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One of the reasons, that I have heard for not telling an unregenerate person about 'limited atonement', is that in the book of Acts, where salvation is preached (I haven't checked this out yet) 'limited atonement' is not mentioned.

First of all Tom I'd tell your "friends" that to develope your theology from Acts instead of the didactic portions of the Scripture is contrary to reason.
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As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. (Ac 13:48)


Also, by inference not all the Gentiles that heard the gospel believed only those appointed (ordained) to eternal life. Ergo a limited group was atoned for.

Peter

If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. Augustine of Hippo