S: Acts 17
O: The Berean Jews were more open-minded than the Thessalonian Jews, and examined the scriptures carefully to see if what Paul was teaching was in line with the word of God or not.
However, when the Thessalonian Jews went to Berea to stir up trouble, Paul departed for to Athens alone while Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea to continue teaching.
Thus, when Paul arrived in Athens alone, he noticed an opportunity in the altar dedicated to the “unknown god.” This approach aligns with what Paul later wrote to the Corinthians:
“To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)
A: We should not create artificial cultural barriers that hinder people from receiving the Gospel. We should engage with people where they are, in a manner that is winsome and culturally sensitive.
For example, Hudson Taylor chose to dress like the Chinese rather than insist that Chinese Christians adopt Western customs. Similarly, Sadhu Sundar Singh dressed like an Indian holy man rather than conforming to British attire. Our goal is not to invite people into our culture but to lead them to Jesus, who transcends all cultures.
P: Father, help me to see the opportunities to share God’s love and transcend my own cultural barriers. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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