Acts 17 | Renewed Mind

Monday: Read Acts 17:1-9
Watch Daily Devotion

We live in a time where instant results are expected—whether it’s avoiding traffic, getting hot food fast, or having lightning-speed internet. This mindset can subtly influence our spiritual expectations, making us impatient with the process of growth and maturity that faith requires. In Acts 17:1–9, we see a different pace in Paul’s ministry. He spent three Sabbaths reasoning with the people, explaining and proving that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. He didn’t rush through a quick gospel message hoping for instant revival. Instead, he likely took his time to explain, clarify, answer questions, and engage deeply. Paul's example reminds us that spiritual fruit often grows slowly, through patient and faithful investment.

If you were to share your faith with someone in your life today, what would you realistically expect? That they come to Christ after one short conversation—or that it might take time, perhaps even years of prayer, conversation, and love? Scripture reminds us that our calling is not to produce results but to be faithful witnesses (Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:15). The outcome of someone coming to faith is not guaranteed, nor is it up to us—it’s God who draws hearts. What He asks of us is obedience. So if you’ve been discouraged because someone hasn’t responded to the gospel right away, take heart. God is patient. He pursues people over time, and often through many small, faithful moments. Realign your expectations with His. Be willing to journey with people, trusting that God works powerfully through faithfulness, not just immediacy.

Spiritual Practice: Patient Witness

Following Paul’s example in Acts 17, this practice invites you to slow down in your evangelism, trusting God’s timing rather than chasing instant results. It helps you cultivate faithfulness over time, so that you can walk patiently with others while God works in their hearts.

1. Pray for God’s Timing
   Each day, bring one person to God in prayer, asking Him to open their heart and guide your conversations at His pace.

2. Plant Small Seeds
   Look for natural opportunities to share Scripture, testimony, or acts of kindness—without pressure for immediate decisions.

3. Persevere in Love
   Keep showing up for the person in consistent, tangible ways, trusting that every faithful moment is part of God’s long-term work.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Galatians 6:9, James 5:7–8

Tueday: Read Acts 17:10-15
Watch Daily Devotion

One of the most beautiful truths of the Gospel is that it reveals a God who actively pursues the sinner. From the opening pages of Scripture to the ministry of Jesus, we see the story of a God who draws near to His creation, seeking to restore what was broken. The pinnacle of this pursuit was seen in the earthly life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet even after His ascension, God’s pursuit did not stop. He continues to reach out to humanity through the presence of His Holy Spirit, the truth of His written Word, and the witness of His Church proclaiming the message of salvation.

But as persistent and intentional as God’s pursuit is, He does not force Himself on anyone. Humanity still carries the sobering ability to turn away. Many choose to ignore His call, reject His truth, or delay their response, maybe even examining Scripture without ever fully surrendering to it. The response of the Bereans reminds us that our role is to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, not to measure the results or count the number of people who come to faith. God’s pursuit of a soul may span years, and a single conversation may not bring someone to salvation. Yet an act of obedience in sharing the Gospel can be the very thing that helps move a person one step closer to saving faith.

Spiritual Practice: Joining God’s Pursuit

God’s pursuit of the lost is relentless and full of grace. This practice invites you to align your heart with His by faithfully sharing the Gospel, trusting that each step of obedience can move someone closer to Christ—even if you never see the final outcome.

1. See as God Sees
   Begin each day asking God to help you see people through His eyes—precious, pursued, and in need of His love.

2. Take One Faithful Step
   Look for one opportunity today to reflect God’s pursuit—through a conversation, a prayer, or an act of kindness—without pressuring for an immediate decision.

3. Entrust the Outcome
   Release the results to God in prayer, trusting His timing and His Spirit to complete the work He has begun.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Luke 19:10, John 6:44, Romans 10:14–15, 2 Corinthians 5:20

Wednesday: Read Acts 17:16-21
Watch Daily Devotion

As Paul waited for Silas and Timothy to rejoin him on the mission, he walked through the city and was deeply stirred by the countless idols he saw. He could have chosen to remain silently disturbed by the pagan culture and say nothing. He could have taken a soapbox approach, loudly condemning the idols and shouting the Gospel without pause for conversation. Instead, Paul chose a third path, he engaged the locals in discussion (Acts 17:17). This choice shows that Paul was willing to listen, to reason, and to connect with people without burning bridges. His patience and respectful dialogue opened the door for a greater audience and for more hearts to be willing to hear his message.

Paul’s decision to discuss rather than confront harshly likely came from wisdom. He understood that these people had grown up with their idols, placing their faith in them for generations, and may never have heard the name of Jesus before. He could have shouted from the rooftops, determined to prove himself right and everyone else wrong, but that approach may have closed hearts rather than opened them. By choosing grace and conversation, Paul modeled a way of sharing truth that invites people in rather than driving them away, reminding us that listening first can create better opportunities to proclaim the Gospel with both clarity and compassion.

Spiritual Practice: Grace Before Words

Following Paul’s example in Athens, this practice encourages believers to share the Gospel through respectful dialogue rather than harsh confrontation. It emphasizes listening, building trust, and speaking truth with compassion—creating space for the Holy Spirit to work in open hearts.

1. Listen Deeply
   When talking with others about faith, focus first on understanding their story, beliefs, and questions before offering your own perspective.

2. Build Bridges, Not Walls
   Look for common ground—shared values, life experiences, or mutual concerns—that can become entry points for Gospel conversations.

3. Speak with Grace and Truth
   When the opportunity comes to share Christ, let your words be seasoned with kindness, clarity, and respect, trusting that gentleness can open doors that forcefulness might close.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 15:1, Colossians 4:5–6, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:24–25

Thursday: Read Acts 17:22-31
Watch Daily Devotion

Paul had an incredible opportunity in Athens—not because he stood in the marketplace shouting every reason why he disagreed with the people’s idols and lifestyles, but because he chose a different approach. Though he strongly disagreed with their worship of false gods, Paul was willing to understand their beliefs in order to meet them where they were both intellectually and spiritually. Luke notes that Paul was well informed about the city’s “Unknown god” and even familiar with some of their poets, knowledge that likely came from careful observation and genuine conversation with the locals.

Paul’s example shows the power of listening before correcting. Though deeply grieved by the sight of so many idols, he began by learning and engaging with the people’s worldview, earning the right to be heard. By taking time to understand, he built bridges instead of barriers, creating space for a thoughtful and respectful proclamation of the Gospel. This approach is often more challenging and uncomfortable than simply speaking at people, yet it mirrors the way Jesus shared truth—eating with sinners (Matthew 9:10-13), listening to people’s stories before they believed (Mark 5:33), and even serving the very one who was stuck in his own ways (John 13:1-17).

Spiritual Practice: Listen to Understand

Before speaking truth, take time to genuinely listen and learn from the person you’re talking to. Understanding their story, beliefs, and experiences not only builds trust but also opens a door for the Gospel to be heard with a receptive heart.

1. Be Present – Give your full attention to the person without planning your next response while they are speaking.

2. Ask Questions – Seek to understand their perspective by asking thoughtful, respectful questions.

3. Reflect Before Responding – Take a moment to consider what you’ve heard and how to connect it to the hope you have in Christ.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 18:13, Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15, James 1:19 

Friday: Read Acts 17:32-34
Watch Daily Devotion

Luke does not tell us how long Paul spent conversing with the locals or whether he had planned to speak at the Areopagus. The day may have begun like any other, but as Paul observed the city around him, his spirit was stirred by the sight of countless pagan idols. That stirring moved him to engage in conversations, listening to understand their beliefs while sharing the truth of the Gospel. His willingness to discuss rather than simply denounce opened the door to a greater audience of people curious enough to hear about this “new” God. When the moment came to speak, some mocked, others expressed interest in hearing more, and a few chose to believe.

What began with a private stirring in Paul’s heart ended with hearts in the crowd stirred toward faith. Paul may have desired the entire city to believe, yet he likely rejoiced over those who did respond. His concern was not about proving himself right but about the eternal destiny of those he spoke to. This is a valuable reminder for us: when we share our faith, our goal should not be to win an argument but to care deeply for the souls of those we speak with, trusting God with the results.

Spiritual Practice: Care for Souls, Not Arguments

When sharing your faith, the goal is not to prove yourself right but to genuinely care about the eternal destiny of the person you are speaking to. Shifting your focus from winning debates to winning hearts allows the Holy Spirit to work through your words and actions.

1. Check Your Motives – Before engaging, pray and ask God to help you care more about the person’s soul than being right.

2. Speak with Grace – Share truth clearly but gently, avoiding a combative tone.

3. Trust God with the Outcome – Remember that conversion is God’s work; your role is to faithfully plant seeds.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 15:1, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Colossians 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:24-25