In Acts 17, Paul has continued to rely on reasoning from the Scriptures, regardless of the setting. Imagine if Paul tried to tamper with the method or the message in an effort to make the gospel more acceptable or rational to the idolaters of Athens. All he would have done is to perpetuate their deception and blindness in idolatry. That’s the only possible outcome without the definitive clarity of the gospel and the call to repentance.
So yes, the response to Paul’s ministry in Athens included mocking and feigned efforts at neutral interest, but because he was faithful, the truth did what it always does—distinguish believers from unbelievers. In this way, it disrupts normal life and well-established societal norms. Furthermore, we can’t even know how to minister to someone properly on an ongoing basis unless the word is brought to bear in such a way that their hearts are exposed. If we are going to love God and love others, we just need to stick to what God has said. We can trust him that he knows how to reach sinful man with the good news.