Acts: Go & Be Chapters 10-18Sample

What is this passage saying?

This passage has been used many times to teach believers how to evangelize. The passage begins by telling us that Paul’s spirit was provoked because Athens was a city full of idols. Paul of course went to the Synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. Paul also spoke with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. “Epicurean philosophers taught that the chief end of all man was the avoidance of pain. Epicureans were materialists- they did not deny the existence of God, but they believed that He did not become involved with the affairs of man.” (John MacArthur Study Bible) The Words of Paul intrigued them so much they brought him to Areopagus to defend his teaching. “Areopagus was a court named for the hill on which it once met.” (John MacArthur Study Bible) The Bible tells us that the Athenians loved hearing and telling something new. Paul is standing in this court with a captive audience, Paul opens with “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.” He then continues showing how he has been studying them and found an altar they had built to “the unknown God”. Paul transitions beautifully to the Gospel, he says, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” Paul was a pro, he had plenty of practice and was perfecting his craft. Paul proceeds to share the Gospel beginning by establishing that God is creator. Paul then calls them to renounce the gold and silver images they are worshipping and warns them of the day of judgement. When Paul finishes, some mocked, others were intrigued and wanted to hear more, and some believed. Paul was not responsible for the responses of the listeners; he was responsible to share the complete Gospel.

What is this passage teaching?

Paul shows us how to be intentional when sharing the Gospel. There is a reason teachers use this passage to teach evangelism. We can be clumsy at times when we share the Gospel, the first couple times may be awkward, you might even forget something. But just how we discussed that we get better in the Christian life this also include getting better and more confident in sharing the Gospel. You are responsible to share not for the reaction of the person you are speaking to. However, do not use this as an excuse for not knowing how to effectively share the Gospel. As you grow in sharing the Gospel, make sure you are living in a way that attests to the Gospel. Our actions as Christians carry great weight among nonbelievers. They are watching us; they are intrigued by us. Your actions are proof that you believe what you are saying. Live a life that attests to the incredible work of the Gospel so when you share it, the nonbeliever in your life can finally figure out what makes you so different.

How do I respond?

Live in a way that points people to Jesus. Grow in evangelizing. Study passages like this to learn from these godly men and how they shared the Gospel. Know the Gospel from Genesis to Revelation. What are the main points you must have in every Gospel presentation? Discuss this with your life group.