Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIIb

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Athenians (17:16-34) Part Two

As has been our practice in previous lessons let’s look at some observations of Paul’s sermon and in this conversion of those that believed. First, some observations from Paul’s sermon. Paul used tact - Ac 17:22-23. He acknowledges their spirituality, though misdirected. We should not hesitate to acknowledge the devotion one might have; if in error, our task is to explain "the way of God more accurately" - e.g., Ac 18:24-26 "A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism. Apollos started speaking bravely in the Jewish meeting place. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him understand God's Way even better."

Paul began with the present spiritual condition of his audience - Ac 17:23-27. They believed in supreme beings, but didn’t know the True God. With the Jews he began with the Law, with the Gentiles he began with the nature of God; we too should take into consideration where one is spiritually.
Paul made use of an accepted authority - Ac 17:28-29. He quotes from one of their own prophets to make his point. When appropriate, we can appeal to an uninspired authority accepted by others.
Paul led his audience to the main themes of the gospel - Ac 17:30-31. Such as the need to repent, the coming Judgment - cf. 2:38; 3:19. So our ultimate goal in preaching should be the gospel message.
Paul used the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate proof - Ac 17:31. God has given assurance of the coming Judgment by raising Jesus. Indeed, if Jesus truly did rise from the dead, it is proof of:
The existence of God
The truthfulness of all of Jesus’ claims
The reality of sin, judgment, and the need to repent
This is why we need to develop a strong apologetic (defense, see prior lessons on Apologetics) for the resurrection of Jesus.

Now let’s look at the response to Paul’s sermon. People responded in three different ways - Ac 17:32-34. Some mocked what they heard. Some put off making a decision until later. Some decided to follow with Paul and believed. Since we have no promise of tomorrow, the only safe course is the last! Of those who responded favorably, it is only said that they "believed" - Ac 17:34. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?. Did they not also "repent", as commanded in Ac 17:30?. The term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed. It involved a complete reception of the message preached. It included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, baptism). Just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in Acts 2, or repentance in Acts 16, but is fairly inferred from what we know from other passages, so also with baptism here.
"There is, indeed, much to be said for the contention, independently advocated by theologians of varied schools, that in the New Testament faith and baptism are viewed as inseparables whenever the subject of Christian initiation is under discussion, so that if one is referred to, the other is presupposed, even if not mentioned." - G. R. Beasley-Murray, Baptism In The New Testament, p. 272. "Baptism and faith are but the outside and inside of the same thing" - James Denny (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). "Where baptism is spoken of faith is presumed, and where faith is spoken of baptism is included in the thought" - N. J. Engelsen (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). In quoting from Beasley-Murray please note that thses two gentlemen where theologians of faith only persuasion until they made a thorough study of baptism in the New Testament as it relates the gospel message. They too, repented of their prior beliefs and were baptized into Christ. They then wrote the aforementioned book, Baptism In The New Testament.

Whether Jew or Gentile, philosopher or simpleton, the gospel of Christ is for all. Where we begin may vary with the spiritual condition of our audience. Where we end must always be the same:
Proclaiming the reality of sin, judgment, and the need for repentance.
With Jesus as the only way to salvation!

When one becomes convicted of their sinful condition and their need for Jesus, the proper response should also be the same no matter who we are. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead, whom we are willing to confess before men. Repentance from sin and baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins through His blood.
One’s reaction to the gospel will always be one of three ways:
w Rejection ("some mocked")
w Reluctance ("others said, ‘we will hear you again on this matter’")
w Reception ("some men joined him and believed")
In Athens, people such as Dionysius and Damaris exemplified the proper response; are you willing to imitate their example?

Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in the conversion of the Athenians and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net

This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001