“Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:17).

We need to be doing what Paul was busy doing in Athens, and that is simply speaking to whomever we encounter from day to day about Jesus and the saving gospel of Christ. Luke records that Paul “reasoned” with the Jews, the Gentile worshipers, and those who came to the marketplace. What exactly was he reasoning with them about?

Earlier in this same chapter we read: “Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ’” (17:2-3). This was his custom or habit whenever he had the opportunity to teach God’s word to others.

We too must reason with our friends and neighbors from the Scriptures, not our personal thoughts, feelings, or interpretations. But to always point others to the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 4:11), and the truth found therein that will set them free from their sins (John 8:32). Confessing Jesus before men (Matt. 10:32) ought to be a daily goal and activity of disciples of Christ. We may not reason with others from the Scriptures at the synagogue but maybe at school. We may not reason with others from the Scriptures at the marketplace but at the farmer’s market. Or maybe it’s at the gym, the hair salon, retail store, or county fair with those who happen to be there. It really doesn’t matter where the location is, it just matters that we are doing so.

And so, as we begin a new week let us resolve that we will reason daily from the Scriptures with those who happen to be at the places we go; so that they may come to know, believe, and obey the Christ who suffered and died for them, and rose from the dead!