EVANGELISTIC APPROACHES OF PAUL Acts 17

Approaches of Paul: Taught in the Synagogues (Acts 17:1-2) What is a synagogue? A place of worship with organized worship on the Sabbath. Located in most of the leading towns of Israel

Synagogue

Approaches of Paul: Taught in the Synagogues (Acts 17:1-2) What is a synagogue? A place of worship with organized worship on the Sabbath. Located in most of the leading towns of Israel Paul’s custom: Typically the first stop as Paul travels from city to city. Jerusalem Acts 9:20; Salamis Acts 13:5, Pisidian Antioch; Acts 13: 14, 15 Iconium; Acts 14:1 Amphipolis and Apollonia; Acts 17:1 Berea; Acts 17:10 Athens; Acts 17:17 Corinth; Acts 18:4 Ephesus; Acts 18:19 Paul went to places where he knew people had an interest in spiritual things. Making the application: Are we making sure that we talk to people who have come to visit? Are we taking opportunities to talk to people who have shown themselves to be interested in spiritual things?

Approaches of Paul: Preaches Jesus (Acts 17:1-3) Paul establishes a foundation of Christ and Him Crucified Jesus is the primary focus of Paul’s message as he preaches. Making the Application: Start with a foundation of Jesus and His Resurrection We should all be able to tell of Jesus. A powerful evidence to establish Christianity “This is of first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3-4) “Christianity stands or falls on Christ’s resurrection” (1 Cor. 15:13-20) We must agree about Jesus if there is any hope in agreeing on anything else.

Approaches of Paul: Uses Reason and Logic (Acts 17:1-3) “reasoned with them from the Scriptures explaining and giving evidence” (Acts 17:2-3) Not from feeling and emotions Not from miracles alone Not from persuasion alone Paul always presents facts based on Scriptures Even when Paul uses his own personal testimony Making the Application: The faith we have is not a blind or foolish faith. Jesus himself gave “many convincing proofs” to his disciples (1:3) Our approach ought to be filled with reason and logic and facts We need to do our homework We need to know our scriptures We need to use evidence to make a case for Christ.

Approaches of Paul: Relates to His Audience (Acts 17:22-23, 28) Paul Finds common Ground “unknown God” Paul relates to their background and culture: quotes known poets iEpimenedes (Cretan poet- “in him we live”) Aratus (Cilician poet- “we are also his children”) Making the application: Use familiar terms and examples. Become familiar with the beliefs of someone you are trying to teach.

Approaches of Paul: Include Hard Truths (Acts 17:29-31) Paul doesn’t sugar coat his message Speaks of judgment Speaks of repentance He refutes idolatry Making the Application: As we teach others we can’t ignore hard truths We can teach hard truths in a respectful manner Hard truths should be taught with hope and rewards

What We Can Expect: Acts 17:32-34 Many will reject the message Others will listen Some will believe!!!