“Share Good News - by Logic”
Acts 17:22-34 April 15, 2007 Play
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Evangelism with Integrity: Find Your Fit
○ connotations of ‘evangelist’ not always good
○ yet commanded to preach good news to all
creation (Mk 16:15)
○ God has custom-designed us individually for
our part in mission
Paul’s Peculiar Preparation
○ specially equipped as “apostle to the
Gentiles” / “chosen instrument” (Ac 9:15)
○ family, geographical/cultural, religious
preparation important (Php 3:5)
○ Timothy another example of strategic hybrid
(Ac 16:1)
○ Lord appoints us as ambassadors to certain
people-groups
Spotting the Opportunity
○ Base for approach: Cyprus, Antioch, Iconium
- Scripture; Paphos - Satan; Lystra - Suffering (Ac 13-14)
○ Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens -
Scripture; Philippi - Satan, Suffering (Ac 16-17)
○ Athens - full of idols, intrigued by latest
religious ideas: Spirituality (17:17,19ff)
○ making known the solution to their ignorance
/ groping (17:23,27,30; Jn 1, 17:3,6,26)
A Skilful and Scholarly Scheme
○ Paul presents reasonable systematic
proposal, with language of logic
○ highlights God’s magnitude, all-sufficiency,
sovereignty, receptivity (17:24; Ps 115:2-8; 17:25ff)
○ commands all everywhere to repent - risen
Jesus coming as Judge (17:29ff; Ps 9:8)
○ masterful presentation was convincing to some
The Intellectual Evangelism Style
○ suits those who are curious, analytical,
logical (2Cor 10:5)
○ avoid heated arguments; use gentleness &
respect (1Peter 3:15)