“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us… we tend, by a secret law of the soul, to move toward our mental image of God.” – A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy
Tozer’s insight is more than a devotional thought—it’s a missional necessity. Every person carries an internal image of God, whether accurate or distorted, and this image shapes how they respond to the gospel. If we want to proclaim the gospel of the risen King effectively, we must first address the hearer’s concept of God.
The Unconscious Picture of God
Each of us has a default picture—often a caricature—of God lodged deep in our unconscious mind. It is rarely the result of careful study; rather, it is formed by anecdotal experiences, influential figures, cultural messages, and personal assumptions. Without correction by biblical revelation, these views remain flawed. When we ask, “What is God like?” we are touching the foundation of gospel proclamation. If that foundation is wrong, the structure of the gospel will not stand.
The Acts 1:8 Expansion Pattern
After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, then to be His witnesses: “In Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
This was not only a geographical expansion—it was also a worldview expansion. As the gospel moved outward, the apostles encountered audiences with increasingly different views of God.
1. Jerusalem – Shared View of God
At Pentecost, Peter addressed Jews from many regions. While their customs varied, they all recognized Yahweh as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures. Peter could proclaim Jesus directly as Messiah because the foundation of God’s nature was already in place.
2. Samaria – Partial Agreement
Philip preached in Samaria to people who worshipped Yahweh but had different cultural and religious practices. Their concept of God was close enough to make a direct connection to Jesus, yet distinct enough to require clarification.
3. Damascus – Still Within Jewish Boundaries
Paul’s first post-conversion ministry was in Damascus, speaking in synagogues to Jews. Again, he could begin with the Messiah because the audience already understood the God of the Scriptures.
4. Caesarea – God-Fearers
Peter’s meeting with Cornelius (Acts 10) marked the gospel’s first recorded entry into a Gentile setting. Cornelius was a God-fearer—a Gentile who worshipped Yahweh but had not fully adopted Jewish practices. Peter still began with Jesus because Cornelius already shared the biblical view of God.
5. Athens – A Different God Altogether
Athens was different. When Paul arrived (Acts 17), he found:
- Stoics – Believed God was the rational order in nature (pantheistic, impersonal).
- Epicureans – Believed in distant gods uninvolved in human affairs; the goal was personal tranquility.
These views had little in common with the biblical picture of God. Paul could not start with Jesus as Messiah; first, he had to reframe who God is.
Paul’s Athens Strategy
Paul began with their altar “To the Unknown God” and used it as a bridge.
He described Yahweh in terms they had never heard:
- Creator of all – Maker of heaven and earth, distinct from creation.
- Sovereign Lord – Master over all nations and history.
- Not confined to temples – Beyond human-made structures.
- Self-sufficient – Needs nothing from humans.
- Giver of life – Source of breath and all good things.
- Origin of humanity – From one man, every nation was made.
- Near yet invisible – Wants to be known, not distant.
- Totally other – Cannot be reduced to idols.
- Righteous Judge – Will hold all accountable.
- Appointed a Man – Jesus, validated by resurrection, will judge the world.
Only after establishing God’s nature did Paul introduce Jesus. This progression gave the gospel a foundation that made sense to their worldview.
The Missional Principle
When the audience shares the biblical view of God, we can move quickly to the person and work of Jesus. When they do not, we must start earlier—by clarifying who God is—before explaining what He has done in Christ.
Today’s “Athens”
Modern evangelism often assumes people already have a basic understanding of God. But in our post-Christian, religiously plural world, many have views of God that resemble Athens more than Jerusalem.
- Some see God as an impersonal force (New Age spirituality).
- Others see Him as distant and uninvolved (secular deism).
- Many see Him as a projection of personal preference.
In such cases, we must start where they are—just as Paul did—patiently building a biblical view of God before proclaiming the risen King.
Conclusion
Paul’s example in Athens teaches us that the gospel must rest on the right foundation: the truth about God Himself. Without that foundation, the message of Jesus will be misunderstood or rejected outright.
If they do not know the God of the Bible, begin there. If they do, proclaim Christ. Always start where they are—so you can lead them to where He is.
For Discussion
- How has your own “picture of God” been shaped by family, culture, or personal experience?
- What happens when people try to receive Jesus without first understanding who God truly is?
- How did Peter’s message at Pentecost differ from Paul’s message in Athens?
- In your experience, how do people around you view God today? (Impersonal force? Distant deity? How does this affect the way we share the gospel?