November 28, 2021

Ridgeline Study Prompts

 Acts 17:16-34

Prayer and Preparation

This passage is a powerful account of evangelism and contextualization. If we are to be an evangelizing people, like Paul, it will require a work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, fueled by our personal time with the Lord. Our time in the Scripture empowers us, renews our minds, corrects our hearts, and strengthens our will to walk in obedience. Spend a few minutes asking the Lord to use your time in these ways, then read Acts 17:16-34.

Study

What does the word contextualization mean, and how do we see it in this text as Paul shared the gospel?

In verse 17, Paul starts reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and devout people, and in the marketplace, because his spirit is provoked. What does “his spirit was provoked” mean? Why is that important to the story?

In verse 34, Luke tells us that “some men joined him and believed”. Not “all who heard” or “many” or “most.” So, while the message was a brilliant way to present the gospel in that place, the response was different than on other occasions when the fruitfulness of a message is described with “all”, “most” or “many”. How might this encourage us as we step out in obedience and share the hope of the gospel with others?

Application

Spend meaningful time praying and asking the Lord to prepare your heart to share the gospel this week. Maybe he has laid someone on your heart, and you can be ready to share with them. But maybe the Lord intends to “provoke your spirit” unexpectedly in an unforeseen circumstance. If you have a person or two in mind, write their name(s) down, and share with a spiritual partner. But don’t neglect the thought that God might open a door this week for you to share the gospel in a situation you didn’t anticipate. Be ready with a reason for the hope you have this holiday season.