Episode Summary:
In this bonus episode, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman follow Paul from the “culture clash” of Acts 15 to the nuance of contextualization in Acts 17. Arriving in Athens—a city “living on its past glories”—Paul finds himself alone and distressed by the idols surrounding him. The hosts break down Paul’s masterclass in cross-cultural communication at the Areopagus. They discuss how to move from being perceived as a “seed picker” (babbler) to a clear communicator of the gospel, using real-world examples from ministry in Mexico, Hong Kong, and the UK.
Key Topics Discussed:
* Contextualization vs. Culture Clash: Moving from the negative friction of culture clash (Acts 15) to the positive, proactive work of ensuring your message is understood (Acts 17).
* The “Seed Picker” (Babbler): The insult thrown at Paul by the philosophers—implying he was a scavenger of ideas without true understanding—and how modern missionaries often feel like imposters in new cultures.
* Paul’s Distress (Paroxysm): How the sight of idols caused Paul a visceral, physical reaction, yet motivated him to engage rather than retreat.
* The “Unknown God” Strategy: How Paul utilized a pagan altar to pivot to the true God, addressing the Athenians’ fear of missing a deity to cover their bases.
* Audience Adaptation: Contrasting Paul’s “rural” sermon in Lystra (crops, rain, seasons) with his “urban” sermon in Athens (poets, philosophy, altars) without changing the core message.
* The Stumbling Block: Why the Resurrection was particularly repugnant to the Greek worldview, leading to the abrupt end of the hearing.
Resources & People Mentioned:
* Clinton Arnold: Commentator who explains the fear behind the “Unknown God” altar.
* Martin Luther: Quote on the natural knowledge of God and the uncertainty of those outside the church.
* Epicureans & Stoics: The two major philosophical schools Paul encountered in the marketplace.
Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag
* WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)
* WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)
* Collection of Confessional Lutheran Essays
* BWM = WELS Board for World Missions
* CELC = Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference
* CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
* Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system
* Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.
* Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.
