Greece, Rome, and even the Republic of Macedonia entice me more than any Caribbean beach. To walk where the apostle Paul greeted fellow Christians and taught Gentiles would be an honor. In my imagination I would see the crowds listening, enthralled with Paul's knowledge, convicted by his passion.
Paul always knew his audience, a vital component of writing and speaking. In fact, I was taught the first rule of solid communication is to know your audience and then define your purpose. Clearly as writers, we need to understand our readers--what they already know and what they need to know. In the secular, we create and market the brand. As Christian writers, we deliver God's message.
Follow me to Acts 17. There in Athens, Greece, Paul observed well. He saw the idols. He couldn't miss them because archaeologists' estimates hover around 30,000. He knew the Jews who lived there. He knew the God-fearing Greeks (17:17). He read their literature. He listened to their discussions. He addressed them with personal knowledge, leading to a personal connection, and ultimately their personal conviction.
"Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To An Unknown God. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you" Acts 17:22-23, NIV.
Paul observed. He studied. He connected. And most importantly he communicated the Gospel of Jesus Christ to an audience who was ready to listen. As Christians, let's do the same.
Joyce
Please visit this site to see photos of ancient Athens.
Ancient Athens
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