Missional lessons to glean from Paul’s time in Athens:
- He took time to get to know the culture he was speaking to. He identified the idols. He knew the poets that had developed the people’s worldview. We need to understand our culture to know how to engage people. If we do not speak a ‘language’ our culture understands there will be a barrier to others understanding and receiving the gospel.
- He spoke with respect. Though he knew the idolatry, he did not point his finger in their faces and condemn, but rather spoke to them kindly. He even said “Men of Athens! I see in every way that you are very religious.” I believe he was trying to be complimentary to show a heart of love and also gain a hearing. We know from 1 Peter 3:15 that we too should share the good news with gentleness and respect. Sometimes people are turned away from the gospel because of the offensiveness of the person and not the message. If people reject the message it should be because of the offensiveness of the cross (1 Peter 2:7-8, 1 Cor 1:18) and not the offensiveness of how we presented the message (as in being harsh, critical or unloving)!
- He did not water down the message. He quoted their poets to reveal truth about God, the true Creator. He didn’t shy away from the resurrection knowing that it would be hard for them to swallow. He knew that a watered down gospel delivered no real hope at all. He spoke the Word of God boldly AND with wisdom. We too cannot water down the message. God is the one who opens up eyes and hearts to see the truth. We need to be faithful to the Word and the whole counsel of God...Otherwise people could be led astray and not come to fully know the true hope in Christ.
Have a wonderful Wednesday 😃
Blessings!
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