Paul uses his fanciest Greek rhetoric and philosophy to impress the philosophers at Athens. He appeals to them in language that is familiar to them, looking for something in common. He points to the creation and to the order and beauty of the universe. So far, so good - they would have been in agreement with him. But when he begins to talk about the crucifixion and resurrection, he loses them. They would have objected to many things: following an executed criminal; the universal judgment of humanity, and last but not least, the very idea that the body was something worth raising up or saving. They walk away in amusement and disgust - all but a few, that is. Dionysius and some others are moved by Paul's words and embrace the Lord. And that is how it usually is: only a few really take the words of the Lord to heart.

Jesus had many things to tell His followers, but they couldn't handle all of it then. So He promised to send the spirit of truth as a guide and teacher. They would never be alone or adrift. And throughout our history, Christians have had to learn many things: God is not the property of any person or group, but the God of all. Race, social class, gender, and other labels do not matter to God (nor should they matter to us). And even those who are not Christians can be saved. Christians have always resisted the guidance of the spirit, but in the end most surrender to its insistent guidance. The spirit still has many things to teach us. That should be exciting, not frightening.