Use the Culture
For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Acts 17:28 (CSB)
We live in a world often contrary to the ways of the Lord. Our culture shows the influence of fallen nature, as people live selfishly and seek fulfillment in inappropriate places. It tries to find meaning through various ideologies, philosophies, and beliefs. The apostle Paul emphasized the importance of understanding cultural concepts to guide people toward Jesus. In Acts 17, Paul quotes Greek poets to relate to others and share the Gospel.
The ability to use cultural understanding to share the Gospel starts with knowing the culture itself. Paul was well-acquainted with Greek culture. Although he grew up with a strong education in Judaism, he also gained considerable knowledge of Greek culture. His understanding did not distract from his faithfulness to the Lord; instead, it became a foundation for engaging with the culture more effectively. Paul’s success in reaching the culture stemmed from his familiarity with it, enabling him to find common ground and effectively share the Gospel.
Using culture to share the Gospel requires actively engaging it. Paul went to the Aeropagus in Athens to share Christ's message. At that time, the culture valued speeches by learned individuals and enjoyed debates and diverse worldviews. Paul's invitation to speak shows he knew he had to meet people where they are culturally to influence them with the Gospel. Rather than waiting for others to seek him out, he proactively engaged people in their own setting.
Using culture to share the Gospel requires us to continually exercise discernment and stay rooted in the truth. Paul successfully engaged with culture in faithfulness because he shielded himself from falling prey to false worldviews. He practiced discernment by viewing everything through Scripture and guarding against cultural influence. Paul stayed committed to God's work, knew the Scriptures well, and remained in prayer to protect himself from worldly influences. Similarly, when we aim to use culture to share Christ, we must practice discernment and stay connected to the truth, just as Paul did.
The apostle Paul understood the culture he engaged with. He familiarized himself with the teachings and thoughts of the time. He used this understanding to find common ground with his audience and to guide them toward Jesus. Paul demonstrates the importance of understanding culture and using it to reach the world for Christ.
QUESTIONS
What guardrails need to be placed in life to ensure we maintain a balance between understanding the culture and not being influenced by it?
How does Paul’s engagement with the pagan culture in Athens encourage you to develop the ability to engage culture faithfully? What attitudes concerning culture or what changes do you need to strive to make to grow in the ability to use culture to share the Gospel?
