Engaging Culture with the Gospel: Lessons from Athens

How do you share Jesus with people who think Christianity is irrelevant? Or outdated? Or just plain wrong? In our increasingly secular culture, it's tempting to either retreat into our Christian bubble or get aggressive and argumentative. But Paul shows us a better way.

In Acts 17, Paul arrives in Athens—the intellectual and philosophical center of the ancient world. And instead of condemning them or avoiding them, he steps into their world and engages them with the Gospel in a way that's both bold and respectful.

Paul's Heart for the City

Acts 17:16 says Paul "was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols." But notice—he's not angry at the Athenians. He's heartbroken for them. He feels what God feels: sorrow that people are worshiping things that can't save them.

Ezekiel 33:11 says, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather I desire that they turn from their ways and live." That's God's heart. And it became Paul's heart too.

Paul's compassion compelled him to act. He didn't stay in the Christian bubble—he went to the marketplace, the synagogue, the public square. He engaged the culture because he loved the people.

The Starting Point

Faithful witness doesn't start with strategy—it starts with sight. It starts with seeing people the way God sees them and letting our hearts break for what breaks His.

Paul's Approach: Build Bridges, Don't Burn Them

Paul went where the people were—the marketplace, the center of Athenian life. He listened before he spoke. He studied their culture, paid attention to what mattered to them, and found common ground.

He quoted their poets. He referenced their "unknown god" altar. He built a bridge from their culture to Christ, starting where they were and pointing them to Jesus.

Acts 17:24-27: "The God who made the world... is not far from any one of us." Paul presented a God who is both transcendent and personal—exactly what the Athenians were searching for without knowing it.

The Takeaway

Faithful engagement means being both biblically grounded and culturally aware. We don't fear culture or imitate it—we understand it, love people in it, and point them to Christ within it.

Varied Responses—And That's Okay

Acts 17:32-34: Some mocked. Others were curious. Some believed. There's no record of a church being planted in Athens. But Paul's job wasn't controlling outcomes—it was faithfulness.

Different reactions are normal. Our calling isn't to win arguments but to bear witness. Celebrate curiosity, questions, and small steps toward Christ.

This Week, Try This

1. Ask God to give you His heart for your city. Pray that He'd help you see people the way He sees them—not as enemies, but as people He loves and longs to rescue.
2. Listen before you speak. This week, have a conversation with someone who doesn't share your beliefs. Don't try to fix them or argue—just listen. Understand their perspective. Build a bridge.
3. Look for common ground. Where can you affirm what's good and true in your culture, and then point it toward Jesus? Like Paul, find the bridges that already exist.

Engaging, Not Condemning

At Indy Metro, we're learning what it means to engage our culture with the Gospel—not by being loud and angry, but by being loving, thoughtful, and faithful. We're committed to building bridges, not walls. And we'd love for you to join us. If you're looking for a church that takes both truth and compassion seriously, come as you are this Sunday. Let's learn together how to love our city well.