We’ve been studying Christian apologetics on Wednesday evenings at church.
Last night we learned something from Acts.
While Paul was in Athens waiting on his companions to arrive, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-18
This is the part about apologetics; he was reasoning with the Jews and Gentile worshippers in the synagogue and then in the town square.
Now this is a very idol-filled city and when the city philosophers decided to sit Paul down and have a chat with him, this is what Paul said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” Acts 17:22-23
He did not insult his hosts by calling them idolaters, sinners, or hell-bound, though that may have been true.
He called them “very religious”!
He complimented them instead of disrespecting them.
This is a lesson each of us could learn in dealing with others.
You’ll never win someone’s trust and respect by calling them names, insulting their beliefs, remolding them to your way of thinking, or require them to change their appearance.
That’s not for you to do; it’s for the word of God to do!
Read Hebrews 4:12-13 again; For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
It is the word of God that has the ability to cut-us-to-the-bone and pierce our heart!
Paul did not present philosophy to the Athenians; he preached Jesus.
Sure there were some that laughed at him, but there were also some that believed!
And that gives God the glory.
So leave your insults at home and go out and preach Jesus to the lost!