Contextual Evangelism in a Pluralistic Society: A Missiological Analysis of Paul’s Approach in Acts 17:21-27

In Acts 17:21-27, Paul’s sermon on the Areopagus offers a profound paradigm for contextual evangelism in pluralistic and intellectual urban societies. Drawing insights from Paul’s address, the article develops principles for modern urban missions and Christian education in knowledge-rich yet spiritually impoverished contexts. This paper offers a missiological reflection on Paul's approach to evangelism in Acts 17:21-27, as he responds to the idolatry that prevailed during his visit to Athens. Once a flourishing center of intellectual and cultural excellence, Athens had become spiritually blinded despite its former glory. By examining the irony of Athens' intellectualism yet spiritual ignorance, the paper investigates how Paul's outraged reaction depicts a deep challenge to intellectual haughtiness and the aspiration for heavenly prudence. This study seeks to determine what the Christian missionary and educator can learn today from how Paul dealt with idolatry, entreated righteousness in worship, and navigated city mission in multicultural civilizations. This study seeks to offer practical wisdom for contextual evangelism in intellectually advanced yet spiritually impoverished societies through comparative analysis and theological critique.