Imitate the Apostle Paul in Preaching and Teaching

Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

Exposition of Acts 17:2, 3, 17, 22, 23

In Acts 17, the apostle Paul’s preaching and teaching method is on full display, offering an exemplary model for all Christians—especially those tasked with evangelism and instruction. The chapter reveals Paul’s theological clarity, strategic reasoning, cultural engagement, and unwavering commitment to Scripture. By carefully examining Acts 17:2, 3, 17, 22, and 23, we can draw out enduring principles for faithful proclamation of the Gospel.

Acts 17:2–3 (UASV)
“And according to Paul’s custom, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.’”

Paul’s ministry approach in Thessalonica was consistent with his broader pattern. “According to his custom” signifies intentionality and strategy. He regularly sought out the synagogue first (cf. Acts 13:5; 14:1; Romans 1:16), beginning with those who had the Scriptures and a framework for understanding the Messiah.

The verbs used here are instructive:

“Reasoned” (Greek: διελέξατο, dieleksato)—to dialogue or discuss, emphasizing a rational, interactive engagement rather than a one-sided lecture. Paul engaged their minds.
“Explaining” (Greek: διανοίγων, dianoigōn)—literally “opening up.” Paul unfolded the meaning of Scripture, likely drawing from passages like Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and Daniel 9.
“Proving” (Greek: παρατιθέμενος, paratithemenos)—to set forth or place beside, suggesting Paul aligned prophetic Scripture with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Paul’s message centered on “it was necessary” (Greek: ἔδει, edei)—emphasizing divine purpose. Christ’s suffering and resurrection were not accidents of history but fulfillments of God’s redemptive plan. Then Paul makes the bold identification: “This Jesus… is the Christ.” Here, Christ (Greek: Christos) translates the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah)—the anointed one. Paul declared Jesus to be the long-awaited deliverer.

This passage provides the essential structure of Gospel preaching: rooted in Scripture, clarified through explanation, reasoned through dialogue, and climaxing in Christ-centered proclamation.

Acts 17:17 (UASV)
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.”

Paul’s zeal for preaching extended beyond the synagogue into the agora—the public marketplace in Athens. Here, he displays evangelistic flexibility. He engaged both the religious (Jews and God-fearers) and the irreligious (pagan Greeks) by reasoning with them. Again, the Greek term dieleksato suggests thoughtful interaction, not shouting or antagonism.

His approach was daily, revealing a sustained, disciplined evangelistic effort. Paul did not limit his ministry to formal settings but took advantage of every opportunity to bear witness, much like Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman (John 4) or Philip speaking to the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:26–39).

This passage underscores that evangelism is not confined to pulpits but flourishes in the public square, workplaces, homes, and wherever people gather.

Acts 17:22–23 (UASV)
“So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.”

Paul now addresses the Areopagus, the intellectual elite of Athens. His approach is striking:

Contextual awareness: Paul begins not with accusation but observation. “I perceive you are very religious.” This is not flattery but an honest assessment. He acknowledges their religious impulses.
Cultural connection: He connects with something familiar—an altar labeled “To an unknown god.” The Athenians had erected this to appease any deity they might have overlooked. Paul uses this as a launchpad for Gospel proclamation.
Redemptive purpose: Paul moves from common ground to Gospel truth. “What you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.” He neither affirms their idolatry nor alienates them with immediate condemnation. He corrects with clarity and compassion, aiming to lead them from ignorance to truth.

Paul’s address continues in verses 24–31 (not included here), in which he outlines a theology of the true God: Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, and Judge. He concludes with the call to repentance and the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection.

Principles for Imitating Paul in Preaching and Teaching

1. Begin with Scripture (Acts 17:2–3)
Paul rooted his message in the Old Testament, showing how Christ fulfilled its promises. Preaching must start with and expound the inspired Word (2 Timothy 4:2). There is no shortcut around doctrinal clarity and exegetical precision.

2. Employ Reason and Explanation
Paul did not demand blind faith but reasoned, explained, and demonstrated from the Scriptures. Faith is not irrational; it is grounded in God’s revelation and truth. Teaching must involve patience, logic, and dialogue (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24–25).

3. Be Culturally Attuned Without Compromise (Acts 17:22–23)
Paul knew his audience. He used the Athenians’ religious artifacts to bridge to the Gospel. Cultural awareness enhances evangelistic impact but must never lead to doctrinal dilution. Paul’s theology remained untouched even as his method adapted.

4. Go Where the People Are (Acts 17:17)
Paul preached both in religious settings and public forums. Christians today must likewise bring the Gospel to workplaces, digital spaces, neighborhoods, and beyond. Evangelism is not confined to a Sunday service.

5. Proclaim Christ Boldly and Faithfully
Whether in Thessalonica or Athens, Paul’s message was unwavering: Jesus is the Christ. He suffered, rose again, and now commands repentance (cf. Acts 17:30). The goal of all Christian preaching is to exalt Jesus and call others to respond to Him.

Conclusion

The apostle Paul’s methods in Acts 17 provide a paradigm for every Christian preacher and teacher. His commitment to Scripture, his reasoned presentation, his cultural sensitivity without compromise, and his unwavering Christ-centered focus all serve as enduring guides. To imitate Paul is ultimately to imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), who was both truth-bearer and shepherd. As we engage the world—religious or secular, scholarly or simple—let us reason from the Scriptures, preach Christ crucified, and trust the Holy Spirit to draw hearts to God.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).