Wednesday: Paul in Athens
Athens, the intellectual center of ancient Greece, was literally given to idols. Marble statues of persons and gods were found everywhere, especially at the entrance of the agora (public square), which was the hub of urban life. Paul was so distressed about such dominant idolatry that he changed his usual practice of going first to the synagogue, and pursued a dual course of action: he disputed weekly in the synagogue with Jews and devout Gentiles, and daily in the public square with the Greeks. (See Acts 17:15-22.)
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As the Athenians were always ready to hear something new, some philosophers took interest in Paul’s teaching and invited him to address the Areopagus, the high council of the city. In his speech, Paul did not quote from the Scriptures or recap the history of God’s dealings with Israel, as he did when speaking to a Jewish audience (compare with Acts 13:16-41); this approach would not make much sense with this audience. Instead, he presented some important biblical truths in a way that cultured pagans could understand.
Read Acts 17:22-31. In his Areopagus speech, what great truths about God and salvation and history and humanity did he preach to these people?
Most of Paul’s words sounded ridiculous to that sophisticated pagan audience, whose concepts about God and religion were greatly distorted. We do not know how Paul intended to end his message, for he seems to have been interrupted the very moment he referred to God’s judgment of the world (Acts 17:31). This belief collided head on with two Greek concepts: (1) that God is utterly transcendent, having no dealings whatsoever with the world or concern in human affairs, and (2) that when a person dies there can be no resurrection at all. This helps to explain why the gospel was foolishness to the Greeks (1 Cor. 1:23) and the number of converts in Athens was small.
Yet, among those who came to believe were some of the most influential people of Athenian society, such as Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, and Damaris, whose mention by name implies she was of some status, if not also a member of the council herself (Acts 17:34).
| Paul’s different approach before the Areopagus shows his awareness of social and cultural differences. He even quoted a pagan poet (Acts 17:28) in order to make his point. What should this teach us about how we can use different methods to reach different people? |
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Paul changed the presentation of the message but the content of the message remained Jesus and his resurrection.
God is the creator.
He uses Greek poets to substantiate biblical truth.
We are made from one blood and For in Him we live and move and have our being.
Therefore - he uses this conjunction to build bridge from the gentile belief to biblical truth and builds the contrast between living God and idols made out of silver and gold.
If I (Jesus Christ) be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Simon
It is interesting to note that the Greeks in Athens were curious, open minded and interested in learning new things. I believe this is our nature as humans. We generally have curious minds and ready to learn depending on how it is presented to us. So we are surrounded with curious minds eager to hear the truth about the love of God, but we must take time to learn our audience first.
The challenge of talking to academics steeped in atheism and agnosticism is one that I have faced most of my life. Consequently, I have great respect for Paul's Areopagus speech to the Greeks. What can you say to them? You desperately want to tell them about Christ, but the language and idea associations are completely foreign to them.
I have learned that many of my agnostic colleagues have personal problems and more than anything else they need a sympathetic ear that understands their problem. More than anything else I pray, not what would Jesus say, but what would Jesus do? Isaiah 61:1 comes to mind:
Here is another thought: We cannot talk about the miracle of the resurrection of Christ to people who do not believe in miracles, if we cannot show the living Christ dwelling in our hearts with our hearts and influencing our words and actions.
Thank God for the wisdom given to Paul. I particularly like the way he was able to relate to the with something they already were curious about... "The Unknown God!".
This goes to teach us to be tactical in our ministry... I pray that God will grant us all wisdom to know how to tactically present the truth so it will be as "... apples of gold in settings of silver... ".
Perhaps we can apply this to our own thinking when we interact with our un-churched friends. We need to listen to them carefully to find out who their "Unknown God" is. Among my bird-watching unbelieving friends, many of them refer to "Nature" as the progenitor and we have some interesting conversations about Nature that become quite spiritual.
May we learn from Jesus and Paul to meet people where they are and pave the way to present the gospel in a manner that matches speaks to their core. Jesus had compassion, He met their needs and then bid them follow Him, Paul spoke the language of the Athenians and presented the living God to them. 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 is a classic example of how we reach people without compromising the fundamental of the gospel.
I am intrigued by the way Paul adressed these people,I agree with the previous brethrens when they mentioned that the first thing is to know your audience to avoid disapointmrnt of being ignored.Msy God give us such wisdom and strength to deliver His teachings to His people.Amen.
Quoting...we cannot talk about the miracle of the resurrection of Christ to people who do not believe in miracles, if we cannot show the living Christ dwelling in our hearts with our hearts and influencing our words and actions.
This comment sums it for me.
Wanted to reaffirm it.
Meeting people where they are.
Takes effort to form a relationship to understanding where they are.
Means being on the ground.
Speaking the language...5 words rather than 10,000.
As you know it means a personal living connection with the unseen so as to 'know how to show' it through what is as they understand it.
We are really blessed