" The Unchanging Message That Changes Hearts "

Acts 17:1-9   " Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apolonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: and Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that CHRIST must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this JESUS, WHOM I preach unto you, is CHRIST. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another KING, one JESUS. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. "

     After spending time with those who had been saved in Philippi, comforting and encouraging them, Paul and Silas moved on to Thessalonica where Paul found a synagogue and spent "three Sabbath days" reasoning "with them out of the Scriptures" (v.2). His message was the simple Gospel, and, as always, he was "opening and alleging, that CHRIST must needs have suffered and risen again from the dead; and that this JESUS, WHOM [he] preach[ed] unto [them], is CHRIST" (v.3). Thankfully, "some of them believed" and joined themselves with Paul and Silas (v.4), including many from among the Greeks as well as women of influence in the city. However, this advance of the Gospel did not come without opposition. Accused of turning "the world upside down" (v.6), Paul and Silas were sent away to Berea for their safety (v.10).

     The amount of time spent at Thessalonica was minimal, causing one to wonder how much could have been accomplished in so short a time. However, both epistles to the Thessalonians serve to assure us that the teaching they received during those few weeks went far beyond merely surface knowledge. Paul and Silas labored fervently among them, and Paul was careful to ground them as firmly in the truth as he could. The response of those who believed is a joy to behold: "Ye turned to GOD from idols to serve the living and true GOD; and to wait for HIS SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead" (1st.Thessalonians 1:9-10). Furthermore, they were vocal about their faith: "For from you sounded out the WORD of the LORD . . . in every place your faith to GOD-ward is spread abroad" (1st.Thessalonians 1:8). Never underestimate the power of the Gospel ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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