Acts 17

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 1-15

  • Especially when dealing with those who say they believe the Bible, reasoning with them about what the Bible says is effective for bringing them to Christ.

    • Know your audience. Use scriptural reasoning with people who look to Scripture as their guide.

  • Verse 11. Understand that even when you do well to explain and show the truth, some will believe, and some will not. The condition of people's hearts determines whether they will be receptive. 

    • Some people will be more noble or fair-minded than others. Look for people with softer hearts, and share with them. It will be obvious when you notice a soft heart. They will stand out.

  • Be like the Bereans. Search the Word daily to find out the truth of what you hear, and implore others to do the same.

 

Verses 16-17

  • Sometimes the Spirit will lead you to take certain actions, and other times your own heart or your own conviction will move you.

    • Develop a desire to do work for the kingdom, and do what you feel convicted to do. This is the first step to being selfless for the kingdom.

  • Verse 17. Marketplaces, shopping centers, or public squares are other great places to find people to share the gospel with. 

    • Pay attention to what you might feel about people when you're in public places. You may be led to speak with someone.

 

Verses 18-21, 32-34

  • Verse 21. Some people will want to listen to you just because they are addicted to hearing new or fascinating information, but have no intention to believe it. Do not put too much work into teaching these kinds of people, or it could become wasteful

  • Verses 32-34. When Paul saw that some mocked and some showed little interest, he moved on, and he let those who wanted to believe show it by following him when he departed.

    • In cases where people are not showing many signs of genuine interest, put it on them to pursue you. If they care, they will pursue.

 

 

 

 

Verses 22-29

  • It is a good idea to use what people are familiar with, or language that they will understand, to explain the gospel to them. Paul used their own inscriptions and poetry as a platform (verses 23, 28).

    • Find ways to connect the Bible to what a person already understands or believes in.

      • For instance, you may tell a person of another religion about the parts of your beliefs that you have in common. This is an effective way to bring their walls down. Remember that people retreat when they feel constantly contradicted.

  • Verse 26. This is a reminder that God has placed us in the time and region that we are meant to be in. Remember that when and where you live has given you the best opportunity to come to know God. You have what you need, wherever you are, to know God.

 

Verses 30-31

  • Verse 30. When it comes to sin, tell people that all their past can be forgiven, but that they must move forward by turning away from their sins, if they want to be saved.

  • Verse 31. Repentance is meant to be motivated, in part, by a fear of God's coming judgment on the world.

    • Tell people about God's judgment if you want to help them be motivated to repent.