In Acts chapter 17 we find Paul, in the beautiful city of Athens, only able to see all the monuments to the gods the gentiles had thought up. His heart broke for them. Peter, in Acts 2, has a message as well, but it is one of excitement. Paul has the goal of trying to convince his educated hearers to stop worshiping the various man-made gods. Paul’s audience was not so much impressed with the content, but they were riveted by his brilliance. Peter, on the other hand, was speaking to common people with a simple message. His sermon is aimed at the Jews. Peter uses Old Testament prophecies. Paul uses his intellect to reason with the gentiles.
Both of these methods are very effective today. There are times when we share the gospel that an appeal to history, culture, and things that draw on emotion will be the best way to reach our listeners as Peter did in his sermon. The method Paul used also has a place in our world today. With the vast amount of information available today, more people attaining higher education degrees, and a rapidly ever-changing culture the reasoned argument can be very effective if done properly. Paul observed his audience, and related his information to them in a way educated people, in the philosophy capital of the world, could understand. Peter adjusted his message to insure that the people listening to him would have a good chance to understand as well.
Before we can communicate the gospel effectively, we must understand some things about the people who will receive the message. For if we do not understand, we can undermine our intentions.
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