Bible Studies for Life: February 22

Jesus Shared • Acts 17:16-18,22-23,30-31 

By Sydney Charlton

Have you ever stopped to consider how many people you cross paths with each day? God sends numerous people your way on any given day. People in grocery store checkout lines, bank tellers, coworkers, or others cheering for the same team at a sporting event. God has surrounded us with people, and each person represents an opportunity to share the Gospel. 

As we discussed previously, we are to share the Truth with those who are like us, but we must also be intentional about sharing with those who differ from us. In America, God has sent the nations to us. Everyone from a different country brings their culture, worldview, and preferences. Only God can orchestrate something so beautiful! While going on mission to foreign lands is important, we must take the call to share Jesus with our neighbors seriously. Some neighbors have similar backgrounds, while others have lived differently from us before coming to America. The Gospel is for all people, and we must be intentional in sharing it with all whom God allows us to interact with, in any situation, as Paul outlines in Acts 17.

Acts 17:16-18

If we are honest, things in this passage could be said of America. Athens was full of idols, and Paul sought to reason with people who “happened to be” where he was (Acts 17:17, NIV). God is not a God of happenstance. He positions His people in places and situations on purpose, for His glory.

Like Paul, we should seek opportunities to share the Gospel. Sure, it may be awkward starting a Gospel conversation with people in a checkout line, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s continue to look at this passage.

Acts 17:22-23 

Find common ground for introducing the Gospel. Paul used the common ground of worship to build a connection with his audience. We don’t have to pull out a pamphlet to discuss the Roman Road, but we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

On a recent trip out of town, I found myself standing in line at a restaurant with a young girl. Her uniform told me that she was on break from her job, so I inquired. We struck up a conversation about how long she has worked at the store next door. We talked about her plans after her upcoming high school graduation, and some of her dreams for the future. Since her plans included moving away from home, I asked, “Have you started looking at churches in that area? Tell me about where you go to church now.” She smiled and said, “I knew that you were like me!” — meaning she could tell that we were kindred spirits because of Christ.

We often hesitate to begin a conversation because we fear we will mess it up. Be encouraged to move past awkward moments and strike up a conversation. When you get on an elevator, don’t stare at the door waiting to escape. Speak a kind word and ask where the other person is headed. Trust the Lord to prompt you. He will guide the conversation, but we need to be willing to engage with the people He allows us to encounter. 

If I hadn’t spoken to the young girl on my recent trip, I would have missed out on the opportunity to encourage her. Now, she and I follow each other on Instagram, and I have been able to keep in touch as she finishes her last semester of high school.

Acts 17:30-31 

Not only do we need to be willing to speak up to share the Gospel, but we also must be willing to help them understand the truth of the Gospel. Paul was intentional about sharing the hope we have in Christ because he knew this Good News changes lives! 

As you boldly proclaim the Truth, be willing to dig deeper into Scripture. People will ask questions that you may not have answers for immediately. Your time studying will prove beneficial for you, but also for the person you share it with.

We need each other. God has given us the Body of Believers because He doesn’t intend for us to go about this Christian walk on our own. As you share the hope of Christ with others, invite them to join you at church so that you can grow together. 

God has entrusted us with the task of sharing this Good News! Don’t miss out on being part of someone else coming to faith in Christ. 

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14, NIV)

Charlton is the OneHope Missions Assistant at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.