By Michael C. Mack

Think of one person you know who is not a believer in Christ. Describe how you know the person and his or her cultural or religious background.

Read Acts 17:1-4, 10-12, 22-25, 28. 

Compare and contrast how Paul ministered in each of the three cities: 

• How did he approach each one? 

• What methods did he use? 

• What were the results?

Paul used four skills in his ministry in Thessalonica: reasoning, explaining, proving, and proclaiming (vv. 2, 3). How is each of these vital to sharing the gospel? 

What character traits and good habits defined the Bereans? 

How did Paul begin with the people in Athens? Why do you think he used that approach?

Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-22. This is the tenet behind what we see Paul doing in this passage. What principles should we keep in mind as we utilize different methods for sharing the gospel while not altering the message? 

Recall the person you mentioned in question #1. What methods (individually or as a group) might work to reach out to this person? Conclude by praying for each person by name.

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).