This passage finds Paul in Athens, disturbed by the idolatry of the Athenians. Now if there ever was a learned communicator, it was Paul, and if there ever was a learned audience, it was those gathered at Mars Hill. That said, there was also a vast disconnect between the two.
This scene is a classic example of the Gospel communicator having something to say, but needing to say it well in order to be heard by the audience. No matter how brilliant you are, no matter how much you know the Word, if you cannot convey that message in a form understandable to your audience, neither you, and even worse, your message, will be heard.
- As you read through the passage, consider the following questions.
- Do you think Paul was intimidated by his audience? If so, why, and if not, why not?
- What was at the core of Paul’s message?
- Did Paul make any attempt to make his message contextually relevant, and if so, how?
- How did his audience respond to his message, and what does that say to you as a Gospel communicator?
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