The Elephant in the Text

Acts 17:22–34

This is widely considered the proof text for contextualisation in evangelism, but this session wrestles with the reality that something far bigger is going on. While Paul clearly speaks in ways the Athenians can understand, the centre of his message is not technique, strategy, or culture, but God himself. As Paul proclaims who God is, what he is like, and what he has done in Jesus, we discover that contextualisation may help people listen, but only a big, true vision of God can bring real conviction and lasting change. This passage challenges us not to shrink the gospel to fit our culture, but to lift our eyes to the God who stands at the heart of it.

Discussion Questions

1) John Stott said the gospel often appears trivial because God has been made small. What needs to change about the way you share the gospel so that it doesn’t appear trivial?

2) Paul’s sermon is packed with theology, not just technique. If you were explaining Christianity to a non-Christian friend, what truth about God do you most need to grow in confidence talking about?

3) What questions or methods have you found effective for ‘getting under the skin’ of friends and neighbours?