 January 27, 1999
FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
There's more than one
way to tell the good news
___ Acts 17:22-34
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___I've never skinned a cat, but I hear there are several ways to do it.  Evangelism shares a common thread. There are several effective ways to do it under God's leadership. The important thing is that we just do it.
___Both Jesus and Paul used unique methods of sharing the gospel based on the needs of their audience. A study of this passage reveals that Paul met people on their own geographical, spiritual and conceptual turf. A wise teacher will spend time understanding and praying for his/her audience in preparation for this lesson.
___ Commendation (Acts 17:22-23). Even atheists and agnostics often pride themselves for being on a "spiritual" journey. We can connect with people at this point and share the gospel. Paul was distressed (v. 16) about the many idols in Athens, but he used their general religiosity as a contact point (v. 22). Philosophers debated the latest ideas at the Areopagus (both a geographical site and a council). Paul seized the opportunity to share with them about the true God who had been unknown to them previously (v. 23).
___ Clarification (Acts 17:24-28). Paul quickly pointed out that God created (but is superior to) both nature and humankind (vv. 24-26). He relates to every person as Creator and Sustainer. Therefore, even the most hardened person is susceptible to the gospel. In fact, God makes possible our seeking and finding him. Even the pagan poet Aratus captured some truth in his writing. Paul quoted the poet to help introduce the Athenians to the one true God (v. 28).
___ Correction (Acts 17:29-31). Paul concluded that since each person is God's offspring, then we cannot think of God in terms of an idol (v. 29) any more than we would consider a person as an idol. Humans had worshiped idols for a long time out of ignorance, but now God expected more (v. 30). He commands us to repent, which simply means to turn and walk in a new direction. One day God will judge every person, and the standard used will be "the one man he has appointed" (v. 31). This was an obvious reference to Jesus. God validated Jesus' unique status by raising him from the dead.
___ Confrontation (Acts 17:32-34). The response of the Athenians reflects the possible responses a person may make to the gospel presentation today. Some rejected the truth. They made fun of Paul and his new teaching. Others postponed a decision. They merely wanted to hear more of what Paul had to say. However, some responded positively, including a man from the council (v. 34).
___Some believe Paul's time in Athens was less than successful. Indeed, when he went to Corinth, he pledged to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2).
___However, Paul was successful in Athens. People came to know Jesus as a result of his ministry. Even when he presented the gospel in a unique way, God used him. God will use any willing heart to bring another into the kingdom.
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