Session 10: The Forum

Session Overview

Creedal Statement

Coming soon.

Key Elements

• Key Passage - Acts 17:16–34
• Scripture Memory - We did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:12
• Catechism - Q: What major questions/concerns does the gospel answer? A: Worldview.

Introduction

Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23

In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.

Faithful gospel witness involves wise cultural engagement. There is no aspect of human thought, no area of community value, and no instance of cultural expression over which the resurrected Christ does not reign supreme. The good news of the gospel entails its promise to change and renew one’s entire way of understanding the world and living in the world. That is, the gospel precipitates worldview transformation. This is one of its greatest promises and most sober imperatives. That the gospel can remap an entire cultural landscape and reroute a person’s life journey is evident and has been proven throughout the ages. This means that attending to cultural realities is part of our responsibility if we desire to be faithful gospel witnesses.

Because the gospel wields power and authority over every domain, Christians should wisely engage surrounding culture with the unchanging truth of the gospel. This is not as easy as it seems. Some Christians easily succumb to the pressures of cultural values and compromise the integrity of the gospel. Fearful of such contamination, others avoid all contact with surrounding culture, attempting to share the gospel with others in a disconnected and dispassionate manner. Still more, some who are new in their faith aim to faithfully speak the gospel in the midst of cultural currents, but they are easily tossed by the newest and most persuasive ideological waves. How can Christians maintain fidelity to the gospel and empathetically speak to people immersed in an opposing cultural torrent? Thankfully, Scripture gives us guidance for this vital skill.

In Acts 17:16–34, Paul spoke with diverse groups of people in the city of Athens. While he waited for his coworkers’ arrival, Paul used his time in Athens to observe the city’s surroundings and learn about the citizens’ religious inclinations. On the heels of this cultural exegesis, Paul dialogued with religious Jews, Greek philosophers, and anyone in the marketplace willing to listen to him. In these conversations, Paul preached the gospel message about the resurrected Christ. Receiving mixed reactions to the gospel, the Athenians brought Paul to the Areopagus (a cultural hub where people could exchange ideas). Paul gave a speech in which he connected with the worldview concerns of the Athenians and unashamedly announced the good news of the gospel. In the end, despite receiving a mixed response to his preaching, Paul remained undeterred in his mission to engage culture with the timeless truth.

What we see in this passage is an example of preevangelism (as termed by Francis Schaeffer and others) supporting gospel witness. While Paul clearly spoke the gospel in this narrative, he also addressed his listeners’ pressing worldview concerns. In an effort to empathetically connect with unbelievers and demonstrate the gospel’s relevancy to humanity’s deepest questions, Paul gave us an example to follow. Like tilling soil prior to planting seed, preevangelism can remove obstacles and barriers. While removal of these barriers does not guarantee complete gospel acceptance (as this story will show), it does allow people to hear the timeless truth of the gospel in a way that is timely and pertinent to the present-day concerns. In the end, our work of gospel witness will be greatly enhanced and strengthened as we understand and apply the principles of this passage to our lives and ministry. Let’s journey to Athens with the reputable apostle and learn from his skillful, Spirit-empowered ways.

Biblical Interpretation: Hearing the Word

Study the Text: The Bible is God’s inspired word to his people. Christian disciples mature in the faith when they are grounded in God’s word. In this movement, you will study the basic details of the biblical text.

Observation Questions

Read (or listen to) the whole passage of Scripture. Discuss the questions below for each section of the story. Pay attention to the details of the text to recall what the passage is saying. Use the focus verses to guide your conversation.

Storycraft

Retell the story in your own words, recounting the overall flow of the narrative, the main segments of the story, and the major developments that take place.

Narrative Elements

Story Retell

Theological Dialogue: Discussing the Plot

Explore the Text: God’s word is his trustworthy and sufficient revelation to his people. We grow as Christ’s disciples by rooting our lives in God’s unchanging truth. In this movement, you will explore vital teachings of this biblical passage.

Discussion Questions

Summarize the biblical story. As a community, discuss the following questions. Be attentive to the truths taught in this text. Use the commentary on the next pages to uncover core principles this passage teaches about the Christian faith.

Biblical Commentary

Use this commentary to help you understand the meaning of the text. Refer to the infographic on the next page to think through how narratives work.

Passage Introduction

Key Idea

God calls his people to engage unbelievers at a level of worldview concerns, preparing them to be open to hear and accept the gospel.

Passage Overview

The unchanging message of the gospel can transform people, communities, and entire cultures. Working at the level of core beliefs, fundamental attitudes, and deeply-held values, the gospel is dynamic and powerful. As Christians bear witness to Christ, they will inevitably encounter barriers to gospel witness. Many of these barriers arise out of a person’s worldview. Often strengthened by cultural pressures, a person’s worldview is widely shared and firmly rooted. Nevertheless, the resurrected king, Jesus, can penetrate and reform the most entrenched and wildly errant worldview perspective. In effect, the gospel is the message about the right way to understand God, the world, and humanity. As Paul demonstrated in Athens, we should be honest observers of cultural surroundings. A clear understanding of a culture helps God’s people establish meaningful connections with others by showing that the gospel addresses their greatest concerns. As Paul demonstrated, cultural engagement paves the way for gospel proclamation. Explore the idea of preevangelism, cultural engagement, contextualization, and gospel proclamation by using the following commentary to study the passage.

Passage Outline

Crossing Borders

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

The great guide of the world is fashion, and its god is respectability—two phantoms, at which brave men laugh. How many of you look around on society to know what to do. You watch the general current, and then float upon it. You study the popular breeze and shift your sails to suit it. True men do not so. You ask–Is it fashionable? If it be fashionable, it must be done. Fashion is the law of multitudes, but it is nothing more than the common consent of fools.

Introduction

The gospel has the power to penetrate the ingrained mentalities of individuals and the well-formed ideologies of an entire society. Unlike any other claim to truth, the gospel meaningfully connects with people and formatively challenges people. The gospel will meet everyone at the level of their pressing questions and deep need, but this same gospel will refuse to leave people in their status quo. Because the gospel is powerful to connect and challenge, we need to learn the skill of empathetically and faithfully engaging people with Christ’s claims. Whether we talk with people within our immediate cultural setting or we cross cultural boundaries to share the gospel, this skill is important to gospel witness. To say it another way, we may need to clear paths, open doors, or remove obstacles in order for people to be receptive to gospel conversations. There is soil-cultivating work to be done in the hearts of people before (and during) the seed-planting efforts of gospel proclamation.

In what has been called preevangelism, God calls us to bear witness to Jesus by sincere and discerning worldview engagement. Put simply, a worldview is the mixture of values, attitudes, and beliefs that shape the way people understand and live in the world. Every person and each culture has a worldview. Relatedly, worldview engagement involves interaction with others about life’s big questions in order to establish common ground and clearly communicate the gospel. Through worldview engagement, preevangelism establishes a meaningful connection with a group of people distant from the gospel and addresses any major concerns that present themselves as obstacles to the gospel. Establishing rapport, exploring felt needs, cultivating faith conversations, forming gospel bridges, and showing Christianity’s credibility are accomplished in preevangelistic work at a worldview level.

We witness master evangelist Paul preevangelize in Athens in Acts 17:16–34. In this well-known narrative, we learn foundational principles about sharing the gospel at a worldview level. After Paul observed the egregious idolatry in the city, he conversed with people in the synagogue and marketplace. People had different reactions to Paul’s gospel proclamation. As a result, they brought him to a cultural center, the Areopagus, to continue his teaching. Paul spoke to the crowd in a way that engaged major worldview concerns and announced the resurrection of Christ. Although there were mixed reactions to Paul’s message, some people responded favorably to the gospel.

The ministry example of Paul in Athens is commended to us. His unswerving commitment to the gospel is worthy of emulation. His bold witness of Christ and willingness to be considered strange by his listeners should shape our evangelistic spirit. The shrewd way he engaged his listeners, connected with their worldview concerns, and arrested their attention models missional wisdom and prudence. For those crossing cultural boundaries or sharing Christ within their home culture, the apostle’s work in Athens helps us consider the role that worldview and culture play in our gospel witness. Let us travel with him to this ancient city and learn from his transformational encounter with the Athenians.

While He Waited: Launching Gospel Witness in Frontier Areas

Biblical Narrative (Acts 17:16–17)

In the course of his second missionary journey, Paul eventually arrived in the city of Athens. Prior to his arrival, Paul needed to quickly leave the city of Berea because a pursuing mob had followed him from Thessalonica (cf. 17:10–14). At the point of this rapid exit, Paul left behind his coworkers Silas and Timothy (cf. 17:14–15). Separated from his fellow travelers and ministry partners, Paul arrived at Athens and was “waiting for them” (17:16). Although Paul safely escaped from the violent hands of his opponents, his time in Athens would hardly be a time of hiding or secret cover. Paul would use his arrival in Athens to continue his work of gospel witness.

While Paul waited for his coworkers to come to him, he was disturbed by what he saw in the city. Observing the carved images dedicated to worship, Paul “was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols” (17:16). As a Jew who was radically converted to Christianity, Paul opposed every form of false worship. In particular, Paul knew the enslaving grip that idol worship held over its devotees. Paul’s commitment to God was matched by his love for unbelievers. Troubled by the flagrant idolatry, Paul engaged those who lived in the city. Paul not only “reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God- fearing Gentiles” but he also interacted “in the marketplace with those he met each day” (17:17). Spanning the religious community within the synagogue and the wider public in the marketplace, Paul used his departure from Berea as a ministry opportunity to share the gospel with people from all walks of life.

Biblical Principles

Engaging Crossculturally. In this opening scene, we witness Paul engage a new city with a missional focus. His cross-cultural engagement is a model for us all. Having been the target of a vicious mob, Paul could have used his anonymity in a new city as protective cover. Or, having arrived in a new city with new cultural customs and norms, Paul could have remained distant from the city dwellers. In this case, he would have avoided great difficulty in sharing the gospel with people who were obviously engrossed in false worship (17:16). Even further, Paul could have continued on his journey to a different city, concluding that the apparent challenges and high stakes of ministry in Athens were too great a risk. Paul did not react to any of these instincts—instincts many would find perfectly reasonable and even highly strategic. Paul saw his arrival in a new city as an opportunity for cross-cultural missional engagement.

In the brief introduction to Paul’s ministry at Athens, we learn important principles of cross-cultural ministry engagement. Paul’s first action in Athens was “waiting” (17:16). Certainly, this waiting involved Paul anticipating the arrival of his coworkers he had left when he exited Berea (cf. 17:14–15). However, the logistics that demanded Paul’s waiting also represented a missional engagement of first order of importance: Paul’s presence in and among the Athenians. Paul’s waiting in Athens led Paul to “see” (17:16; cf. 17:23) the realities of the city surroundings. Paul used his time in Athens to attentively observe and perceptively notice the condition of the city. What he saw was a religious fascination that led to all manner of pagan spirituality, fateful idolatry, and false worship.

Upon seeing the idolatrous landscape of the city (and the serious spiritual condition threatening these city dwellers), Paul’s spirit was provoked: “he was deeply disturbed in his spirit” (17:16). Faithful presence leading to keen observation resulted in a sobering effect upon the apostle. Paul did not respond in apathy or indifference, but he allowed himself to be deeply impacted by the Athenians’ egregious religiosity. In a display of heartfelt compassion and missional focus, Paul made their plight his burden. Rather than his provocation leading to an aversion toward (or worse yet a condemnation of) the people of Athens, Paul “reasoned” (17:17) with the people in the city. Having his heart moved for them because of their misguided spirituality, Paul engaged people with the message of the gospel. By waiting, seeing, being provoked, and reasoning, Paul launched a ministry in Athens that was both faithful to God’s calling and understanding of his listeners’ culture (cf. 17:23).

Like Paul engaging the Athenians, we too can engage the surrounding society anywhere God places us. On an individual and cultural plane, we must learn to give time, space, and energy to be present with others. Only the ministry of faithful presence can give us the discernment (and the credibility) to accurately observe the spiritual climate in which we currently abide. Careful to meaningfully enter into the world of others without assimilating to godless practices, we must allow ourselves to emotionally respond to the spiritual condition of others who are far from God. Remaining unaffected by cultural idolatry will surely lead to stymied ministry and reluctant evangelism. We need God to sensitize our hearts to be moved by the spiritual plight of others. In turn, the deep impact upon our spirits must yield meaningful engagement with those around us, exploring their current faith in light of unchanging gospel truth. In short, God calls his people to enter into the world of others (individually, and sometimes geographically and culturally), showing a willing, attentive, empathetic, and proactive spirit.

Any and All at All Times. At Athens, Paul demonstrated a broad and determined commitment to gospel witness. Not only did Paul engage those associated with the Jewish faith, but he also conversed with people in the marketplace (17:17). His synagogue and marketplace ministry highlights Paul’s dexterity to engage people in religious situations as well as in the circumstances of daily life. Straddling both worlds, Paul wanted as many people to hear and respond to the gospel as possible. Paul talked with people in the marketplace “each day” (17:17), which highlights his missionary focus. Trusting that God was sovereignly at work in all of his interactions and encounters, Paul was willing to talk “with those he met” (17:17). Paul was willing to discuss the gospel with any person at all times, trusting God to bring him into contact with those he wanted to hear the message.

Paul’s readiness should instruct our own approach to gospel proclamation. We should consider ways to engage those who have religious interest. We should also find ways to connect with people in the common rhythms of public life. Especially in cross-cultural work, such a detail is immensely helpful. It helps us maintain a wide focus across society. It also helps us to remain persistent and diligent in our witness. By intentionally placing ourselves in fertile ministry situations—situations likely to yield fruitful gospel conversations—we can strengthen our witness in society. Simply by increasing our contact with unbelievers (something that we can intentionally practice), we can also increase our skill and effectiveness in gospel witness. While we desire many to come to saving faith, effective gospel witness does not always result in people receiving the gospel with open arms.

Preaching Jesus and the Resurrection: Remaining True to the Unchanging Gospel Message

Biblical Narrative (Acts 17:17–21)

Reasoning with people within the religious institution of the synagogue and throughout the common life of the marketplace, Paul seemingly engaged anyone who was willing to listen to him (17:17). Being a melting pot of religious, ethnic, and philosophical diversity, Athens was a context ripe for faith conversations. Both local Athenians and foreigners lived in this major metropolitan center (17:21). When Paul was dialoguing with Jews and marketplace attendees, “Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him” (17:18). So diverse were the Athenians that some of Paul’s listeners came from opposing philosophical camps: Epicureans (emphasizing the importance of the material, encouraging physical pleasure, and skeptical of the afterlife and divine intervention) and Stoics (emphasizing moral virtue, encouraging self-control and self-discipline, and believing in the gods confluence with nature).

As Paul dialogued with others, people responded differently to the gospel message. Some considered Paul a “babbler,” and others equated him with a preacher of “foreign gods” (17:18). Even though the Athenian culture was accommodating to a myriad of religious ideas, the simple and clear gospel message was abrasive to Paul’s listeners. As a result, they brought Paul “to the Areopagus” because they wanted to “know what this new teaching is” (17:19). To the Athenian city-dwellers, Paul’s teaching amounted to “strange notions to [their] ears” (17:20). The newness of the message, however, did not cause a complete rejection of the message. Eclectic and tolerant of many ideologies, the people wanted to know the meaning of Paul’s teaching (17:20). Exploration of religious ideas was nothing uncommon in this setting. The diverse group in Athens would do “nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas” (17:21). Mixed in their response, Paul’s faithful and clear preaching of the gospel yielded a blend of ideological tension, engaging debate, surprised hesitation, and continued interest.

Biblical Principles

Message. Paul leveraged his presence in Athens as an opportunity for gospel witness. Emphasizing the foundations of the gospel, the content of his message was identified as “Jesus and the resurrection” (17:18). Disrupting their religious sensibilities, Paul reasoned and debated with his listeners. To a context tolerant of diverse ideas, Paul preached a message of truth. Against philosophies that had misguided views of the afterlife and the physical world, Paul announced that Jesus physically rose again from the dead. Addressing the idolatrous deference of the Athenians to multiple gods, Paul proclaimed the supremacy and exclusivity of Jesus.

The gospel message must always remain pure in its core content. One great duty of Christian witness is to boldly announce the message of Christ to any and all who will listen. The saving message of Christ is our great motivation for cross-cultural missional engagement. Without the true knowledge of Christ, people remain in their idolatry. Outside of belief in Jesus’ resurrection, no one can find true rescue from the sinful and broken world in which we live. The earthly reality and eternal destiny of every life turn upon the person’s relationship with (or rejection of) Jesus. Accomplishing victory for his people, the resurrected Christ has triumphed over sin and every false deity. Those who have come to know Jesus as he truly is participate in his victorious life. Subsequently, these believers bear a responsibility to tell others about Jesus.

Modes of Communication. As a city composed of a mixture of locals and foreigners, Athens provided a context ripe for conversation—for “hearing” and “articulating” new ideas (17:21). Paul was faithful to communicate the gospel to Athenians. As Paul interacted with his urban listeners, he reasoned (17:17), conversed (17:18), preached (17:18), taught (17:19), and presented (17:19). This diversity of terms describing Paul’s communication highlights the interactive and declarative nature of Paul’s gospel witness. In the context of discussion, dialogue, instruction, and (even) debate, Paul presented the truth about Jesus and the resurrection. His presentation of gospel content was supported by interactive conversation; his interactive conversation supported his gospel proclamation. Reasoning with his listeners, Paul attempted to persuade the Athenians to believe in Jesus. Paul’s communication was no dialogue for entertainment’s sake. Rather, he applied himself to the preaching of the gospel with the explicit purpose of convincing people to become Christian disciples.

Again, Paul’s example informs our evangelistic work. Like the apostle, we should employ a variety of communication modes as we tell others about Jesus. With hearts rooted in compassion toward those we encounter, we should employ a measure of dialogue and discussion in our gospel witness. Sometimes gospel conversations with others will happen in brief or extended moments, while other times they will occur over the course of multiple conversations. In the course of this interaction, we should seek moments to tell people about the saving message of the resurrected Christ. Without coming across as manipulative or controlling, we should lovingly, yet persuasively, reason with people. In these ways, we can bear witness to the gospel within our culture and beyond.

Responses. Paul’s initial engagement with the Athenians highlights the countercultural essence of the gospel. Faithful in telling his listeners about Christ in persuasive and loving dialogue, Paul experienced a mixed response to his gospel witness. Paul was called a “babbler” (17:18) and a preacher of “foreign gods” (17:18) who was offering a “new teaching” (17:19) and speaking “strange notions” (17:20). Even for a religious climate hospitable to new ideas (17:21), the gospel cut against the comforts and norms of the Athenians. Despite this mixed response, some people wanted to hear more from Paul to understand what his teaching meant (17:20).

Disciples should expect various reactions when the gospel is clearly and simply presented. At its core, the message of Jesus is countercultural. Calling people to surrender their lives to Christ is challenging, convicting, and confronting. People only become disciples when they enthrone Jesus as king of their lives, which entails a necessary dethroning of every other god, spirit, power, or ruler (including oneself). In essence, Jesus disrupts the broken and dysfunctional status quo of a sinful world in order to restore it to a greater and more fulfilling reality. What appears to be countercultural babble is actually a refreshing claim of sterling truth. Inasmuch as the gospel can challenge cultural norms, it is also a timely and fitting solution for every human predicament. In this way, our gospel witness should address people’s pressing concerns—the big questions in life—as part of a summons for people to surrender to Jesus’ lordship.

Standing in the Midst: Engaging Worldview Concerns to Remove Gospel Barriers

Biblical Narrative (Acts 17:22–29)

In this next scene, Paul gave a speech as he “stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus” (17:22). Up to this point, Paul had already told people in the city of Athens about Jesus (cf. 17:18). Now, he was given a public platform to address a crowd. In this speech, Paul addressed fundamental worldview questions that were basic concerns of his listeners. Paul opened his speech to the “men of Athens” with a statement of respect: “I see that in every way you are very religious” (17:22). Through Paul’s own survey of Athens, he “walked around and examined [their] objects of worship” (17:23). Many idols filled the landscape of Athens such that it was obvious to an observer that the city dwellers took religion seriously (cf. 17:16, 23). While Paul did not endorse their idolatrous religiosity, he commended them for being sensitive and committed to religious matters.

From the myriad of gods forming the religious landscape of Athenian society, Paul mentioned one particular altar with an inscription, “to an unknown god” (17:23). Not wanting to mistakenly overlook any important deity, the Athenians designed and dedicated this altar to an unnamed deity. Paul took notice of this particular religious monument and used it as a way to address the worldview concerns of his new acquaintances. Using the altar’s inscription as a preaching opportunity, Paul told the Athenians something that would surely have piqued their interest: “What you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you” (17:23). Simultaneously appealing to their interest and exposing their ignorance, Paul shrewdly established common ground with his audience as a means for further worldview reflection.

Wisely connecting with his audience and boldly speaking truth, Paul began by identifying the divine nature of the true and living God. Paul identified the true and living God as the Creator God. This true God “made the world and everything in it” and is “the Lord of heaven and earth” (17:24). God “gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (17:25). As Maker of all things, God “does not live in temples made by human hands” (17:24) and he is not “served by human hands” (17:25). While God calls all people to submit to his authority, God is not dependent upon human beings for shelter, food, or anything. God is sovereign: maintaining an unquestionable rule over all things. God is providential: providing all things to people out of his generous care and timely goodness. Also, God is self-sufficient: not depending upon anyone else for existence or satisfaction.

In addition to expounding the nature of God, Paul spoke about human nature. He explained that God made a diverse human population—“every nation of men” (17:26)—from one original man. To a diverse Athenian population composed of locals and foreigners (cf. 17:21), Paul asserted that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands” (17:26). While all humans share a common nature, people across all generations and cultures are unique expressions of humanity. As sovereign, God appointed the times and places where all people live. No one decides the time and place of their birth. This is unquestionably determined by God.

Reaching an existential depth, Paul spoke about shared human experience. As the God who created and ordered the world, God is the ultimate source of human joy and fulfillment. Paul explained that people were made to pursue God: to “seek Him,” to “reach out for Him,” and to “find Him” (17:27). Even though humans are created beings, God is “not far from each one of us” (17:27). Paul confirmed this truth by quoting familiar poets: “in Him we live and move and have our being” and “we are His offspring” (17:28). Even though these poetic sources were not Christian, Paul quoted them to show that the basic instinct for God is intrinsic to human nature. As God’s creatures, humans might be tempted to think that God is like humans. Paul corrects this misunderstanding and says that “we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination” (17:29). At this point in Paul’s speech, he addressed fundamental concerns that shaped the way the Athenian people saw and experienced the world.

Biblical Principles

Affirm Religious Interest. At the beginning of Paul’s speech, he established common ground with his listeners. Referring to their many gods, Paul acknowledged their cultural artifacts. Pointing to one particular altar, Paul demonstrated knowledge of their spiritual setting. He affirmed their religious sincerity by saying that they were “very religious” (17:22). Paul appealed to gaps in their religious system by mentioning the altar to an unnamed deity (17:23). A keen communicator and master missionary, Paul established common ground with the Athenians in a way that respected them but did not endorse their current religious devotion. In an intracultural move, Paul not only wisely spoke to the Athenians in a way they would understand, but he also spoke skillfully into the Athenian culture in a manner that touched a core nerve of their spirituality.

Cross-cultural witness, especially when addressing deep worldview issues, requires establishing common ground with people, as Paul modeled in this story. We cannot underestimate the power of building rapport with our listeners. While it may take a long time to establish a relationship with some people whom God has brought along our path, we may be able to build a trusted relationship with someone in the course of one conversation. Whatever the difference in time, we should heed Paul’s example in a way that pays attention to the cultural milieu around us and seeks to establish points of contact that would yield open doors for worldview conversations.

Worldview Questions. After establishing contact with his audience, Paul addressed important worldview issues that the Athenians considered fundamental to life. In a short time, Paul had managed to gain an audience in a major urban center. Utilizing his unplanned arrival as an opportunity for missional engagement, Paul had observed the spirituality of the city (cf. 17:16; cf. 17:23). He learned more about the people’s diverse beliefs through religious debate and marketplace dialogue (cf. 17:17–21). Paul gained insight about the level of gospel receptivity as various groups responded to his initial gospel witness (cf. 17:18–20). Through faithful gospel witness and wise cross-cultural engagement, Paul had gained insider information on the Athenian culture, understanding them on their own terms. Although a newcomer and outsider, Paul was now in the midst of their city, willing and able to address some core barriers to gospel receptivity.

The speech recorded in this narrative is a dense and deep exploration of worldview concerns: the essence of God, human nature, life purpose, and personal identity. Even today, these topics are behind some of the fundamental questions people ask to live a meaningful life: “Who is God?” What does it mean to be human? Why am I here? Who am I?" Paul not only addressed these topics in general, but he specifically pointed to the living and true God as the clarifying answer—the certain clue—to unlock meaning to all of life. This kind of worldview talk paves the way for gospel proclamation. Giving insight into the important work of preevangelism, Paul’s speech addressed major worldview questions to open the door for the gospel. A person’s worldview involves the key beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape the way one lives in the world. This kind of witness aims to dislodge any barriers to gospel witness, to soften potential unreceptiveness. Learning from Paul, we should learn to survey the surrounding culture and identify contact points with Christian truth that create an open avenue for gospel interest and open hearts for gospel reception.

Employ Cultural Artifacts/Poets. One specific focus of Paul’s worldview engagement was a focus on art and creative expression. God created a world with beauty and artistry. God imparted a creative capacity to his human creatures. By quoting pagan poets (17:28), Paul affirmed this creative instinct woven into the fabric of human nature. Ultimately, creative human instincts come from a creative God, the God who made all things (17:23–24). Inasmuch as it leads people back to the true God, human creativity is to be celebrated. However, Paul’s rebuke of idolatry (17:24–25, 29) also cautions against a sinful use of creative expression. Things can be “made by human hands” (17:24; cf. 17:25) in a way that misrepresents God. When given unbridled autonomy, “an image formed by man’s skill and imagination” (17:29) can lead people away from God. Good and bad, a worldview can often be deciphered by a society’s aesthetic expressions.

Nevertheless, art and aesthetics can help establish common ground with others. Not only can cultural expressions be examined as a source to understand a culture’s values and worldview, but when creative artifacts have contact points with Christianity, they can be used as a catalyst to cultivate interest in the claims of the gospel. Further, the presence of creative expression in each and every culture leads to an opportunity to talk about the beauty and brilliance of God, the source of all good creative expression and creative energy. Sometimes culturally creative expressions will express God’s character; sometimes they will contrast God’s character. In either case, creative cultural expressions can be crumbs that lead people back to a feast of God’s beauty and character.

Now He Commands: Appealing for People to Repent Before a Righteous God

Biblical Narrative (Acts 17:30–31)

Having addressed concerns fundamental to the Athenians, Paul turned his speech into an appeal. In evangelistic and preevangelistic work, truth proclamation should involve a timely invitation. Paul mentioned that “God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times” (17:30). As with all unbelievers, the Athenians lived and worshiped in ignorance. Though committed to their way of life, they did not worship the living and true God. God did not immediately judge the Athenians for this. He gave them time to repent. However, God’s patience to endure human ignorance does not mean he will excuse their false worship and egregious idolatry. Paul told the Athenians that God “now commands all people everywhere to repent” (17:30).

God commands repentance because there is a certain judgment that all people must face. Paul explained that God “has set a day when He will judge the world with justice” (17:31). All people will be evaluated by the sterling essence of God’s perfect character. All human history is heading toward a great day of reckoning: a time when the eternal destiny of each human is determined based on how they relate to God during their earthly existence. Offering more detail about this day of judgment, Paul expressed that this judgment will be executed “by the Man He has appointed” (17:30). Although Paul did not name Jesus at this point in his speech, the appointed man is Jesus—the one Paul had already proclaimed in the Athenian context (cf. 17:18). God assured that judgment would unfold in this way “by raising Him from the dead” (17:31). Resurrection guarantees the authority and right of Jesus to execute judgment upon humanity. As a perfect expression of God’s righteousness, all people will be judged on account of their relationship (or lack thereof) to Jesus.

Biblical Principles

Confrontation and Controversy. Because the gospel confronts people in their sinfulness, the good news about Jesus is built upon the bad news of judgment for those who remain in their sin. In this way, the gospel can spark controversy and contention on its way to joyful celebration. Gospel witness will always involve some challenge to one’s comfort. For Paul, the threatening message of the gospel was on full display. While the announcement of future judgment confronted the personal comfort of his hearers, the claim of Jesus’ resurrection offended the philosophical sensibilities of the Athenians (17:31). In addition, Paul’s evaluation of the Athenians as ignorant (17:30) likely injured the high opinion they had of themselves as a philosophical center. The claim of one God judging the whole world was a stark contrast against the polytheistic landscape of the city (17:30).

Faithful evangelism (and good preevangelism) establishes contact and common ground with others in a culturally informed manner. Like Paul, we should enter into the world of others in a respectful and empathetic way. Nevertheless, no matter how much work a person does to connect with another person or culture, at some point, the clear message of the gospel will confront, offend, and challenge. The offense of gospel witness should not come from our failure to lovingly engage others with saving claims of Christ. Because God aims to save people from eternal judgment by calling them to repent of their sin, the good news of Christ must expose the pending punishment of unrepentant sinners. Only through the offense of conviction can one come to enjoy the freedom of repentance.

Righteousness, Resurrection, Judgment, and Repentance. The core message of the gospel transcends all cultures. No matter one’s language, class, generation, or ethnicity, all people are equally accountable to God. Future judgment is a pending reality for all humans. God’s righteous character is the common standard by which all people will be judged. The one and only resurrected Christ is the centerpiece of human history and the defining metric of each person’s eternal destiny. The fixed day of future judgment steers people from all nations to a culminating and concluding point in human history. Whereas God wants his people to faithfully engage each culture on its own terms, the simple and plain gospel message breaks down all cultural divides and places all people before a holy and righteous God.

Confronted with divine judgment, humble sinners aim to remedy their dire plight. The command to repent is a universal imperative that calls people out of their sin and into a new relationship with God. This command also establishes all people in all places on a common plane. Cultural distinctives do not ultimately define one’s identity. The most important characteristic of a person is whether they have clung to their sin in continued ignorance and fateful rebellion or they have renounced the life of sin and received the gracious forgiveness of a loving God. All the work of cultural engagement leads to this appeal. Although the appeal is made to all, its reception is mixed.

When They Heard: Evaluating Expectations and Responses of Gospel Witness

Biblical Narrative (Acts 17:32–34)

In Paul’s speech, he established common ground with his hearers, addressed relevant worldview issues, and made an urgent appeal. Speaking to a cultural context ignorant of Christian beliefs, Paul’s message challenged the Athenians in the Areopagus. The listeners’ mixed responses were vivid. Upon hearing about “the resurrection of the dead,” some people mocked (17:32). Other people wanted to hear more from Paul (17:32). Paul left the crowd, and “some joined him and believed” (17:33). Two specific people are named: “Dionysius the Areopagite” and “a woman named Damaris” (17:33). But these were by no means the only people who responded to Paul’s speech with interest. There were “others who were with them” (17:33) who left with Paul and continued exploring the claims of the gospel.

Biblical Principles

Responses. Mirroring the mixed response from his initial gospel witness (cf. 17:17–21), the crowd now reacted with similar diversity. For those who mocked Paul and his message, their cynicism and scorn amounted to a rejection of the gospel and a refusal to repent of their sin. Those who wished to hear more represented a group interested in the gospel with a desire for further exploration. Those who believed the message and followed Paul are characterized as those who are favorable to Jesus. For such people, this story highlights desirable and appropriate responses to the gospel: repenting, believing, and joining. Those who listened to Paul’s message would have repented from their sin (17:30), placed their faith in Christ (17:34), and joined the community of others who profess Christ (17:30). In this threefold response, we witness a rejection of sin, allegiance to Christ, and solidarity with other believers. Ultimately, all the work of cultural engagement culminates in an appeal for people to respond to Jesus. Cultural engagement without such an invitation or appeal is a betrayal of our work and leaves people in a dire spiritual condition that has deadly and eternal ramifications.

Resurrection. The turning point of Paul’s speech was “the resurrection of the dead” (17:32). While Paul exerted much effort to connect with his audience, establishing common ground was a means to announce the foundational truth that Jesus rose from the dead in bodily form (17:31). His resurrection back to life was an act that showed his power and authority over sin and death. But not everyone was excited about such an amazing feat. Paul had interested the Athenians enough to be brought to the Areopagus (cf. 17:19). Also, Paul appealed to the religious (17:22) and philosophical (17:24–28) sensitivities during his speech. Nevertheless, no amount of wise contextualization, heartfelt empathy, or cultural sensitivity could remove the demand and offense of the gospel message. In Athens, the message of Christ’s resurrection offended people at a personal and ideological level. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, all creation must submit themselves to him as the true and reigning King. In its essence, worldview engagement at a pre-evangelism level eventually leads to Christ’s exclusive and complete claim as Judge and Savior. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection is a definitive turning point in all world history and each individual’s life.

Conclusion

Paul’s ministry in Athens provides an inspiration and instruction for our own evangelistic calling. Specifically, Paul showcased skillful preevangelistic efforts that addressed and dismantled worldview concerns in order to present the timeless gospel message. His faithful cross-cultural interaction with the Athenians at a religious and philosophical level displayed a sensitive yet wise attentiveness to others. His unashamed preaching of the gospel highlighted Paul’s understanding that the gospel will be countercultural (challenge presuppositions and prejudgments) for all people and all cultures. Leveraging points of contact, Paul began his speech to the crowd in the Areopagus by addressing their major worldview concerns. All of this led to a culminating message about God’s righteousness, future judgment, and Jesus’ resurrection. The mixed responses adjust our own expectations for ways people are likely to respond to the gospel.

Gospel proclamation is an important part of a Christian’s calling in the world. We must be ever faithful to share the gospel with clarity, accuracy, and boldness. However, this does not mean we should ignore the cultural and ideological environments of those we encounter. For those who follow Christ, our duty is to be wise students of culture as a means of being faithful preachers of the gospel. The important work of preevangelism supports the work of evangelism. This task will take patience, compassion, and courage, but enormous blessings and joy await those who willingly follow after the steps of Paul, whether they till the soil within their own culture or build bridges of gospel conversation from afar.

Session Synopsis

SESSION 10 SYNOPSIS
Engaging Culture and Worldview	In this passage, we learn how to engage culture and worldview in gospel witness. In Athens, Paul was waiting for his coworkers. During this time, he observed that the city was full of idols and spoke with people about the gospel. People had mixed reactions to Paul’s preaching. Eventually, Paul was given an opportunity to speak in the Areopagus. He addressed the crowd, referring to an idol made to an unknown God. Paul addressed many underlying Athenians’ worldview questions, including clarifying who the true God is. Paul told them about the coming judgment and the resurrection, which sparked a diversity of responses—mockery, interest, and faith. This biblical narrative is an important record to help us think about culture and worldview engagement in the work of gospel witness. A summary of this story’s principles is outlined below.
Cultural Engagement	Christians should seek to engage people from other cultures with the claims of Christ (17:16–17). Cross-cultural engagement should involve spending time with a culture in a listening posture, observing the culture, being moved by their idols and sins, and engaging them in conversation. Christian outreach to other cultures should be cross-cultural (17:16–17), countercultural (17:18–21), innercultural (17:22–29), and transcultural (17:30–31).
Gospel Proclamation	Christians are to boldly and clearly preach the unchanging gospel message to people from various cultures (17:17–21, 30–31). The core of the gospel message could be summarized as Jesus and the resurrection (17:18, 31–32). Gospel preaching should involve timeless truths such as righteousness, resurrection, judgment, and repentance that will challenge and confront all persons and cultures (17:30–31).
Communication Variety	Faithful communication of the gospel and cultural engagement respectfully affirms the worldview interest of an audience. (17:22–23). It also utilizes a variety of modes to discuss the faith: reasoning (17:17), conversing (17:18), preaching (17:18), teaching (17:19), and presenting (17:19).
Preevangelism	Cross-cultural engagement and gospel proclamation may involve the work of preevangelism: removing major obstacles to the gospel and building bridges for people to be open to hearing the gospel message (17:22–29). Christians are to be culturally informed without compromising the unchanging truth of the faith. Faithful evangelism and faithful preevangelism establish contact and common ground (17:22–23, 28). These tasks also require disciples to confront and challenge a culture’s errors (17:29–31).
Mixed Responses	Preaching the gospel and defending the faith will bring about a mixture of responses (17:17–21, 32–34): dismissal (17:18), mockery (17:32), interest (17:19–21, 32), and devotion (17:33–34). Genuine response to the gospel involves repenting from sin (17:30), believing in Christ (17:34), and joining the believing community (17:30).
Worldview Engagement	Core to cultural engagement is worldview discussion, addressing the major underlying questions that people are asking (17:23–29). This would involve the religious (17:22), philosophical (17:24–28), and literary (17:28) dimensions of a society. Christian worldview engagement can affirm the religious interests and creative expressions of a culture while also challenging the idolatrous and sinful manifestations of their worldview and culture (17:16, 23–25, 29).

Personal Reflection: Entering the Story

Apply the Text: The word of God is binding and authoritative, the only reliable guide for faith and godliness. True disciples submit themselves to God’s word. In this movement, you will apply God’s word to your lives.

Reflection Questions

Encourage one person to share a testimony about how this story has impacted them so far. Use the reflection questions to examine your life in light of this biblical passage.

Spiritual Practice

Worldview Speech

Prayerfully consider the various worldview issues that your culture faces. Imagine if you had a crowd of people eager to listen to what you had to say about the gospel. Reflect on how you would engage the crowd at a worldview level and clearly present the gospel. Write a speech that you would deliver to this crowd of interested listeners.

Ministry Practice: Rehearsing the Script

Minister the Text: God’s word is living and active. Through God’s word, the Christian community is edified. In this movement, you will utilize the biblical passage to minister to other believers and build them up in their faith.

Application Questions

Look at the infographic below. Use the questions to think about how to minister this text to other believers.

Missional Outreach: Publicizing the Truth

Witness the Text: The Bible is a message of God’s gracious salvation to the world. In word and deed, God’s people proclaim the good news of the gospel. In this movement, you will use this biblical passage to reach out to unbelievers.

Strategy Questions

Reflect on the infographic below. Consider how you can use this passage to witness to the surrounding world. Use the suggested ideas to prime your imagination. Then, put together a plan to share this passage with unbelievers, Afterward, reflect on this mission experience.