When Paul preached, his listeners either passionately accepted the gospel or violently rejected it. However, when he preached in Athens, he was hardly taken seriously. The Athenian philosophers called Paul a "magpie" (Acts 17:18). They treated Paul as if he were on a talk show. "When they heard about the raising of the dead, some sneered" (Acts 17:32). Although a few people did become believers (Acts 17:34), Paul was almost a total failure in Athens.

Then he came to Corinth "in weakness and fear, and with much trepidation" (1 Cor 2:3). After Athens, Paul gave up preaching with "the persuasive force of 'wise' argumentation" (1 Cor 2:4). Rather, he resolved to know nothing but Jesus and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2).

Have you failed in your marriage, parenting, job, faith, and life? Are you ready to focus not on how much you know but on how much you don't know? Are you at a point in your life when you are beginning to realize that the wisdom of the cross is your only chance for a new life? Are you ready to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified?

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 18, 2001

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 25, 2001