What question did this study set out to answer?

The study explores the balance between being rooted in the world while maintaining faithfulness to Jesus.

February 28, 2026Open Access

ENTERING THROUGH THEIR DOOR— BUT NOT GETTING STUCK THERE: Theological and Missional Engagement in Acts 17:16-34

Key Points

The study explores the balance between being rooted in the world while maintaining faithfulness to Jesus.
Textual analysis of Acts 17:16-34
Theological reflection on the implications of living in the world
Discussion of the concept of compromise in faith
Identifies the tension of being in the world but not of it
Highlights the importance of faithfulness without compromise
Shows the relevance of Acts 17 in contemporary missional contexts

Abstract

The prophetic nature of the life-mission of a disciple of Jesus resides precisely in living the daily tension of being deeply rooted in the world, but not being of the world. The difficulty experienced in walking the tightrope in such a situation, indeed is the guarantee of one’s faithfulness to the Lord. Such difficulties should never be resolved by means of compromise. We see such a tension in Acts 17:16-34.

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Cite This Study

Joseph Lobo SJ (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a287240a974eb0d3c0299d https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18784294