In The Word
Read Acts 17:1-15
Paul at Thessalonica
17 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.
Paul at Berea
10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.12 Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
As in other cities, Paul gave the area’s Jewish community the first opportunity to hear the message of Christ by entering into the local synagogue and sharing Scripture with them about the Christ. In both circumstances that we read today, many of the Jews heard Paul’s message, searched the Scriptures themselves, and came to believe. But just like in the parable of the “Sower and the Seed” (Luke 8:13) and the seed that lands on rocky soil, it seems the Word was snatched immediately from them. The outside pressure from non-believers’ jealousy of this new gospel overwhelmed them, and they were influenced by the mob. What I want you to notice being said by the mob is this, “These men who have upset the world” (Acts 17:6). They weren’t that far off, Jesus will turn your world upside down!
As we review the conversions of Lydia, the jailer, and the Jews, we see people accepting Christ in their own way. The Jews needed scriptural reference and debate, Lydia a simple message, while the jailer only needed to see a miracle. It is important that we stay connected with the Holy Spirit as we share Christ. He knows what the hearer needs to hear or see. Sometimes you’ll witness a jailer-experience, while other times you’ll find yourself debating someone for what seems a lifetime. Don’t give up! Know this: God uses us to share His message of forgiveness and love. Be well versed in His Word so that you can explain why Jesus needed to die on that cross. Know that through His death, anyone can have everlasting life! You have a message that of salvation that has “upset the world”!