Key Thought: By a tact born of Divine love, Paul drew their minds away from heathen deities by revealing the true God to them, who was to them, unknown. He avoided irritating his listeners.
December 9, 2023

A. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:18-21.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What were some of the ways the pagans in the marketplace reacted to Paul’s speaking and questioning?
3. Personal Application: What kind of idols are people worshipping in your society, and how can you open their eyes to how useless it is? Share your thoughts..
4. d. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Are the things that you are presenting to people centered on Christ? Is Jesus the center of all messages you are giving to your contacts?” How would you respond to your relative?

B. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:22,23.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What was Paul doing here in his attempt to reach them with the gospel?
3. Personal Application: What points of contact can you think of that would open opportunities for deeper conversation with others with whom you come in contact? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Don’t you think there are many, not only non-Christians, but also Christians that are too superstitious in many ways?” How would you respond to your friend?

C. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:24-27.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What approach did Paul take to attempt to reach these people?
3. Personal Application: Why is it important to find common ground with others in speaking of spiritual things? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Why is it a good idea to point to nature and Creation to reach people about God? How does nature point to the existence and supremacy of God?” How would you respond to your relative?

D. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:24-34.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How does Paul continue his witness?
3. Personal Application: In prayer, ask for God’s help in knowing how best to witness to someone you know. Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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