Gospel lessons for today from Paul at the Aeropagus

Dr John Span, a senior lecturer at Mukhanyo Theological College, says Paul’s example (Acts 17: 16 – 34) of addressing the Areopagus (forum of leaders and thinkers) in Athens provides pertinent lessons for today on how to share the Gospel in a pluralistic society like our own

The Apostle Paul went to Athens, a university town, known for its schools of philosophy, and abundant idol worship. There he encountered the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers and tactfully and forcefully presented the Gospel to them in words with which they could relate. 

The first lesson that we can learn from this encounter was that although Paul was churned up inside by the idolatry that he saw all around him (v. 16) he showed great restraint. Rather than calling his audience, “you idolaters of Athens” he referred to them as “men of Athens (v. 22). He included himself in the human condition when he used the words “we ought not” (v. 29). He also showed this restraint in the fact that he did not respond in kind to their insult of calling him a “babbler” or literally a “bird-brain” (v. 18). Rather, he pressed on to bring them the Good News of Christ.

The second lesson that we can learn is that he had taken the time to make careful observation (v. 23) of the objects of their worship. He used the example of the unknown god altar, the quotes from the pagan poets Aratus and Epimenides, and the temples all around the place where he was standing to drive home his point. He kindly told them that they were misled in using an unknown god altar as it portrayed their lack of knowledge — in fact “Ignorance” (v. 23) — of the true God. He used a quote from their pagan poets to drive home the point that they were pointing to Zeus and not to the Living God. Finally, he pointed to their temples and deftly said that the True and Living God does not live in such man-made structures. Rather, people depend on Him for their every breath (v. 25).

The third lesson that we can learn is that the Apostle Paul brought his message everywhere in Athens, both in the synagogue and in the marketplace (v. 17) and he “reasoned” or had a dialogue with them. He also saw through the religiosity of his wide audience. He saw past their temples, altars, and philosophies, and introduced them to the One who owns history and will come back as the judge (v. 27-31). He underscored His authority because He had risen from the dead — a concept that Paul knew would be offensive to his audience. With that knowledge he called his audience to repent, or to turn away from their false worship.

What can we learn from the example of Paul at Athens?

1. When we present the Gospel to people who are dead in their sin and walking in ignorance, we must exercise restraint in seeing that “but for the grace of God” we are made of the same flesh and blood as every other human.
2. If the Lord has placed people who are ancestor worshippers on our path, then we must learn what makes them tick. If he places Muslims on our path, we need to do the same. We need to learn about their greatest fears — their unknown god altars — and their greatest —l ikely false — hopes. 
3. Bringing the Gospel to people will not always be convenient or produce impressive results. Whether in the marketplace or before the Council of the Areopagus, the Apostle Paul spoke the truth in love. We read that after his presentation “some believed” (v. 34); “some mocked” (v. 32); and some said they wanted to hear more (v. 32). Likely we will encounter these same three reactions. Yet, through this presentation, the True and Living God and Jesus the “appointed” One (v. 31) shine through. 

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