Acts - Week 55

Week 55 Acts 17 

Day 1 

READ 

Acts 17:1-2 

1 Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 

Paul and Silas traveled on to Thessalonica. They sought out the Jews first to present Jesus as the Messiah. They were there about a month reasoning with the people from the Scriptures. Notice they were not talking about philosophy or social issues but the Scriptures. In this day it would have been what is now known as the “Old Testament.” This reveals spiritual issues are best dealt with from the Scriptures. 

REFLECT 

Do you think of the Scriptures as the source of truth? You should. Only the Scriptures can tell how to change one’s eternal destiny from hell to heaven. 

RESPOND 

You and your disciple need to read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 to see what Paul told Timothy—and all readers. Only the Scriptures can give wisdom that leads to salvation. 

Day 2 

READ 

Acts 17:3-4 

3 He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” 4 Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women. 

As Paul and Silas reasoned with the Jews and interested Gentiles, they used the Scriptures to show Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. Paul always preached the resurrection of Jesus. As they spoke to all present, some of the Jews believed as well as some of the Gentiles, and some prominent women. Believers should witness to everyone who will listen, recognizing only those in whose hearts God is working will respond. 

REFLECT 

Have you also found it true that although many may listen to the gospel presentation, only a few will respond? 

RESPOND 

Are you and your disciple willing to share the gospel with anyone who will listen? At the same time you can be reminded of John 6:37 and 44. Pray for their hearts to be drawn to God. 

Day 3 

READ 

Acts 17:5 

5 But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. 

Whenever God works in the hearts of some, others often become jealous. These unbelieving Jews went to the marketplace where it would not be difficult to find other unbelievers. Unbelievers are usually willing to oppose believers in Jesus and this was no exception. They wanted to find Paul and Silas so they could drag them out of Jason’s house.  

REFLECT 

Have you learned not to be surprised when unbelievers want to oppose believers? Have you had some opposition by unbelievers? 

RESPOND 

This is a time to remind your disciple that we are in a spiritual conflict.  In this regard, read Ephesians 6:10-12. Discuss the importance of this passage to your witnessing. 

Day 4 

READ 

Acts 17:6-7 

6 Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. 7 And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.” 

Not finding Paul and Silas, the mob dragged out Jason from his home, as well as some of the other believers. They were taken before the city council. The opinion of the mob was that Paul and Silas had “caused trouble all over the world.” The mob was terrified of hearing that Jesus was the King of kings, which they saw as a threat to King Caesar. The believers also preached Jesus as Kurios (Lord), whereas the Roman Empire considered Caesar as Kurios. This was a cause of persecution. 

REFLECT 

As you think of earthly rulers and leaders, is it clear in your mind that no one else compares to the Lord Jesus Christ? 

RESPOND 

People have a decision to make: either to bow to Jesus now as believers or later to Him as unbelievers. See what Paul wrote about this in Philippians 2:5-11.  

Day 5 

READ 

Acts 17:8-9 

8 The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports. 9 So the officials forced Jason and the other believers to post bond, and then they released them. 

All of this caused major confusion and the city council did not know what to do. Paul and Silas were not available so they focused punishment on Jason who had been hosting them. Even the other believers, along with Jason, had to post some bail. This seemed to assure that Paul and Silas would leave town and if more trouble occurred this money would be forfeited. Remember all of this opposition was taking place because Paul preached a resurrected Jesus. 

REFLECT 

Think about the importance of believing in the resurrection of Jesus. Is this taught in your church fellowship? Some will talk about His death but minimize the resurrection.  

RESPOND 

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 that tells about believing in the resurrection of Jesus. Without His resurrection your faith is useless.