhold judgment and some believe. This is utterly consistent with how we observe Christ describing the kingdom of God in the various illustrations He gave. He spoke of the sower who broadcast the seed, saying some fell on the wayside, some on rocky soil, some in thorny territory and some on good ground. Thus, the results of the preaching of the gospel vary. In the case of Paul in Athens, we see some of their reactions on display. What is important for us to realize is that some will believe. That is beyond controversy. Christ made the statement, ‘All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.’ The gospel will succeed. It is never a waste of time to preach Christ. What we should realize is, if someone mocks today, it does not mean they will do so forever. We do not know how God will deal with that person in days to come. Also, the fact that they withhold judgment or procrastinate does not mean they will never embrace Christ. We have every reason to believe that Christ is as good as His word and the gospel will succeed.  

Our Great and Gracious God, 
we rejoice that the gospel is still going forth. 
We praise You that You are still drawing people unto Christ.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning