There are many different instances of a believer witnessing to a lost person. See this article for seven instances we see this in the first half of the book of Acts. It’s an important answer to the Great Commission. We have been called to “Go and make disciples…” which naturally involves evangelism and witnessing about Jesus Christ. One of my favorite accounts is found in Acts 17. This account is not a end all be all way to witness to someone, but it is quite interesting and holds some really good insights.
Acts 17 is the famous Sermon on Mars Hill by the Apostle Paul. Paul was in Athens due to the persecution which had followed him from Thessalonica to Berea. Note, this persecution is the reason this sermon (and the converts seen in Acts 17:34) happened. Persecution led to the saving of souls; amen. Whenever Paul arrived in Athens, he was waiting on Timothy and Silas to join him there after they did more work in Berea.
While Paul was in this waiting period, Scripture tells us, “his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols”. Two things: 1. Seeing a country like the United States of America full of so many idols should press us toward evangelism. 2. Paul was observing his surroundings. So many times, we find ourselves stuck in our own bubble, whether that be our cell phone or other things. Let us learn to observe the world around us so we can respond accordingly…Paul did here.
Paul responds by going to the Synagogue (where he found Jews and other God-fearing men) and the marketplace (where this chapter takes place; a place of pagan worshipers and philosophers) every day and discussing Jesus Christ with everyone who was present. In response to Paul’s response, the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers disputed with Paul concerning the things he was teaching. It is interesting what these philosophers possibly believed.
Strictly using this chapter, you can come to a reasonable conclusion on the belief system of these philosophers. Verse 19 tells us that these philosophers were that of the Greek religious system. They believed in the Greek Gods which provided different things depending on the God or Goddess. For instance, in verse 19, we see that these philosophers took him to the Areopagus which was the temple to Ares, the god of war. I believe these temples and things were the idols talked about in verse 16, “the city full of idols”. We also see in verse 21 the wisdom which these philosophers were looking for. These philosophers were constantly seeking something new. It seems, known things are not important, while new things are worth having. Lastly, these individuals didn’t believe in resurrection. Whenever Paul teaches the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is considered to be “strange” (verse 18).
With all this in mind, these were the men confronting Paul about his teaching. As we walk through the presentation Paul gives to these men, we will see why they were so defensive and belittling to Paul.
Paul begins by addressing the audience. He doesn’t talk vaguely, but very pointedly addresses the Men of Athens (philosophers and council who was present at the Areopagus). He then points out observations. Again, this matters because he is familiar with their culture and can talk on their level. He doesn’t have to assume anything because he has observed enough to address the audience accurately. This allowed Paul to use an idol with the inscription, “To an unknown God” as the springboard into the ignorance they contain concerning Jesus Christ.
Paul then shuts down the authority and supremacy of the Greek gods by addressing who Yahweh is. He addresses God as the creator and ruler of all things in heaven and on earth. This makes God the creator of any Greek gods who may exist. Yahweh is supreme over all things and even gives breath and life and all things to people. He is the God who set the boundaries of man’s habitation, “that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him though He is not far from each one of us…”. This is the call for the audience to seek Yahweh! “You are very religious in all respects” (Acts 17:22) and have sought out all of these “objects of worship” (17:23), yet you have not sought out the One who has set the boundaries of your habitation, that you might seek Him. You have not sought out the God of the Universe.
Paul then continues and gives the audience a requested action and reason for that action, “…God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed…” (Acts 17:30-31). Paul urges the audience to repent or turn from unbelief to belief. Believe in Yahweh for there will be a judgment. The period of ignorance has been overlooked and proof has been given through the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31)!
The result of this witness? Some believed and others sneered at Paul.
What can we learn from this witness account?
- We have to go to the marketplace – place of the non-believer
- We must observe our context – Who are we witnessing to?
- Use your observations in your witnessing
- Address the Gospel
- Declare the action needed – Repentance from unbelief
- Declare why this action is necessary and should be desired
Let us learn from Paul and press on in witnessing to the lost. Be encouraged!
