Acts 17
-As the team moves out from Philippi they go through
Amphipolis and Apollonia (two good sized cities but apparently without a
synagogue to connect the gospel with) coming into a city where there was a
synagogue of the Jews, Thessalonica. As was the custom, Paul began with the
Jews reasoning with them for several weeks of Sabbaths from the Scriptures
concerning Jesus as Messiah preaching the suffering of Immanuel and His resurrection.
*Application* This has always been how God has worked. He begins with His
people in His plan for salvation. The Old Testament focuses primarily on the
Hebrew people, who were chosen as His instruments for bringing Jesus the Savior
into the world. Jesus was primarily concerned for “the lost sheep of Israel” in
His earthly ministry (Matthew 15:24). Even the church begins with the Jewish
people in the proclamation of the gospel. So salvation and its message begins
with the Jews and extends outward to all the nations (Luke 24:47). We need to
thank God for His willingness to include all of us in His plan for redemption
and His impartiality (Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Galatians
2:6, Ephesians 6:9).
-Once again we see the conflict that the message of Christ
brings eventually with those being confronted with the truth of God. Jealousy
springs forth from the unbelieving Jews and a mob scene ensues in an attack on
the house of Jason who had welcomed the disciples. The famous quote is mentioned
here, “These men who have upset the world (inhabited earth) have come here also
(Acts 17:6b).” *Application* May we have the courage, boldness, and tenacity to
“upset” our world with the message of Christ Jesus. In other places of
Scripture we see why this message was not accepted right away. The cross was
the barrier along with unbelief. To the Jews the Messiah would perform signs
and wonders and leave no doubt about His Kingdom. Jesus became a stumbling
block for them because they could not see the humility of their Messiah. To the
Greeks this criminal that was hanged on a cross showed no wisdom and power that
they were accustomed to seeing in their saviors. For more read 1 Corinthians
1:18-31.
-The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas out of Thessalonica
to Berea, where there was another synagogue of the Jews. “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
(Acts 17:11).” Actual reading of God’s word and letting the Spirit of God move
how He wanted is what led many to believe here in Berea. *Application* How
eager are we to get into God’s Word and examine the Scriptures daily to find
His truth? God’s Word is the power tool for transformation in one’s life.
-Trouble comes from the raging Jews coming over from
Thessalonica pretty quickly and Paul departs for Athens, the great city of
Greece, which was full of idols. As Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy to
arrive he observed the city of great prominence and prestige in regard to
philosophical debate. He was reasoning with the Jews and the God-fearing
Gentiles in the synagogue and the market place every day. Eventually Paul is
given an open door to speak in the Areopagus about the salvation message of
Christ Jesus. This he does in brilliant fashion as we get perhaps the best
biblical glimpse of his artistry and form for presenting the good news. He
connects with his crowd by observation of their worldview and quoting their own
poets. He preached repentance and judgment and the righteousness of Christ to
save furnishing proof through the resurrection from the dead. Some rejected the
message and mocked, but some believed and wanted to hear more from this
stranger. *Application* Here is the best biblical example of assimilation into
a culture for the missionary purpose. If we are to evangelize an area, any area
home or foreign, we must be observant and relevant to the culture we are
engaging. Otherwise, our message will have no impact. Notice too that Paul does
not compromise the gospel in any form or fashion. He speaks the truth boldly
with no concession. This is how the message of Christ goes forward into the darkness
of lost people.
Verses to Memorize:
Acts 17:11, 30-31
No comments:
Post a Comment