But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them…” Acts 14:14,15.
Useless, mataios; Strong’s #3152:Fruitless, empty, futile, frivolous, hollow, unreal, unproductive, lacking substance, ineffectual, void of results, without force, success, or utility, and worthless.
This word describes the rampant idolatrous lifestyle of Greek and Roman mythological rituals. The unregenerate philosophy of that day made Paul and Barnabas urge the people to turn from these useless (mataios) things.
Their message was “turn from following Zeus, who has never lived, to God who has always been alive. As the only true and living God who is worthy to be served, worshipped, and trusted.”
Chris
Apr 06, 2013 @ 23:57:16
Sadly, much of what the “Church” does today is mataios. Is our culture any different than ones that practiced rampant idolatrous lifestyles and mythological rituals?
We need to hear messages like the one Paul and Barnabas gave here.
I appreciate the nugget, Manny.
Mannyr
Apr 08, 2013 @ 15:55:40
It is very sad what people buy into and spend their precious time here on earth chasing emptiness.