When we hear the word “confront” we might be tempted to assume an attitude of aggression. To think we are talking about arguing, yelling, and/or fighting. To enjoy hearing our own voice as we assail another for their beliefs to “win”. This has been one of the marks of pride in fact for some stripes of evangelicalism over the years. Dale Carnegie famously shared the quote in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.” Carnegie understood that the way to win people was not through aggressive argument, but rather, reasoned rhetoric or discussion. This, too, was Paul’s approach.

Background: On his second missionary journey Paul finds himself operating solo as the missionary team has temporary split up for safety and strategy. He is in Athens and becomes angered over the city’s idolatry. Rather than making incendiary posts or comments on Facebook, he decides to engage in discussions with as many people as he can about his one true God. Through his example in Acts 17 we find a few considerations for when engaging in confrontation-evangelism.

Big Idea: 3 considerations for effective confrontation-evangelism. (Acts 17:16-34)