Acts 17:1-18:18
Devotion by Emilee (Ross) Christian
Today’s reading contains one of my favorite stories about Paul’s travels – his time in Athens. I love this story because it teaches us to approach others of varying beliefs with kindness and respect. In Acts 17:22-30 Paul demonstrates how to speak the truth in love.
Paul begins his discussion with the Athens people by complimenting them. It isn’t false flattery either. While the lifestyle of idol worship is appalling, Paul looks at the heart behind the lifestyle and establishes common ground with the people. He makes the observation that they are “very religious in every way” (v. 22 NLT). He reminds them of their own “‘unknown God’” to whom they have dedicated an altar. Instead of coming to them with radically new ideas, he expounds on one of their own. Instead of creating division between his religion and theirs, Paul seeks unity.
In his following statements, Paul shows his knowledge of their customs, further establishing his credibility. He isn’t ignorant of their ways of life. He notes how the Greeks put special significance over temples, believing it to be where their gods reside and have power. He explains how the Hebrew God “since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in manmade temples” (v. 24 NLT). He discusses their custom to offer sacrifices and argues that the true God does not require sacrifices from man in order to survive. Finally, Paul quotes some of Athens own poets to prove the existence of God as creator of man. To make all these arguments, Paul needed to have a baseline understanding of the Athens religious beliefs. This means he took the time to understand the people he sought to evangelize.
It’s also worth noting that Paul initially approaches them with an I statement. I looked it up in the original Greek and sure enough the verb used for seeing/noticing is conjugated first person singular. In relational communication, I statements are key. I statements help the speaker convey ideas without seeming to attack the recipient. I think it is brilliant that Paul does that here with the Athens people.
The way Paul speaks to the Athens people reminds me of how he explained his teaching style in I Corinthians when he wrote “I have become all things to all people” (9:22 NIV). Paul humbles himself in sharing the gospel. Rather than teach a doctrine, Paul sought to teach good news. I think today we can learn from Paul. If there is someone in your life who’s lifestyle seems counter to yours or your beliefs, I encourage you to search for common ground like Paul. Find that common ground. Address it, using an I statement. Then, expound on their beliefs by guiding them to the truth. It takes finesse, of course, but it is important to not ostracize people. In a world full of so much division, look for the similarities. Ask God to give you humility. I wonder just how many people we could reach if we paused and looked for our similarities. Despite the many ways we can differ, at the end of the day, we are all a part of God’s creation, groaning and longing for a day free from death and decay. We are more alike than we are different.
Reflection Questions
- Have you worked on using “I statements”? What results have you seen? Have you tried them before when sharing the good news?
- How was the good news shared with you? Are there bad ways to share the good news? What might that look like? With what results?
- Think of someone different from you who does not currently have the hope of eternal life. What do you have in common? What do you know about them? What “I statements” could you use to start a conversation with them about God?
Seek Grow Love 