In this chapter, Paul and Silas continue spreading the good news about Jesus Christ, having those who listen and believe and those who reject the message and oppose them. There is also a subtle shift taking place where the miracles and signs and wonders are less emphasized and the reasoning, debating and preaching is taking center stage. This is likely echoing his comments he made in the letter that he wrote to the Corinthian believers (1 Cor 1:22) where he said that "Jews demand signs, but Greeks seek wisdom." Paul now is more in Greek territory, so we see that Paul very much understands the different worldviews and desires of the various groups who he is speaking to and presents to them the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that speaks to their felt needs and inner questions.
We especially see that when Paul gets to Athens. In each city Paul would start out speaking to other Jews in the synagogues and he would prove to them from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) that they have been waiting for. This was definitely a message aimed at people from a Jewish background who were waiting for the Christ. Then when he speaks to the Gentile Greeks in Athens his message is quite different. He had seen that the city was full of idols, which disturbed his soul, but he takes this situation and uses it as a starting point. He had carefully observed what the people were focused on and what was important to them and he begins with that and says that he sees that they are very religious and he saw an altar to an unknown god. He says that what they worship as unknown, he is now going to proclaim to them. He describes that God doesn't live in temples and isn't served by human hands. He says that God overlooked their ignorance in worshiping idols but now is calling them to repent and turn to the true and living God, saying that Jesus will judge the world and that God proved this by raising Jesus from the dead.
So we see some important patterns: 1) Paul took time to understand who he was talking to 2) and he spoke the good news to them in a way that they would understand. 3) His message was always bringing people to Jesus Christ.
These are key concepts for us because we often talk to very different people in the same ways. The first step for us needs to be to understand those people who God is wanting us to speak to. We need to understand their beliefs, the types of things that interest them, and the areas where they recognize that they have problems or needs (their "felt needs"). This will help us to communicate to them in a way that is relevant to them and make us go beyond slogans and beyond formulas and know and understand those to whom we are sent. Then we can help in all the areas that Jesus did and wants us to help - physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The world is in need of a doctor, and is in need of help and forgiveness, and as we see with Paul and Silas, and as we saw with Jesus, some will receive that help and gain new and eternal life, and others will remain enemies of Jesus Christ. Our job is to be effective ambassadors, proclaiming, giving, helping and praying and the Holy Spirit is the one who saves, changes hearts and people are forgiven and healed in Jesus name and by his power.
Thank you Lord Jesus that you give us the privilege to be your co-workers and ambassadors! Help us to honor you and give glory to you in all we do. Help us to love the people around us and to truly know them and understand them and show your love to them.
We especially see that when Paul gets to Athens. In each city Paul would start out speaking to other Jews in the synagogues and he would prove to them from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) that they have been waiting for. This was definitely a message aimed at people from a Jewish background who were waiting for the Christ. Then when he speaks to the Gentile Greeks in Athens his message is quite different. He had seen that the city was full of idols, which disturbed his soul, but he takes this situation and uses it as a starting point. He had carefully observed what the people were focused on and what was important to them and he begins with that and says that he sees that they are very religious and he saw an altar to an unknown god. He says that what they worship as unknown, he is now going to proclaim to them. He describes that God doesn't live in temples and isn't served by human hands. He says that God overlooked their ignorance in worshiping idols but now is calling them to repent and turn to the true and living God, saying that Jesus will judge the world and that God proved this by raising Jesus from the dead.
So we see some important patterns: 1) Paul took time to understand who he was talking to 2) and he spoke the good news to them in a way that they would understand. 3) His message was always bringing people to Jesus Christ.
These are key concepts for us because we often talk to very different people in the same ways. The first step for us needs to be to understand those people who God is wanting us to speak to. We need to understand their beliefs, the types of things that interest them, and the areas where they recognize that they have problems or needs (their "felt needs"). This will help us to communicate to them in a way that is relevant to them and make us go beyond slogans and beyond formulas and know and understand those to whom we are sent. Then we can help in all the areas that Jesus did and wants us to help - physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The world is in need of a doctor, and is in need of help and forgiveness, and as we see with Paul and Silas, and as we saw with Jesus, some will receive that help and gain new and eternal life, and others will remain enemies of Jesus Christ. Our job is to be effective ambassadors, proclaiming, giving, helping and praying and the Holy Spirit is the one who saves, changes hearts and people are forgiven and healed in Jesus name and by his power.
Thank you Lord Jesus that you give us the privilege to be your co-workers and ambassadors! Help us to honor you and give glory to you in all we do. Help us to love the people around us and to truly know them and understand them and show your love to them.
When I preached the gospel to friends, I used to keep talking (about ten minutes or more) without asking questions or check their needs and interest. The effect was not good, and sometimes they felt uncomfortable and wanted to stop talking. If I have patience to listen, check their needs and interest, and then persuade them to know and trust in Jesus, the effect would be better. Next time they may feel more comfortable to talk with me. Lord Jesus, please help me have more patience to listen to the people around me, and give me the words to speak to them!
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