Acts - Week 56

Week 56 Acts 17 

Day 1 

READ 

Acts 17:10 

10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 

Driven out of Thessalonica did not keep Paul and Silas from witnessing about the resurrected Jesus. On arriving in Berea they went to the Jewish synagogue to talk about the Messiah. Persecution usually produces more boldness to witness than causing a drawing back. Those in the East and Middle East have experienced boldness to witness as the result of persecution, even in the face of death. 

REFLECT 

When you have opposition because of your Christian faith, does it make you more timid or more bold to speak out for Jesus? 

RESPOND 

With your disciple read Philippians 1:12-14 to see that Paul considered his imprisonment to turn out for the furtherance of the gospel. Discuss what obstacles are faced today and how God might use those to further the message of salvation. 

Day 2 

READ 

Acts 17:11-12 

11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. 

Notice that the Bereans did not assume what they were hearing was the truth. They listened eagerly and searched the Scriptures to see if these things were true. The first step is to listen eagerly. Then search the Scriptures to see if what has been heard agrees with the Scriptures. Some refuse to hear something they have not previously heard.  

REFLECT 

What is your response when you hear something new? Do you listen carefully and then search the Scriptures for yourself? You need to be a careful student of the Word of God. 

RESPOND 

Accept the challenge in 2 Timothy 2:15-18. Are you and your disciple following these instructions from the Word of God?  

Day 3 

READ 

Acts 17:13-14 

13 But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble. 14 The believers acted at once, sending Paul on to the coast, while Silas and Timothy remained behind. 

When the Word of God is taught it usually brings opposition from unbelievers. The unbelievers in Thessalonica, who had caused Paul and Silas to leave there, now came to Berea. Realizing that Paul was the main one the unbelievers were after, the believers in Berea sent Paul away. Silas and Timothy were able to stay in Berea.  

REFLECT 

What kind of opposition have you faced for sharing your testimony about Jesus? Tell of what Jesus has done in your life; no one can argue against that. 

RESPOND 

Read 1 Peter 3:13-17. This passage tells about living properly and ready to tell others about your faith. 

Day 4 

READ 

Acts 17:15 

15 Those escorting Paul went with him all the way to Athens; then they returned to Berea with instructions for Silas and Timothy to hurry and join him. 

Some believers from Berea went with Paul all the way to Athens. When they returned to Berea they brought Paul’s message that he wanted Silas and Timothy to “hurry and join him.” The Bible does not give the reasons for his request, but likely he wanted their help and fellowship. They were a team as they preached the gospel wherever they went, and he missed them. 

REFLECT 

Are there friends for whom you are thankful when they are with you? In what way do they encourage you? 

RESPOND 

Read Philippians 1:4-6 to see how much Paul appreciated those who partnered with him in the gospel. Do you have friends like that? 

Day 5 

READ 

Acts 17:16-17 

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. 

In Athens, Paul was “deeply troubled” by the idols he saw everywhere. In the synagogue he reasoned from the Scriptures with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. Plus, every day he went to the marketplace and preached to anyone who would listen. His heart was aching because of their idol worship and he was burdened to share the gospel of Christ with as many as he could. 

REFLECT 

Are you troubled by the moral corruption and idol worshipers you see around you? Is your heart hurting because of those who openly reject Jesus—those who are only thinking of time and not of eternity? Do you share the gospel with them every opportunity you get? 

RESPOND 

God’s warning not to worship man-made gods is seen in the Ten Commandments. Read Exodus 20:3, 22-23. This command to the Israelites still applies to all today. An idol is something that man has created instead of worshipping God who is the Creator of all things.