As we share the gospel, we need to understand up front that some people will receive the message (Acts 17:1-4) while others will reject it (vv. 5-9). Regardless of the response, we learn from Paul how to continue sharing the gospel clearly, winsomely, and compellingly. Notice how Paul shared the gospel.

He “reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (v. 2, emphasis mine). Sharing the gospel requires words, but also notice the source of Paul’s words: the Scriptures. How did Paul reason from the Scriptures? Explaining and proving (v. 3). The word explain means “to open” (cf. Luke 24:45; Acts 16:14). We can’t open people’s hearts like Jesus can, but we can open up the Scriptures in a way that people can understand them, proving from the Scriptures who Jesus is.

Because the Athenians were ignorant of the Hebrew Scriptures and of Jesus, the promised Messiah, Paul had to present a Christian worldview by finding common notions and using accessible terms. Paul thus began with the doctrine of God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Acts 17:24-26). Then he moved to the doctrine of humanity and our universal human longing, which is why the Athenians were so religious (vv. 27-29).

When sharing the gospel, it’s important to understand with whom you’re talking and to begin where they are. That’s what Paul did. That’s what we need to do as well.

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Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults

Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.

Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download

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Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students

Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:

• The main point of the session
• Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
• Encouragements for leaders

Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download

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A Final Reminder

Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.

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*This week’s leader devotional is written by Juan Sanchez. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 33, Session 2 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.