I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. 1 Corinthians 9:22–23 (NKJV)
On a visit to Athens, Paul gave a speech to the learned men of the city at Mars’ Hill. In Paul’s day, Mars’ Hill was the meeting place of the main governing body of the city. Paul was asked to speak with the ‘who’s who’ of the city and it is interesting to look at how he handled it.
He started out with a compliment, It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously and went on to speak to them in the context of their beliefs and surroundings (Acts 17:22, MSG). In verse 23 he said, as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD (NKJV). He used that as a springboard to introduce them to the one true God. He quoted people that were respected in their world—Cretan and Greek poets—even though these people worshipped other gods.
We need to stand strong and be immovable when it comes to what we believe. However, I will share with you how our family chose to handle Halloween. I’m not saying that this is how you should do it, but we decided to hand out candy as a way to connect with our neighbours and love on the neighbourhood kids.
By quoting Greek and Cretan poets, Paul wasn’t saying that he was in agreement with everything they stood for. He was simply looking for a way to reach out and connect with people. We can learn from his example. He became all things to all people for the chance to save some.