September 30, 2023

Acts 17: 17 . . . he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. (NIV)

It would not be in our best interest to always remain in one happy and comfortable location.*

The number one rule for writers is, “Write what you know.” The number one rule for preachers might be, “Preach where you know.” That seems to be what Paul was doing here in Athens, killing time while he waited for Timothy and Silas to join him.

As a Jew, Paul was comfortable in the synagogue. He understood the rules – written and unwritten – and knew his audience well. Likewise, the marketplace was a familiar setting. It wasn’t only a center for business and commerce but also a place where people could gather for philosophical discussion. Paul clearly knew where to preach.

What about you? Do you have a comfort zone when it comes to sharing the gospel? Is there an audience that is likely to be more receptive to you than others? Is there a setting where you know the written rules as well as the implied ones? Perhaps this is where you should “preach.”

Writers aren’t really limited to what they know now. For example, I didn’t know that the marketplace was a setting for philosophical discussion until I did some research for this passage. And Paul was not limited to his familiar stomping grounds either – he spent a lot of time in jail, turning it into another “comfortable” pulpit. 

So here is the lesson for us: we “preach” where we are comfortable - and when the Spirit leads us out of our comfort zone, we learn to preach there. Our witness is not limited to our current happy place. 

Along the way, learn to be of value where you are.*