While proclaiming the gospel in Athens, the apostle Paul was called an “idle babbler” by some of the city’s intelligentsia (Acts 17:18). Vine tells us that this expression may literally be rendered “seed picker” and that it was intended as a derogatory term, perhaps indicating someone who picked up scraps of information here and there and then tried to pass them off as his own original ideas. In any case, it is clear that these philosophers did not think highly of Paul, and I have little doubt but that many intelligent and educated people of today would likewise have contempt for my scribblings here .
However, I am of the conviction that Truth is not the exclusive province of academia. Certainly, there are branches of learning which require a highly specialized education if one is to comprehend even a modest portion of what there is to know. But when it comes to eternal things, an advanced intellect is of but little advantage. The reason for this is that we cannot, by any amount of study, reach an understanding of eternity on our own: we must rely on revelation from God for that. And the God of the Bible is not a respecter of persons. He is not God only of the intelligent and well-educated. He is God of all mankind, and wishes to be understood and loved by all mankind, and therefore has revealed Himself in a way that persons of very modest intellect can understand. And so I proceed with confidence that even one such as I will be able to serve my fellow man by sharing my meager insights on God’s revelation.
If you see something here that you believe is not true to God’s word, I would consider it a favor if you would point it out to me. Leave a comment on the post where you find the error and I will reflect on it. Or you can email me directly here: jim at thesimplebible dot net.
