The Apostle Paul, during his second missionary journey, traveled through the region of Macedonia to share the gospel. Similar to the challenges of his first journey, Paul met significant opposition to the message of Christ. After reaching Athens, Paul became distressed as he noticed that the city around him was going to ruins and filled with all types of idols. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Paul reasoned in the Jewish synagogues, as well as in the marketplace day by day regarding the importance of Jesus Christ. As the curiosity of the hearers was piqued, Paul was invited to speak at Mars Hill before the Areopagus - a tribunal with special jurisdiction in matters of morals and religion. This became known as the speech “To an Unknown God.” While the people were looking for an unknown God, Paul proclaimed that the true God can be known to all men as the Creator and Lord of the universe; who does not inhabit material shrines; who is not dependent on the offerings of his creatures but bestows on them life and everything else that they need. Paul called his hearers to repent and submit to the knowledge of God, since he is not only Creator of all but judge of all.
In 2008, the Lord began to speak to Pastor Joseph regarding the city that God has placed him in. As he looked around Boston, he realized that Boston was our modern day Athens. A center of culture, history, education, and government, Boston and the New England region have a significant importance in the shaping of our nation. Under God’s direction, Mars Hill Fellowship Church has been established to proclaim the reality of the gospel to develop balanced Christians who live Christ-centered lives.