Bible Chapter: Acts 17

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This chapter has several interesting events.  In Thessalonica, as was their custom, Paul and Silas preached Jesus in the local synagogue.  Both Jews and Greeks became believers.  Again, agitators stirred up problems.  Luke says that this was because of their jealousy.  They rounded up some bad characters to form a mob.  A well known verse is part of this story. I like how the Living Bible says: “‘Paul and Silas have turned the rest of the world upside down, and now they are here disturbing our city,’ they shouted.”  This is a challenging verse.  I think that today, more than ever before, our cities need to be disturbed for Jesus.  People need to be challenged to acknowledge what is happening in their hearts (sin) and really believe in Jesus.  Major changes are needed.
    The disturbance in Thessalonica caused the missions team to head to Berea.  The people they found in that synagogue were described as of a more noble character, for they received the message and examined the Scriptures daily to see if the preaching was true.  Note the statement that they examined the Scriptures daily to check out the veracity of the preaching.  This is an excellent practice.  When you hear preaching or teaching, carefully check it out with the Bible to see if it is correct or not.  Bad doctrine has caused countless problems.  Being known as a deep student of the Bible is a good reputation to have.
    Paul went on to Athens and shared in a gathering with the deep thinkers of the city.  They had an altar to the unknown god.  Paul said he had come to tell them about the one they worshiped out of their ignorance.  He told them about Jesus and some believed.  He said that God commands people to repent.  Our modern world needs to hear about repentance.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I like the challenge of people who turn the world upside down.  This missionary team was not afraid to let people know the truth of Jesus.  Going in the power of the Holy Spirit, miraculous things were happening.  Many were believing their message of Jesus.  Large groups of people were living for the Lord. The word “impact” is a good description of what was happening.
    This has been my prayer for a long time.  Lord, impact this area.  Challenge hearts.  Let the power and presence of God be felt and change lives.  I know that it is only the change that Jesus will make that will answer the cries of hurting and confused people.
    I must also continue to be a student of the Bible.  I must keep reading it to continue to learn.  I must review things I have learned in the past.  The people of Berea are a good example.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Paul was ready to help the confused people of Athens learn what was missing from their lives.  I see the world today as very confused about God and eternal truth.  I must be ready to help answer their questions and confusion and point them to Jesus.