A study of Acts 17:16-34 demonstrates how Paul interacted in the church, the marketplace and in the highest places of influence in Athenian culture. All of this interaction arose as he was waiting for something else to happen (vs. 13-16). The religious centers were not the only places in which spiritual discussions were taking place.?How can we live more intentionally as a missional agent of Jesus?
1. Pray for (and expect) opportunities for meaningful interaction. (v 16, 17)?Paul looked at all the idols in the city, felt distressed and then reasoned with the people of the city.
• See – not just a casual glance but looked intently (Greek: study, look intently, perceive).
• Feel – Paul was distressed about all the idols (Greek: stirred up, provoked, strong reaction).
• Act – he reasoned with them, (Greek: discuss & speak with, together).
Opportunities come to those who are looking for them, and praying for them! (Colossians 4:2-6). If we are ready (1 Peter 3:15) God will use us. Learn to see the people around you. Then ask God for a burden for them, to feel their need of Jesus. Don’t act until you have prayed.
2. Respect people. (v 22)?Remember we are the Imago dei – the image of God and there is an inherent dignity built into humanity because all are created in the image of God. Seek to encourage spirituality in others through our respect of another human being’s journey. There is no place for a self-righteous and judgmental posture in the life of a missional believer.?Avoid cheap “put downs” and ignorant, uninformed clichés about their life or beliefs.
3. Deliberately seek to understand people. (v 23, 28)?Relevance comes from understanding others. Paul looked at their poets and idols. Today’s equivalent might be engaging in the movies, music, and interests of our culture. Listen to their story – ask questions. Get into their skin. Understand life from their perspective. Jesus did it – God came to earth as a human, took on flesh and walked with us as one of us (Philippians 2:5-8). This is the essence of incarnational living.?Earn the right to be heard by first understanding others (gentleness & respect 1 Peter 3:15).
4. Arouse interest through points of commonality and connection. (vs. 24-31)?Start where they are (you will know where if you listen to their story). There is inherent truth in all cultures – we need to discover it and redeem it. God is already at work in the lives of people and in the cultural framework of every society. Join God in his work.?Build bridges that connect people with the truth of the gospel through telling stories from your life and experience.?Connection comes from listening to & understanding others. Paul looked at their religious/spiritual views, had some understanding of their history and culture (eg. knew their poets), and he could then find the point of connection for the gospel by using stories that were part of their own cultural situation.
5. Focus on Jesus. (vs. 18, 31)?Jesus is the centre of our hope, and our message. Focus on his life & teachings (his humanity) – this reflects his nearness as a friend & fellow traveler. Also, focus on his authority, death & resurrection (his divinity) – this reflects his transcendence as Lord & Savior.
6. Leave the results to God. (vs. 32-34)?Some will be hostile (expect it!); some will want to know more and some will believe! The same thing happened to Jesus and it will happen to us. The Parable of the Sower is a key Kingdom parable (Mark 4:1-20). We are to plant the seed of the Kingdom in good soil and God will cause it to grow. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, not our human effort that will produce the harvest.
