Leverage Your Life 6 (2)

6 Leverage Your Life

Leverage your life for the kingdom by engaging your city with good works

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed when he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also debated with him. Some said, “What is this ignorant show-off trying to say?” Others replied, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign deities”—because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, “May we learn about this new teaching you are presenting? Because what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these things mean.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new. Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ Since, then, we are God’s offspring, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination. “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him, but others said, “We’d like to hear from you again about this.” So Paul left their presence. However, some people joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” (Acts 17:16–34, CSB)

The theme of Acts 17:16-34 centers on Paul's encounter with the Athenians and his approach to sharing the gospel in a culturally diverse and philosophically sophisticated environment. In Athens, Paul observed numerous idols and symbols of various deities, which prompted him to address the city's religious practices[1][2]. He engaged with the Athenians by acknowledging their religiosity and using their own cultural references, including a quote from their poets, to introduce the concept of the one true God[3]. Paul's speech at the Areopagus focused on explaining God as the creator, challenging idolatry, and emphasizing the need for repentance in light of coming judgment and the resurrection[2][3]. The passage highlights the different responses to Paul's message, with some mocking, others wanting to hear more, and a few believing[2]. As for Acts 18:1-11, the provided articles do not contain specific information about this passage, so I cannot comment on its theme without making assumptions.

[1] Bible Travel Guide for Students (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Kids, 2016). [2] Adult Questions for LESSONmaker (Bellingham, WA: Logos, 2024), Ac 17:16–34. [3] David S. Morlan, Conversion in Luke and Paul: An Exegetical and Theological Exploration, ed. Mark Goodacre, vol. 464, Library of New Testament Studies (London; New Delhi; New York; Sydney: Bloomsbury, 2013), 80.

I. Perceive the Lostness of Your City

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed when he saw that the city was full of idols.” (Acts 17:16, CSB)

παροξύνετο (paroxyneto) – "provoked, deeply stirred" Paul did not passively observe Athens; he was emotionally and spiritually stirred by the idolatry around him. This was not anger alone, but a righteous distress—his heart was burdened for the lost.

“When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, CSB)

A. Survey the Situation – Observe the spiritual climate around you. Before engaging your city, you must first see its spiritual condition

B. Sense the Spiritual Need – Let the idolatry and brokenness around you stir your heart. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His.

C. Stir Your Soul to Action – Do not be indifferent; let the lostness provoke a righteous response. Let awareness lead to action, not apathy.

II. Present the Gospel in Everyday Conversations

“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also debated with him. Some said, “What is this ignorant show-off trying to say?” Others replied, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign deities”—because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, “May we learn about this new teaching you are presenting? Because what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these things mean.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new.” (Acts 17:17–21, CSB)

σπερμολόγος (spermologos) – "babbler, seed picker" Paul engaged people where they were—in the synagogue (religious setting) and the marketplace (public square). He spoke daily, building relationships and answering real questions.

“Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5–6, CSB)

A. Speak in the Synagogue – Engage the religious community with the truth.

B. Share in the Streets – Take the gospel into the public square, where people gather.

C. Start Spiritual Dialogues – Be ready to respond to skeptics and seekers alike.

Let your words be gracious, intentional, and timely. You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit to preach the gospel—every conversation is an opportunity. Share Christ at work, at the gym, in restaurants, and in daily encounters.

III. Proclaim the Truth with Cultural Connection

“Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ Since, then, we are God’s offspring, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination.” (Acts 17:22–29, CSB)

ἀγνώστῳ θεῷ (agnōstō theō) – "Unknown God"

Paul didn’t start with Scripture (like he did with Jews) but with culture, using their altar to an "Unknown God" as a bridge to introduce the one true God.

A. Acknowledge Their Awareness – Affirm the spiritual hunger people already have.

B. Announce the Almighty – Reveal the true God who is Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign.

C. Address Their Assumptions – Correct misunderstandings about idolatry and God's nature.

“To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:22–23, CSB)

Find points of connection in your culture and use them to point to Jesus.

Use stories, music, current events, and people's own beliefs to build a bridge for the gospel.

The gospel does not change, but how we introduce it can be adapted.

IV. Persuade the People to Repent and Believe

“Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”” (Acts 17:30–31, CSB)

μετανοεῖν (metanoein) – "to repent, change one's mind" Paul did not stop at an intellectual discussion—he called for a decision. He warned of judgment and proclaimed the resurrection as proof that Jesus is Lord and Judge.

A. Call for Change – Declare that God now commands all people to repent.

B. Confirm Coming Judgment – Proclaim that Christ is the risen Judge of the world.

C. Communicate the Cross and Resurrection – Show how Jesus’ death and resurrection prove His authority.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”” (2 Corinthians 5:20, CSB)

The gospel is not just good advice; it is a call to repentance.

Be bold in calling people to turn from sin and trust Christ.

Emphasize that Christ’s resurrection is evidence of both His power and coming judgment.

V. Press On Despite Varied Responses

“When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him, but others said, “We’d like to hear from you again about this.” So Paul left their presence. However, some people joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” (Acts 17:32–34, CSB)

λευάζω (chleuazō) – "ridicule" (v. 32) – Some rejected Paul outright.

προσεκολλήθησαν (prosekollēthēsan) – "joined, attached to" (v. 34) – Others believed and followed Paul.

A. Expect Ridicule – Some will mock the message, especially the resurrection.

B. Engage the Receptive – Others will express curiosity and desire further discussion.

C. Encourage the Remnant – A few will truly believe, and they will be worth the effort.

The gospel always divides:

Some mock (v. 32).

Some procrastinate ("We’d like tol hear you again," v. 32).

Some believe (v. 34).

“But the seed in the good ground—these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, produce fruit.” (Luke 8:15, CSB)

 Expect different responses to the gospel—don’t be discouraged.

Keep planting seeds, because some will bear fruit.

Focus on those who respond, not those who reject.

Conclusion:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, CSB)

Leverage your life for the kingdom by engaging your city with good works.

Perceive the lostness around you.

Present the gospel in daily conversations.

Proclaim the truth by connecting with culture.

Persuade others to turn to Christ.

Press on even when responses vary.

By following Paul’s example in Athens, we can impact our cities for Christ while remaining faithful to the gospel message.