Lighting Up Our City Video 2: Avoiding Insider LanguageSample

I recently spoke to a group of moms about parenting and sibling rivalry. In my talk, I cited the biblical illustration of Joseph and his father’s gift of a fancy robe. After the session, an attendee asked me, “Who is Joseph?” I realized that, unlike my own experience, many of the attendees were unfamiliar with the Bible accounts I grew up with in Sunday school.

The apostle Paul did not make this mistake while he was in Athens. He shared the gospel in the synagogue with those familiar with the true God. But as he walked the city, he noticed many religious idols.

So Paul took a different approach with the Greek philosophers in the marketplace. He did not introduce himself as a Jewish religious leader. Nor did he cite Jewish prophecies of a coming Messiah. And he did not start by explaining how the sacrifices in the Mosaic Law pointed to the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Instead, Paul commended them for being religious. He shared his observations of their altars—especially the altar to “an unknown god.” Paul started with what was familiar to them, then shifted to explaining about the One who they acknowledged but did not understand.

What an important reminder for today! In sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, the best place to start is with a common reference point—something the other person can relate to. Building on what they know helps them see their need and fills the gaps in their understanding as they process what they hear.

Think about someone with whom you would like to share Christ. How might you apply Paul’s example in your situation?

By Ava Pennington