August 11, 2021 - Acts 17: 16-34

Knowing your audience is a key part to effective communication. It is beneficial to consider what is important to the hearers as you attempt to gain their attention and accomplish the purpose of your discussion.

Paul had been in Athens for some time waiting for Timothy and Silas to reunite with him after he left northern Greece. While he awaited their arrival, he observed that Athens had become a gathering place for many people of intellectual and artistic interests. Each place that he visited he noted shrines or edifices dedicated to gods and objects of worship. This syncretism of thought and practice led Paul to speak openly both in the synagogue and the marketplace about Christ and the resurrection.

As was customary with Paul, people before long were responding and discussing his viewpoints and positions. Those who made it their career of studying and discussing new ideas and views, soon confronted Paul and asked him to attend their meetings. The Areopagus was a high hill that overlooks Athens and had become the meeting place for philosophers and intellectuals to daily discuss issues and new ideas.

Paul begins his presentation, and he rivets their attention with an opening remark that all present related to, “… I perceive that in all things you are very religious…” (v.22). Many had concluded and pronounced him a “babbler”, a term which carried the idea of a bird picking up seeds and flitting from one spot to another. Therefore, his opening statement became vital to retaining the attention of the learned audience. He moves the topic of the message pointedly and consistently in alignment with the current philosophical viewpoints, which those listening were accustomed to discussing. Paul began to expound first with creation, developing the point that God was interested and involved in man’s lives throughout history. Paul concluded by emphasizing God had raised Christ from the dead.

The insertion of a resurrection was the critical point where the listeners moved from passive listeners to active participants. The idea that God was present and active was palatable but raising someone from the grave was more miraculous than some could accept. The quiet audience now begins to mock, ask questions and the speech concludes before Paul was finished. Despite the abrupt ending, some join him and believe his message. Paul departs and continues to speak in the marketplace and sites that are available to him.

What appears to be a failed message is used by God to invoke a group of people insulated from the gospel to consider Christ. By taking the opportunity to speak, Paul uses the platform to present Christ. We are given opportunities to speak to those who are not aware of Christ’s presence. As we recognize individuals’ needs and interests, may we be faithful to share Christ as Paul did. God has the power to work in spite of what may appear as a closed heart or door.