Discussion Guide

Acts of the Apostles: Message Series

Week 7: Acts 17:16-34

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he argued in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and also in the marketplace1 every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Also some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated with him. Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign divinities." (This was because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.) 19 So they took him and brought him to the Areopagus and asked him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means." 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there would spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.

Bottom Line: Take the risk so people can find God where they are.

Synopsis: Paul didn’t invite everyone to come hear about Jesus at the synagogue; he took the message to Mars Hill, a pagan place of worship, and even used their own misguided theology to point them to the truth. Where are we willing to take the gospel, and will we take it to anyone? How might the misguided beliefs of the world be leveraged for people to see the truth of Jesus?

Questions:

1. What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?

2. How can we engage with the culture around us without compromising our faith?

3. How is God challenging you to take risks to be a witness for Christ in your daily life?