Acts 17: Bold Witness in Secular Places

20th Week after Pentecost

Scripture

Acts 17:16–34 (NIV)
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious… Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.”

Scripture Reflection

New England today resembles Athens in many ways — a place of deep culture, intellectual pride, and countless spiritual alternatives. The idols here may not be carved statues, but they are just as powerful: materialism, self-sufficiency, individualism, false identities. Like Paul, we are called to step into these spaces with humility, clarity, and boldness, proclaiming the good news of Jesus.

Revival is never confined to the walls of the church; it overflows into the public square. We need a courageous, Spirit-empowered witness in classrooms, boardrooms, coffee shops, sports fields, and neighborhood sidewalks. May God raise up believers who, like Paul, are willing to engage culture with truth and love — naming the unknown gods and pointing people to the risen Christ.

Praying it UP / IN / OUT

UP: Worship God as the One who is above every idol, who alone deserves our wholehearted devotion.

IN: Ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage and discernment to speak about Jesus wherever He sends you.

OUT: Intercede for New England’s cultural influencers, educators, and leaders — that God would break through in their hearts, and that evangelism would ignite in unexpected places across the region.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are the unknown God made known — the Word who became flesh. We praise You as the One who is worthy of every heart’s worship.

Forgive us when we shrink back in fear or blend in with the idols of our culture. Fill us instead with boldness, compassion, and wisdom, to proclaim You in every space You send us.

Raise up a bold witness across New England — in universities, offices, neighborhoods, and marketplaces. Let divine appointments unfold. Give Your people a prophetic courage, like Paul, to declare Your resurrection and invite others into life with You.

May revival break out not only inside our churches, but also in the public squares of this region, so that Your name is honored everywhere.

In Your powerful name, 

Amen.