SESSION
6
UNSTOPPABLE IMPACT
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
America is a very diverse country: cultures, ethnicities,
worldviews, and preferences. It is our human nature to
gravitate toward people who are more like ourselves, but
the beauty of the gospel is that it is not only for people
“just like me.” The gospel speaks to any culture, any time,
and any place. In Acts 17, Paul gave us an example of
communicating the gospel in a diverse culture.
THE POINT
The gospel of Jesus Christ can impact any culture.
WHAT DOES
THE BIBLE SAY?
Acts 17:16-18
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit
was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full
of idols.
16
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the
devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those
who happened to be there.
17
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also
conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler
wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of
foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the
resurrection.
18
Acts 17:22-23
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men
of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.
22
For as I passed along and observed the objects of your
worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the
unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I
proclaim to you.
23
Acts 17:30-31
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he
commands all people everywhere to repent,
30
THE PASSAGE
Acts 17:16-18,22-23,30-31
because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world
in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this
he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
31
THE SETTING
Athens was the intellectual center of the world, but
it was also a place of idolatry and superstition. Altars
and statues to Greek gods stood at the front door of
every house, all around the marketplace, and even at
street crossings. It’s estimated that Athens had up to
3,000 public statues and 30,000 idols. In The Satyricon,
Petronius Arbiter, who lived during that time, joked that
it was easier to find a god than a man in Athens.
136 SESSION 6
For free online training on how to
lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/
web/BibleStudiesForLife
For free Midweek Options
for your group, visit
lifeway.com/BSFLFAL16Fresh
PREPARE
LEADER LIVE IT OUT
Bridge Building | Acts 17:16-18,22-23,30-31
LEADER LIVE IT OUT
1
Prepare: While
you prepare for
this session, it is
critical to allow the
truth of Scripture
to challenge your
heart. Engaging
God’s Word in your
personal walk with
Christ is critical as
you teach students.
2
Follow Up: Don’t
forget to text or
email a picture
of the One
Conversation
section to parents
to help equip them
to continue the
discussion as a
family at home.
When Paul spoke to the Athenians at the Areopagus, he did three things. He saw their differences, saw their needs, and
saw how the gospel could build a bridge between their differences through their needs. He knew these were intelligent
| Acts
Bridge
Building
17:16-18,22-23,30-31
people,
and
Paul saw the
Athenians’
need and desire to worship their creator and live under the protection and peace that
would bring. He knew that they were not worshipping the God who created them and needed the truth of the gospel. He
When Paul spoke to the Athenians at the Areopagus, he did three things. He saw their differences, saw their needs, and
used the needs they shared to point them to Christ. God has placed you in the lives of your family, co-workers, friends, and
saw how the gospel could build a bridge between their differences through their needs. He knew these were intelligent
the students you are preparing to teach now. Whether it’s the students you teach or the people you come in contact with
people, and Paul saw the Athenians’ need and desire to worship their creator and live under the protection and peace that
every day, who has God placed in your life to reach?
would bring. He knew that they were not worshipping the God who created them and needed the truth of the gospel. He
used
the needs
shared
point
to Christ.
Godstudying
has placedand
youcomplete
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Y Take
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Session 6.
Pray
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Y
Take a few minutes to read the passage we are studying and complete the Culture section at the end of
Session 6. Pray that God would put three people in your life in which He wants you to build a bridge.
ONE CONVERSATION™
ONE CONVERSATION™
Scripture: Acts 17:16-18,22-23,30-31
Topic: Unstoppable Impact
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: America is a very diverse country: cultures, ethnicities, worldviews, and preferences. It is our
human nature to gravitate toward people who are more like ourselves, but the beauty of the gospel is that it is not only
Scripture:
Actslike
17:16-18,22-23,30-31
Topic:
Unstoppable
Impact
for
people “just
me.” The gospel speaks to
any culture,
any time,
and any place. In Acts 17, Paul gave us an example
of communicating the gospel in a diverse culture.
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person and to the worst person. We are in debt to the nations.”1
—David Platt
1. David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream (Colorado Springs: Multnomah
Books, 2010), 74.
Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live
out
theirITfaith
with
Christ
personally,
in community,
and
LIVE
OUT:
Your
student
has been
encouraged
tointake
their culture:
practical steps to take his or her faith and Live It Out in the
Guide.
• Personal
CHRIST:Study
Discuss
with your student the needs that we all
Here
waysPray
you that
can encourage
yourbecome
studentsbetter
to liveat
haveare
in some
common.
you will each
out
their faith
Christ personally,
in community,
andto
in share
finding
thosewith
connection
points with
others in order
their culture:
the gospel.
CHRIST: Discuss
with
your
student
the aneeds
we all
• • COMMUNITY:
Help
your
student
create
list ofthat
people
to
haveout
in common.
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that
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at
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build
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her life.
• CULTURE: Paul shared the story of Jesus by connecting
with his audience. Help you student find places in the gospel
that can create connection points with the people in his or
her life.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 137
ENGAGE
(15 MINUTES)
THE POINT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST CAN IMPACT ANY CULTURE.
1
Engage: Begin
the session with
one or more of the
Engage Options
on the next
page (optional).
2
Discuss: Ask
students, “What
do you enjoy
most about
different cultures?”
3
Guide: Call
attention to The
Point. Keep
coming back to it
throughout
the session.
4
Read: Summarize
the Bible Meets
Life for your group.
5
Pray: Transition
into the session
by praying that
students would
see the incredible
impact the gospel
can have in their
culture and life.
138 SESSION 6
ENGAGE OPTIONS
LEAD WITH ACTION
Ask for two teams of volunteers. Challenge them to come up with as many
different ways to say “hello” as possible and encourage them to use other
languages. Line up each team and allow five seconds for an answer. After each
answer, switch to the other team until one is unable to provide an answer.
Offer a prize for the winning team. After the game is finished say, “Great job.
There are so many different cultures throughout the world and even in
our schools and neighborhoods. In today’s lesson, we will learn how the
gospel of Jesus Christ can impact any culture.”
LEAD WITH ATMOSPHERE
Split your group into two teams and give each a giant copy of a world map.
Challenge them to see which team can name the most countries around
the world in three minutes. Say, “Great job. There are so many different
countries and cultures throughout the world. In today’s lesson, we will
learn how the gospel of Jesus Christ can impact any culture.”
LEAD WITH MEDIA
Play the music video for “Kings and Queens” by Audio Adrenaline. Say, “There
are many different countries and cultures throughout the world. In
today’s lesson, we will learn how the gospel of Jesus Christ can impact
any culture.”
NOTE: Always make sure you preview any video clip you show students and
ensure that it is appropriate for your church and ministry.
FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS
For younger groups, consider
reading aloud different ways to
say “hello” (hola, bonjour, what’s
up?). Ask students to identify
where they might hear each
example. Say, “There are so many
different countries and cultures
throughout the world. In today’s
lesson, we will learn how the
gospel of Jesus Christ can impact
any culture.”
SECOND OPTION
Print or draw a large picture of
a school cafeteria. Ask students
to write down all of the different
cultures or groups that exist at
their school. Say, “It’s amazing
how many different cultures
we see every day. It may seem
crazy, but the gospel can speak
to and impact all of those
cultures and groups.”
LEADER PACK ELEMENTS
If you have the optional Leader Pack, consider one of the following:
DVD: Play the Unit 2 Session 6 DVD opener to get everyone on the
same page.
ITEM 11: Use the Church History Infographic poster to help your students
see how critical one person’s obedience is to the kingdom of God.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 139
IMPART
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST CAN IMPACT ANY CULTURE.
1
Read: Invite a
student to read
the passage aloud.
ACTS 17:16-18
All this idol worship broke Paul’s heart, so he began talking to those
who worshiped these idols. He walked into the marketplace and
sparked conversations. There he met two types of philosophers:
2
EPICUREANS
Guide: Lead
students through
this section
helping them
understand each
of these groups.
Believed the purpose of life was finding pleasure and eliminating
pain. They thought that if God existed at all, he wasn’t involved in
our lives. They didn’t even believe in life after death.
STOICS
Believed in an ultimate divine truth that existed throughout the
universe and included everything in it. The way to realize your
fullest potential was to live by reason. The Stoics believed they
could eliminate suffering through intellectual perfection.
3
4
Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle had once taught in Athens, and there
were still intellectuals debating even as Paul dove right into the
discussion with the philosophers who were worlds apart from him
in their beliefs. Paul met with people who ridiculed him and others
who were willing to listen.
Discuss: Review
this question
with students
encouraging
them to see what
they are placing
before Christ.
When we know the truth and realize people need to hear it, we’re
called to begin the conversation, no matter the outcome.
?
Take a moment to read Matthew 5:14-16 with your group. Discuss the following questions as a group:
Discuss:
Encourage
students to
see how Paul is
living out the
words of Jesus in
Athens. Discuss
your answers as
a group.
What was Jesus communicating about our calling and purpose in sharing the truth?
Why do you think Jesus used a lamp and a city to teach us about sharing the gospel?
How could truly applying Jesus’ words, the way Paul did, allow your friends to see Christ in you?
122
140 SESSION 6
WHAT
ARE SOME
THINGS
THAT WE
WORSHIP
LIKE IDOLS
TODAY?
SESSION 6
THE POINT
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST CAN IMPACT ANY CULTURE.
COMMENTARY
ACTS 17:16-18
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who
happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does
this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus
and the resurrection. ACTS 17:16-18
Verse 16. While Paul waited for his friends and ministry companions Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens, he made
his way through the city. The Greeks acknowledged hundreds of gods and goddesses, and Athens, as Greece’s cultural
center, was widely recognized for its buildings and works of art dedicated to Greek deities. Luke noted that the city was
full of these images. Paul’s spirit was troubled by these idols he saw throughout the city. The Greek word translated
troubled pictures someone who is highly irritated or even burning with anger.
Tip: Help students realize
that their lives, schools,
and neighborhoods are
full of people who are
worshiping something
other than Christ.
Verse 17. While in Athens Paul sought out the Jews and God-fearers, that is,
Gentiles who worshiped God. While the Jewish population probably was not
large, there was a synagogue in the city where Paul reasoned on the Sabbath
with both the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. But Paul also spent time every
day in the marketplace, which was not only the commercial hub in Athens but
also the center of business, law, and politics. There he witnessed to the Athenian
people who happened to be there. Paul looked for every opportunity to share
the gospel message with the people in the city.
Verse 18. Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in the marketplace heard Paul’s words and began to debate with him.
The Epicurean philosophers taught that pleasure and materialism were the highest priorities of life. While not denying
the existence of gods, they believed them to be unengaged and unconcerned deities. They also believed that the
human soul ceased to exist at death. The Stoic philosophers believed that the divine principle was present in all things,
including human beings, and held the universe together; however, they argued that human reason, self-sufficiency, and
moral integrity were of highest importance in this life.
That Paul was in the marketplace daily implies that they talked with him on more than one occasion. Even so,
they apparently didn’t understand the message he was speaking. Some of them referred to Paul as a babbler. The
philosophers used this term to suggest his thinking was not developed and he really didn’t understand what he was
talking about. Others thought Paul was preaching about foreign deities. They may have thought he was advocating new
gods. This could have been serious because there were laws in Greece against upsetting the state religion or introducing
new gods without the approval of the authorities. Still, it’s unknown whether the philosophers actually wanted to cause
trouble for Paul because of what he was preaching or if they truly had an interest in debating with him.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 141
IMPART
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST CAN IMPACT ANY CULTURE.
1
Discuss: Transition
into this section
by discussing the
following question.
2
Read: Invite a
student to read
the passage.
3
Engage: Show
students how
social media can
bring glory to God.
4
Read: Ask a
volunteer to read
this section for
the group.
5
Guide: Take time
to walk students
through Paul’s
actions when
sharing the gospel
with people of
totally different
views of salvation.
HOW CAN WE USE THE THINGS WE
HAVE IN COMMON WITH OTHERS AS
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE JESUS?
ACTS 17:22-23
After Paul talked about Jesus, some philosophers tagged him
as a fool, while others were interested in hearing more. They
brought Paul to the Areopagus, where people simply debated
and argued their philosophies and beliefs. Not so different
from how we treat the comment sections on social media.
?
“We are all missionaries.
Wherever we go we either
bring people nearer to Christ or
we repel them from Christ.” 3
—Eric Liddell #UNSTPPLEGSPL
Paul’s audience didn’t know Christ or believe in one God. So he did these three things:
Shared the Truth in Love. Paul didn’t begin by telling everyone how ridiculously wrong
they were. In fact, he knew these were smart men who simply needed to know Christ.
Found Common Ground. Paul had no obvious connection point to begin a conversation,
but he found one. Paul knew they were worshippers and so was Paul. They may have
worshiped the wrong things, but at least they were looking. Paul used this to connect with
his audience.
Connected God’s Truth. The altar, To An Unknown God, was the Athenians’ attempt to
make sure they didn’t accidentally forget and risk offending a god. Paul used something
they were familiar with—their own altar to the unknown god—to tell them what they
didn’t know about God and His plan to save them.
We need to begin looking for ways to share the gospel, not just point out the walls that hinder us.
NY CULTURE.
142 SESSION 6
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
123
COMMENTARY
ACTS 17:22-23
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For
as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’
What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ACTS 17:22-23
Verse 22. Eventually Paul was taken to the Areopagus (“hill of Ares”), which may refer to either the hill itself or to
the court by that name that traditionally met on the hill. Some biblical scholars believe Paul was brought to the
Areopagus simply to address the philosophers and others in Athens. But certain elements in the biblical text seem
to indicate Paul was brought there to face some type of legal proceedings (but not necessarily a trial) because of
his preaching.
Paul took advantage of the opportunity to witness for Christ. But he was
careful to build a bridge to his audience—to find a common ground for
sharing the gospel. As he stood in the meeting, he began by acknowledging
that the people of Athens were very religious. The Greek word for religious
means “fearing or reverencing the gods.” Depending on the context, it
can be either a positive or negative word. Paul may have used this word
intentionally, since the Athenians saw themselves as very devoted to their
gods and would have been honored by his description of them, while Paul
viewed them as nothing more than superstitious pagans.
Tip: Areopagus
[ar-ee-op-uh-guh s] in
Greek meant “the hill
Ares.” It was the hilltop
dedicated to the Greek
god Ares.]
Verse 23. Paul then shared his experience as he had walked around the city, where he was confronted with so many
idols. Paul referred to these as objects of worship for the Athenians. Most of the statues or altars placed throughout
the city had inscriptions identifying a particular god or goddess to whom the structures were dedicated. Paul had
discovered one dedicated to the unknown god.
Many people in Athens were polytheists—they believed in multiple gods who ruled the world and influenced human
affairs. But because they were superstitious they wanted to be careful not to offend any of the deities, whether the
ones they knew or others they did not know. Paul started with the beliefs of the Athenians, and used those beliefs
to transition to the truth he wanted them to know. He noted that the people worshiped this unknown deity in
ignorance. To be ignorant was not a demeaning term as it is often used today (sometimes synonymous with “stupid”
or “idiot”). Rather, it simply referred to someone who didn’t know or understand. And because of this, Paul was
prepared to teach them about this God they didn’t know.
In just a few sentences Paul told them about the God of creation who is Lord over all (vv. 24‑29). Paul was careful
to emphasize that this God does not exist in inanimate, man-made statues but is a personal God who wants a
relationship with all humanity. Paul’s intent wasn’t for the people simply to add God as one of the many deities they
acknowledged and feared. Rather, He wanted them to know the one true God who could transform their lives.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 143
IMPART
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST CAN IMPACT ANY CULTURE.
1
2
3
4
5
Do: Allow students
time to finish the
optional Action
Point (p. 124) in
the PSG.
Read: Ask a
student to read
the passage for
the group.
Summarize:
Explain
this section
for students.
Discuss: Review
this question
with students.
Do: Direct
students to
complete the
Action Point.
Discuss your
answers as
a group.
ACTS 17:30-31
Just getting to know people is great, but it doesn’t end there. Stopping
there is like walking away from a marathon just short of the finish line.
Those of us who know Jesus are a lot like those lepers who found hope.
We’ve found the answer to our deepest needs, and it’s the answer to the
deepest needs of all the people “back in the city” who don’t yet know
Jesus as Savior. The gospel is too good not to share.
As Paul spoke at the Areopagus, he explained the message in terms
familiar to his listeners. He quoted their poets and spoke their language,
but he still got down to the gospel. The Athenians struggled to accept
God as Creator and Judge and to believe in Jesus’ resurrection, but Paul
did not compromise the truths of the gospel.
WHY ARE
SO MANY
CHRISTIANS
COMFORTABLE
WITH FAILING
TO SHARE THE
GOSPEL?
?
Paul met them where they were, brought the truth of Jesus into
the conversation, and crossed the finish line in communicating the
gospel. The results were up to God.
ACTION POINT
In Veronica Roth’s popular book series Divergent, she tells the story of a
post-apocalyptic world that is designed to categorize its people into five
distinct factions based on their personal dispositions. Eventually, their
society begins to break down as different faction leaders fight over power.
When we focus on how we are different, we will always see barriers to the
truth instead of opportunities. Paul chose to see how the gospel meets
the needs of everyone and found connection points. Read and respond to
each question individually and then discuss with your group as a whole.
How does focusing on the differences of others affect your willingness to share the gospel?
How would your home, school, or neighborhood change if you looked for ways to
connect with everyone you met?
CT ANY CULTURE.
144 SESSION 6
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
125
COMMENTARY
ACTS 17:30-31
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day
on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all
by raising him from the dead.” ACTS 17:30-31
Verse 30. Help others understand the truth of the gospel. After telling the Athenians about the one true God, Paul again
mentioned their ignorance. God had overlooked their lack of knowledge about Him and their worship of false gods. The
Greek word for overlooked does not mean that God condoned their idolatry (sin). He did not. But for some reason God in
His forbearance had delayed in bringing judgment upon all who worshiped false gods. Ultimately we know it’s because
of God’s mercy, which is in some ways difficult for us to fully understand. Probably God was being “patient” as Peter
noted in 2 Peter 3:9.
While God had previously overlooked their ignorance, Paul insisted this was no longer the case because the people were
no longer ignorant. Paul was proclaiming the truth and the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to them. Now they
were without excuse for their idolatry.
Paul clearly stated what God expected the people to do: repent. Repentance
refers to a radical change of thinking. God commanded the people of Athens to
change their thinking about gods and God after hearing the truth Paul shared
with them. But the word repent also includes a change of action—acting on the
truth they had just heard. It involves a transformative change in the direction
of a person’s entire life, turning away from sin and turning toward God. Rather
than continuing to recognize or worship a multiplicity of false gods, they were
to acknowledge and be devoted only to the one true God. And just as Paul was
clear in what God expected the people to do, he was also clear on when God
wanted them to do it: now.
Tip: Guiding your
students to see their daily
lives as multicultural
opportunities to share
the gospel will help them
to see their schools as
mission fields.
God’s message is for all people everywhere. No one is exempt; everyone is called and commanded to turn away from
wrong thinking and their lives of sin, and embrace the truth of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ through repentance.
Verse 31. Paul added that God would also be their judge. In His providence God has set a day when judgment will be
carried out upon all people. This will be the day when God will finally and completely deal with the problem of sin. No
one knows the day or the time, so it is imperative for everyone to be prepared. The basis of God’s judgment will not be
arbitrary; rather, God will judge the world in righteousness. God is righteous (or just), in that He is perfectly righteous
Himself and will judge everyone fairly; and before the judgment of God all people who refuse to repent will be justly
declared guilty of sin. Righteous also refers to those in right standing with God or a right relationship with God.
The man God has appointed as judge—Jesus Christ—will decide whether every human has right standing with God.
And this righteousness comes only through a relationship of faith with God’s Son. And God has given proof to all that
Jesus is the rightful judge by raising Him from the dead. Because Jesus experienced death on the cross and resurrection,
every human being has the opportunity to receive forgiveness for his or her sins and experience eternal life. But this
comes only to those who repent and believe in what Jesus did for them. Like the Athenians, every person must make a
decision either to accept or reject what God offers.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 145
IMPACT
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST CAN IMPACT ANY CULTURE.
1
2
Discuss: Read and
discuss the quote
with students.
LIVE IT OUT
Guide: The Christ
portion of the Live
It Out section
encourages
students to
begin building
relationships with
those around
them who are
different from
them. Remember
the Bible Reading
Plan helps provide
students with a
custom reading
plan to stay in
God’s Word and
follows along with
each session.
“WHEN WE FIND A MAN [OR WOMAN] MEDITATING ON THE WORDS OF GOD,
MY FRIENDS, THAT MAN IS FULL OF BOLDNESS AND IS SUCCESSFUL.” 3
—DWIGHT L. MOODY
BIBLE
READING
PLAN
DAY 1
DAY 2
AC T S 19:32–20:12
DAY 3
DAY 4
Guide: As you
guide your
students through
the Community
section, help
your group
work together
to identify who
they can share
the gospel with
and how they
can support one
another this week.
AC T S 21:1-25
COMMUNITY
Pray and discuss with your group how you can encourage each other
to boldly share the truth of the gospel. Whether it is a group text,
social media, or simply encouraging each other in person, take a few
minutes to develop a plan to build one another up to be courageous
this week.
DAY 5
AC T S 21:26 –22:9
DAY 6
AC T S 22:10 -30
DAY 7
AC T S 23:1-22
116
SESSION 5
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146 SESSION 6
Write down Acts 4:19-20 on a note card to remind yourself during the week
ahead to always be asking the question, “Who am I living to please today?”
During your personal time with God, pray and ask that He would make you
a God-pleaser, rather than a people-pleaser.
ACTS 19:8-31
AC T S 20:13-38
3
CHRIST
THE POINT
GOD WILL GIVE US COURAGE TO SPEAK BOLDLY FOR CHRIST.
4/18/16 3:30 PM
IMPACT
4
Guide: The Culture
section equips
students to apply
this session to their
lives every week.
Help students walk
through the passage
in Acts and show
them how they can
apply Paul’s message
in their life.
5
Pray: Close in
prayer asking God
to open the eyes of
each student to the
opportunities He has
given them. Pray for
wisdom as they build
relationships with
people they normally
would not.
6
Follow Up: This
week connect with
your students by
texting and letting
them know who you
are building bridges
with this week.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 147