Acts 17-20

I love the language of “reasoned with them from scripture” in 17:2, scripture is reasonable! People often neglect this aspect of scripture, it’s not merely a spiritual book, with in it we also find history and even science. Learning to reason with people from scripture, giving good arguments for topics of concern based on scripture, is essential for missions. Paul did this regularly, it was a big part of his ministry. It of course works best for those who have some amount of respect for scripture however it also works for those who don’t, when presented with a reasonable argument based on scripture many will at least begin to consider it as a possibility for truth.

Another solid argument is paul’s approach on using their own poets and a Idol to an unknown God as ways of reasoning with people in his effort to convert them.

It seems that even if you are completely reasonable, others may be completely unreasonable. Our best effort with good arguments and solid evidence doesn't mean they will believe, they may be so unreasonable that they will try to cause you harm or even try to put you to death. This of course was something that Paul faced often. Which is why Jesus speaking to him through a vision was so vital. People often ask why doesn't God speak to me? I believe its because you don’t need him to or really want him to. God speaks clearly to those who are ready to obey, who are going to seek his will more than anything else. Jesus speaks to Paul here to encourage him to continue speaking boldly and he does not want Paul to stop the work he is doing. Jesus steps in at the right moment to keep Paul on course. And what a course that is, we see Paul speak boldly in city after city!