This council was formed of elders and representatives of the city (and many philosophers) and was quite powerful and influential (similar to what the Senate would have been in Rome). Here, discussions would be held about various gods, new ideas, city matters, and philosophies. Paul was taken here by the council so they could hear his thoughts, beliefs, and ideas (Acts 17:19 NET).

Paul taken to the Areopagus

Notice I said “taken” to the Areopagus. The terminology used here is very similar to Acts 16:19-20 where Paul and Silas are “seized” and “dragged” into the marketplace to face the authorities. This council felt they had the legal right to hear any new “ideas” that were brought forth and to make sure that they did not endanger the city.

So, what seems like a great discussion of ideas with various philosophers and council members is actually (again) a trial of sorts. Paul deals with it well and his lessons in evangelism here are immense. First, he relates to his audience by stating that he can see they are “very religious” (Acts 17:22).

Paul Begins his Oration

Next, he asserts that he can identify the “unknown god” that they have built an altar for. It seems they had many gods and idols and had built this altar in case they had left one out. Regardless, Paul preaches God to them and then relates to them once again by quoting one of their respected philosopher/poets, Aratus, who said ‘For we too are his offspring’ (Acts 17:28-29).

Paul is certainly using rhetoric and argument in a powerful way – but he is also using it in a Godly way. Paul is “softening the blow” for his “elite” and “sophisticated” audience. He is relating to these people on a personal level before giving them the hard truth of God, Jesus, and the resurrection.

Evangelism Today

What can we learn from this that might influence our own evangelism today? Well, I think we can learn to relate to our audience before giving them harsh truths. I think we can see where someone is right before we address where they are wrong, and I think that we can follow all of that up with God’s saving truth.

Finally, there is one more step that should be mentioned. If, after presenting the truth, you are rejected, then you must move on to the next opportunity. That doesn’t mean you’ll never try to evangelize to that person again, but it does mean that for the time being you must “shake the dust off your feet” and leave them for a time (Matt 10:14). After all, the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35).

Spreading the gospel is not so much about the success as it is about the trying. God causes the growth, we can but plant and water. I always loved this line by T.S. Eliot in his book of poems, Four Quartets:

“For us there is only the trying, the rest is not our business.”

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