Acts Chapter 17
Paul and his missionary team came to Thessalonica where they did find a Jewish synagogue. For 3 weeks Paul presented the truths of scripture proving that Jesus is the Messiah. As he presented the gospel message there were a few Jews who were persuaded to become believers and many devout Greeks and many women too. This was wonderful results that so many came to faith in Christ.
But just as this church of believers was getting started in the house of a man named Jason, there was Jewish opposition. These envious Jews took on a mob mentality and sought to destroy the work of Paul and the other believers. They were furious when they did not find Paul and his team at the home of Jason where they knew the church had been meeting.
Let's Reflect
1. When they did not find Paul and his team at the home of Jason, what did they do to Jason and some of the brothers (new believers)?
2. Verse 9 tells us that they forced Jason to pay money, probably threatening his life if he held another church service in his home. What did the church do for Paul and Silas?
3. We learn that Paul and Silas next went to a synagogue in Berea. And while the story repeats itself, there is an important gem to be learned in the middle of it. The gem is found in verse 31. What did the people do when they heard the gospel message proclaimed?
4. The story repeats because many were saved in this town too, but again the opposition rose up because the Jewish mob from Thessalonica had followed them. This time Paul escaped by himself with the plan to have Silas and Timothy come later. Where did he travel to next?
5. In this city Paul taught in a Jewish synagogue and in the open market. He also noticed that there were all kinds of idols or statues of other gods in the city. When called upon to share his “philosophy” Paul addressed these Greek men with great spiritual wisdom. He drew attention to the fact that they worshipped many gods and especially pointed out one in particular. What god was that?
6. In verses 24-24 Paul taught that God is a self-sufficient God. He does not need anything from human hands. What important difference did Paul point out between the God of the universe and the many gods the Greeks worshipped?
7. Since God is God, Paul warned that He has set Jesus as judge of the whole earth. What does mankind need to do to escape the coming judgement of Jesus?
Devotionals
