Tag: Acts 17

Common Ground

The Apostle Paul’s encounter with the thinkers at Mars Hill is one of the New Testament’s most striking examples of how to engage a diverse audience with the Gospel. As Paul stood before the Areopagus, he didn’t begin with condemnation or alienating truths. Instead, he sought common ground. Pointing out their altar inscribed “To an unknown god,” Paul started with something familiar to them—a gesture of respect for their religious curiosity—and built his case for the truth of the Gospel.

This approach reminds us of the wisdom in meeting people where they are. Paul didn’t dilute his message to win favor, nor did he shy away from proclaiming Christ. Rather, he crafted his words in a way that first invited his listeners to lean in. By acknowledging their cultural context, he effectively disarmed them and made them open to the truth. He even quoted their own poets to illustrate God’s closeness to humanity—a brilliant move that demonstrated his understanding of their world.

How often do we focus more on winning arguments than on winning hearts? The Gospel itself is unchanging, but the way we present it can adapt to the people we are speaking with. Paul’s approach challenges us to think creatively and compassionately. It’s not about manipulating conversations but about being wise in how we engage others. Are we actively looking for common ground in our discussions about faith? Are we listening and seeking to understand before we speak?

Ultimately, Paul’s message at Mars Hill was bold: the unknown god they worshiped was, in fact, the one true God, revealed in Jesus Christ. This moment wasn’t just a clever rhetorical victory; it was an act of love. Paul used his words to call people out of ignorance and into the light of truth.

Our own conversations about faith can reflect this same heart. Whether it’s a debate with a skeptic, a deep discussion with a seeker, or a passing moment with a stranger, we have the opportunity to mirror Paul’s method of Gospel-centered dialogue. It begins by seeing people not as opponents but as image-bearers of God, worthy of respect and capable of receiving His truth. When we start with what is shared and move toward the hope of Christ, we echo Paul’s boldness and his love.

The Berean Standard

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. — Acts 17:11

I’ve always loved a good theological debate. After delivering a sermon, there’s nothing better than engaging in meaningful conversations with people who want to dig deeper into the Word. It’s not about proving who’s right or wrong—it’s about sharpening one another as we seek to understand the truth.

The Bereans from Acts 17 are a perfect example of this approach. When Paul preached to them, they didn’t just take his word for it. They eagerly listened, then went straight to the Scriptures to verify his teachings. This wasn’t an act of defiance or distrust but one of deep respect for God’s Word. They understood that no human teacher, not even Paul, had the final authority—only Scripture could claim that.

There’s a lesson here for us. While pastors, teachers, and theologians are valuable guides, our faith cannot rest solely on their interpretations. There is no substitute for personal study of the Scriptures. God has given us His Word, and it’s our responsibility to read it, meditate on it, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for understanding.

When we approach the Bible this way, we honor God and strengthen our faith. Like the Bereans, we become noble-minded, discerning truth from error. It also transforms our conversations within the church. Rather than being passive recipients of teaching, we become active participants, encouraging one another to grow deeper in the knowledge of Christ.

So, dig into the Word. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or wrestle with difficult passages. And don’t hesitate to have those post-sermon discussions! When we engage with Scripture personally and thoughtfully, we grow not only in knowledge but in our relationship with the Author Himself.