Scripture
32When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 34but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:32-34
Observation
Look at how intentional the Apostle Paul was to engage everyone where they were at. Instead of demanding they come to him, he went to them. Whether it was the Jews in the Temple or the Philosophers in the public square, Paul was always looking for a fresh conversation to introduce the Savior. He didn’t stay within his circles of believers, but instead continued to expand his circle of influence through civil discourse. “The Epicureans pursued pleasure as the chief purpose in life, and valued most of all the pleasure of a peaceful life, free from pain, disturbing passions and superstitious fears (including the fear of death). They did not deny the existence of gods, but believed that they had nothing to do with man. The Stoics were pantheists who put great emphasis on moral sincerity and a high sense of duty. They cultivated a spirit of proud dignity, and believed that suicide was better than a life lived with less dignity.”(Duzik) These are obviously a faulty philosophies but God met them where they were at through Paul. Even though his interaction with the Athenians didn’t yield a massive harvest immediately, I can only imagine how the Gospel spread as a result of a prominent member of the Council coming to Christ. Notice Paul didn’t present a soft Gospel leaving out the more uncomfortable facts of sin and judgement. No, He brought the full Gospel, but He brought it in a way that caught the attention of his audience. Even though he was disgusted with the worship of all of the foreign gods, he didn’t condemn them, rant and rave about how evil they were. Instead he met them right where they were at as seekers rather than enemies. He quoted their own poets and used their own openness to a pantheon of false gods to talk about The One True God.
Application
"(It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.)" This parenthetical explanation in Acts 17:21 of the Athenians sounds like a perfect description of our current culture. We may be on information overload, but we can’t get enough news. "American adults spend more than 11 hours per day watching, reading, listening to, or simply interacting with media. The average time spent consuming news is about 70 minutes per day."(Think By Numbers) Wouldn’t it be amazing if every believer actually believed that the Good News is still the best news around? We live in a post-Christian culture and it’s never been more important to seek out new relationships outside of our Christian comfort zones. I’ve heard it put this way, “people aren’t tired of the Gospel. They are tired of tired presentations of the Gospel.” I would add on that people are very tired of people not walking their talk, not living their beliefs. I was talking to a 20 year old who just moved to San Diego last week and was looking for a church to plug in to. He said he was going to bring his dorm mate to The Father’s House who was curious to come as he had never been in a church in his life. I was impressed at this young man’s intentionality in not only finding a community of believers, but also reaching out to those around him who had not yet heard the good news of Jesus Christ. In a world filled with bad news it’s never been more important to be known as a people of the good news. If we really have The Good News why would we keep it ourselves? Let’s stop arguing over the news we don’t agree with and start sharing the Good News that Jesus came for us all!
Prayer
Give me Your heart Jesus for those who don’t know You. Let me take time to notice where people are at around me. Instead of writing them off actually reaching out. Caring enough to meet them where they’re at. I’ve been given the greatest privilege to be a reporter on the best news of all- salvation for all! Have I forgotten my mission? Have I forgotten the privilege and responsibility I’ve been given?
13For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15
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