Acts 17:18-21 - Homilies By W. Clarkson.

Curiosity at the feet of Christ.

In the company which gathered on Mars' Hill, to listen to the Christian teacher, we have a picture of curiosity sitting at the feet of Christ. For it is clear that this was not a court sitting to try a prisoner, but a chance company of citizens, wishing to hear what new and strange doctrine this visitor had brought them.

I. THE CURIOSITY WHICH IS CONTEMPTUOUS . "What will this babbler say?" said some using the language of superciliousness. They evidently thought it was hardly worth while to pause m their gossip to listen to this new speaker; nevertheless they condescended to hear him for five minutes or a quarter of an hour! When men assume this attitude toward Christ and his gospel, they may expect to gain nothing at all from him. "God resisteth the proud." Except we be converted from the spirit of contemptuousness, we shall not enter the kingdom of heavenly truth.

II. THE CURIOSITY WHICH IS FRIVOLOUS . The audience on the Acropolis included some who were not contemptuous, but simply curious; they wanted to hear "some new thing" ( Acts 17:21 ), to learn what was to be said of these "strange gods" which this Jew was "setting forth" ( Acts 17:18 ). If there is nothing directly unfavorable, there is nothing actually favorable in this spirit of undevout inquisitiveness. No one attending the sanctuary in this temper has any right to expect a blessing. The disciple who brings nothing better than this to the feet of the Master may expect to go away unenlightened. But he may not depart unblessed.- Of the men who clave to Paul and believed ( Acts 17:34 ), there were probably some who came on no high purpose bent, and who found more than they sought. Better come and listen, even from empty curiosity, than refuse to hear; better bring in the multitude with this inducement, than leave them outside in ignorance and error.

III. THE CURIOSITY WATCH IS EARNEST . Shall we not think that among the "certain men" who did believe, there were found a few who went up the steps of Mars' Hill sincerely desirous of learning what was true? Was not Dionysius or Damaris one whose heart had some "hunger after righteousness"? Certainly it is they who come in order that they may know the truth, who are curious to hear that they may be prompt to do the will of God—it is they who are likely to "be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." "Of such is the kingdom of heaven;" and to such it is that the Master says," Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Those who earnestly desire to know