Beloved, I am pleased to share with you today the above theme from Acts 17:1-2. Indeed, from Philippi, Paul and his companions went to Thessaloniki, another city in Macedonia. Some Jews and many Greeks, including distinguished women, receive the word spoken to them (1 Thess 1:2-5). But most Jews, themselves pushed by Satan, excite the people against the evangelists. They do not hesitate to use for this people without confession, whom they despised elsewhere, nor to repeat before the magistrates the argument once used before Pilate: “we have no other king than Caesar.”
For, “they dragged Jason and some brothers before the magistrates of the city, shouting: These people, who have turned the world upside down, have also come here, and Jason has received them. They all act against Caesar’s edicts, saying that there is another king, Jesus. With these words, they moved the crowd and the magistrates, who did not let Jason and the others go until they had obtained a bail from them. Immediately the brothers made Paul and Silas leave at night for Berea. When they arrived, they entered the synagogue of the Jews.” (Jn 19:10-16).
Paul’s stay in Thessaloniki was therefore brief: about three weeks. But God allowed it so for our benefit. For the apostle was therefore obliged to complete his teaching with two epistles, so rich in instructions for all of us.
In Berea, the Jews had more nobility and righteousness. Instead of being blinded by jealousy, they seek to secure their faith by studying every day the Word whose sovereign authority they recognize: These Jews had nobler feelings than those of Thessaloniki; for they received the word with great eagerness, and they examined the scriptures every day to see if what they were told was correct. Many of them believed, as well as many Greek women of distinction, and many men (Jn 5:39-40). We strongly recommend that our readers be able to follow this example, especially the passages we have just quoted. Because this is the purpose of small daily meditations.
Left alone in Athens, Paul is not distracted by his monuments and sculptures. His heart is clenched and indignant when he discovers that this city, famous for its culture, is filled with the most awful idolatry. In the public square, he meets philosophers from different schools, universally renowned for their wisdom. For intelligence was given to man to discern the eternal power and divinity of his Creator (Rom 1:18-23). But the ignorance of these eminent spirits confirms that “the world by wisdom has not known God” (1 Co 1:17-25): He is in their midst an “unknown God”.
Beginning at the beginning, Paul speaks to them of the “Lord of heaven and earth” who has now revealed Himself not only in creation but also in redemption: “Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: Athenian men, I find you in every respect extremely religious. For, as I walked through your city and considered the objects of your devotion, I even discovered an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god!
What you revere without knowing it is what I announce to you. The God who made the world and all that is in it, being the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by man; he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, he who gives to all life, breath, and all things. He made all men, coming out of one blood, dwell on the whole surface of the earth, having determined the duration of the times and the limits of their abode; he wanted them to seek the Lord, and to strive to find Him by groping, although He is not far from each of us, for in Him we have life, movement, and being. This is also what some of your poets have said: ‘From him we are the race’…”
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and grouped together for your better understanding.
- Christ and His Disciples Teach in the Synagogues
Jn 6:59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, teaching in Capernaum. Jn 18:20 Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews gather, and I have not said anything in secret. Acts 13:5 When they arrived in Salamis, they announced the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They had John as their help. Acts 14:1 At Icon, Paul and Barnabas entered together the synagogue of the Jews, and they spoke in such a way that a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed. Acts 18:19 They arrived in Ephesus, and Paul left his companions there. Having entered the synagogue, he spoke with the Jews,
- It is allowed to do good on the Sabbath
Mt 12:12 How much is a man worth no more than a sheep! It is therefore permissible to do good on the Sabbath. Mk 6:2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many people who heard him were astonished and said: Where do these things come from? What wisdom has been given to him, and how are such miracles done by his hands? Lk 6:6 It happened on another Sabbath day that Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. There was a man with a dry right hand. John 5:10 It was a Sabbath day. The Jews therefore said to the one who had been healed: It is the Sabbath; you are not allowed to take your bed with you. Jn 7:23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be violated, why do you irritate against me that I healed an entire man on the Sabbath? John 9:14 Now, it was a Sabbath day that Jesus had made mud and opened his eyes. Acts 16:13 On the Sabbath we went out of the door to a river, where we thought there was a place of prayer. We sat down, and spoke to the women who were gathered. Acts 17:2 Paul entered it, according to his custom. For three Sabbaths he discussed with them, according to the scriptures; Acts 18:4 Paul said in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
- Resurrection of Christ, a central truth of the gospel
Acts 2:23-24 this man, delivered according to the fixed plan and according to the foreknowledge of God, you crucified him, you made him die by the hand of the ungodly. God resurrected him, freeing him from the bonds of death, because it was not possible for him to be restrained by her. Acts 3:14-15 You have denied the Holy and the Righteous, and you have asked to be granted the grace of a murderer. You have killed the Prince of life, whom God has risen from the dead; we are witnessing this. Acts 4:33 The apostles bore witness with great force of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And a great grace rested on all of them. Acts 10:39-41 We witness all that He did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him, hanging him in the woods. God raised him up on the third day, and he allowed him toappear; Acts 17:2-3 Paul entered it, according to his custom. For three Sabbaths he discussed with them, according to the scriptures, explaining and establishing that Christ was to suffer and rise from the dead. And Jesus whom I announce to you, he said, it is he who is the Christ. Rom 1:4 and declared Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by his resurrection from the dead), Jesus Christ our Lord,
- Religious revivals
1 18:39 When all the people saw this, they fell on their faces and said, “It is the Lord who is God! It is Jehovah who is God! 2 Ch 30:11 However, some men from Aser, Manasseh, and Zabulon humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. Ezr 10:1 While Ezra, weeping and prostrated before the house of God, was doing this prayer and confession, he had gathered with him a very large crowd of people of Israel, men, women and children, and the people were shedding abundant tears. Lk 3:10 The crowd questioned him, saying, “What are we to do? Jn 4:39 Many Samaritans in this city believed in Jesus because of this formal statement of the woman: He told me all that I have done. Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his word were baptized; and on that day the number of disciples increased by about three thousand souls. ; Acts 8:6 The whole crowds were attentive to what Philip was saying when they learned and saw the miracles he was doing. Acts 9:35 All the inhabitants of Lydia and Saron saw him, and they converted to the Lord. Acts 11:21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and many people believed and converted to the Lord. Acts 13:48 The Gentiles rejoiced when they heard this, they glorified the word of the Lord, and all those destined for eternal life believed. Acts 18:8 However, Crispus, the head of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his family. And several Corinthians, who had heard Paul, also believed, and were baptized. Acts 19:18 Then Paul entered the synagogue, where he spoke freely. For three months he spoke about things concerning the kingdom of God, trying to persuade those who listened to him.
- Entry of new members into the Church
-On the day of Pentecost Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his word were baptized; and on that day the number of disciples increased by about three thousand souls.
-Daily additions Acts 2:47 praising God, and finding favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church every day those who were saved.
-Increase in the number of members, after Pentecost Acts 4:4 However, many who had heard the word believed, and the number of men rose to about five thousand.
-Constant growth of the Church Acts 5:4 If it had not been sold, would it not be left for you? And, after it was sold, wasn’t the price available to you? How could you put such a plan in your heart? It was not to men that you lied, but to God.
-Priests become disciples Acts 6:7 The word of God was spreading more and more, the number of disciples was increasing greatly in Jerusalem, and a large crowd of priests obeyed the faith.
New members in Antioch Acts 11:21, 24 The hand of the Lord was with them, and many people believed and converted to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a fairly large crowd joined the Lord.
-Through the preaching of Paul Acts 14:1 At Icon, Paul and Barnabas entered together the synagogue of the Jews, and they spoke in such a way that a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed. Acts 16:5 The churches were strengthened in faith, and were increasing in number day by day. Acts 17:4 Some of them were persuaded, and joined Paul and Silas, as well as a great multitude of God-fearing Greeks, and many women of quality. Acts 18:8 However, Crispus, the head of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his family. And several Corinthians, who had heard Paul, also believed, and were baptized.
From all the above, we note that Paul’s stay in Thessaloniki was brief: about three weeks. But God allowed it so for our benefit. For the apostle was therefore obliged to complete his teaching with two epistles, so rich in instructions for all of us. But in Berea, the Jews have more nobility and righteousness. Instead of being blinded by jealousy, they seek to secure their faith by studying every day the Word whose sovereign authority they recognize: These Jews had nobler feelings than those of Thessaloniki; for they received the word with great eagerness, and they examined the scriptures every day to see if what they were told was correct. And this “sovereign God” now commands men that all, in all places, repent. So no one, and neither can you, claim that this divine order is not for him. Someof Paul’s listeners openly mock; others postpone consideration of these things. But a few believe. This is the triple effect of the gospel when it is preached even today! Our prayers accompany you all.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite every person who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I admit to having sinned against you and ask your forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as Lord and personal Savior. I recognize that you died on the cross of Calvary and rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me every day to the eternal life that you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal yourself to me and strengthen my heart and faith, so that your light may be shining in my life right now.
Thank you Lord Jesus for accepting me into your divine family, so that I may also contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby watering point to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All adoration, power and glory are yours, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to respond to any questions and comments you may have, before sharing with you tomorrow on “Jesus vows to announce God’s name. “
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you abundantly.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.