“Reaching Outsiders” (Part Two)

Paul’s Approach

Today we follow the footsteps of Paul in Athens as he interacts with the merchants in the marketplace and with the leading thinkers of the day. If we follow this model, then much of our outreach will be accomplished outside the walls of the church as we interact with people at work and in the mall. What was Paul’s approach?

He was conciliatory, not argumentative. When Paul was invited to speak up on Mars Hill, his opening words were “I perceive that in all things you are very religious” (Acts 17:22). That approach drew his audience to him. A tirade against idolatry would have done just the opposite—it would have erected a wall.

Like Paul, we should not be out to win an argument but to gain a convert for Christ. It is sad when we sense that many in today’s culture perceive Christians as arrogant and judgmental.

He made a connection. Paul used the altar “to the unknown god” as a bridge to his audience (17:23). Can we find connections with the unbelievers around us?

He lived incarnationally. He was like Jesus. “The word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). That’s where Paul was and we should be! We should be flesh and blood representatives of Jesus in our neighborhoods and in the marketplace (2 Corinthians 5:20).

He was culturally relevant (Acts 17:28). Paul could quote from the literature of “outsiders.” Translated for Jesus-followers in the 21st century, we must be aware of the cultural influences that are shaping the thinking and hearts of people in today’s world—from the movies people are viewing to the books they are reading.

Friday’s article will address Paul’s appeal.