Acts 17:16-34
When we’re motivated by the gospel, modeling Jesus’ selflessness and sharing His love with others becomes a priority in our lives.
Read Acts 17:16-21:
- Why was Paul’s heart disturbed by the cultural climate of Athens?
- Are the beliefs practiced in the culture around us similar to or different from what Paul encountered in Athens?
- Why is it significant that instead of preaching, Paul struck up casual conversations with those with whom he disagreed?
Read Acts 17:22-29:
- Why do you think Paul began his address to the Areopagus with a compliment?
- What truths did Paul communicate about the character of God?
- Which of Paul’s descriptions of God is most important?
Read Acts 17:30-34:
- Paul told the Athenians they were ignorant in their worship. Can we expect those who don’t know Christ to live up to a biblical standard? Why or why not?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection separate Christianity from all other religions?
- What responsibility do Christians have in light of the final judgment?
Taking it home:
- How can we know what in culture can be leveraged for God’s glory and what we just need to leave alone?
- What are some of the different groups with whom you interact regularly? How you can you be intentional about sharing the gospel with them this week?
Ways to Pray:
- Adoration: Praise God for His superiority and preeminence over and against all other “gods.”
- Contrition: Repent of any ways you’ve let cultural preferences block you from sharing the Gospel.
- Thankfulness: Thank God for extending His mercy and grace to all nations, including ours.
- Supplication: Pray for opportunities to have Gospel conversations with the people on your Oikos lists.
Other Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Acts 12:25-13:13
- Ecclesiastes 10:8-20
- Acts 15:22-41
- Isaiah 54:9-17
- Philemon 1
- Psalm 31