October 28, 2021

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.” Acts 17:22-24

…continued from yesterday: But others were angered by Zwingli’s message. It would mean that their toilsome journey to this shrine was in vain. Pardon offered freely through Christ was simply not comprehended, as they were satisfied to accept the path to heaven that Rome had marked out for them. It was easier to trust in the instructions of the priests and the pope than to seek for purity of heart.

But those who gladly engaged in the process of true sanctification carried the light of the gospel message back to their hometowns. Roman authorities were aware of Zwingli’s preaching, but took a different tactic than with Luther. They attempted to win him by flatteries (he had seen this tactic before as a young teen with the competing friars). After three years, they called him to preach at the cathedral in Zurich, by far the most influential platform of the Swiss conference. The ecclesiastics gave Zwingli instructions which included these mandates:

“Make every exertion to collect the revenues of the chapter, without overlooking the least. You will exhort the faithful, both from the pulpit and in the confessional, to pay all tithes and dues, and to show by their offerings their affection to the church. You will be diligent in increasing the income arising from the sick, from masses, and in general from every ecclesiastical ordinance.

 “As for the administration of the sacraments, preaching, and care of the flock…you may employ a substitute, particularly in preaching. You should administer the sacraments to none but persons of note and only when called upon; you are forbidden to do so without distinction of persons.”

Zwingli listened in silence, then responded:

“The life of Christ has been too long hidden from the people. I shall preach upon the whole of the Gospel of St. Matthew, drawing solely from the fountains of Scripture, sounding its depths, comparing one passage with another, and seeking for understanding by constant and earnest prayer. It is to God’s glory, to the praise of His only Son, to the real salvation of souls, and to their edification in the true faith, that I shall consecrate my ministry.”

Some, but not all, of the ecclesiastics disapproved. Zwingli remained steadfast.

O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.  1 Timothy 6:20-21