On his missionary journeys, Paul encountered many kinds of people. He had to be able to relate to them all in order to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
Acts 17 demonstrates his winsome portrayal of the gospel.
Paul usually went to the synagogue first to convey the good news of Jesus Christ to the Jews. He followed his usual pattern in Thessalonica, reasoning from Scripture in order to show that Jesus Christ was the resurrected Messiah. But while some Jews and God-fearing Greeks were convinced, others weren’t.
In order to stop the spreading of this seemingly dangerous message, the majority of the Jews formed a mob and tried to force Paul to leave Thessalonica.
As a result, Paul left under the cover of night and went to Berea. Once again, he went to the synagogue first and used Scripture to relate to them. Many of the Jews there “received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11 NASB).
But the Jews from Thessalonica did not want the gospel to spread, so they came to Berea and caused another mob.
Because of the mob, Paul went to Athens. In this city full of idols, Paul preached the gospel again. Not only did he go to the synagogue, but he also preached to the Athenians, who practiced a cultured paganism. He took advantage of their thirst for new ideas as well as their religious tendencies as a door to preach the gospel to them. While some were skeptical, others believed.
Like Paul, God has called every one of us to ministry. He has planted us where we are for a reason. When we are humble and submissive to Him, He will work through us to bring the Word to those around us, regardless of their background.
Watch part 92 of the 365 Key Chapters of the Bible series, based on Ken’s Handbook to Scripture.
