Acts - Week 58

Week 58 Acts 17, 18 

Day 1 

READ 

Acts 17:30-31 

30 “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.” 

Having presented why the Athenian philosophers should not be idol worshipers, Paul now applies his message more specifically. All people should turn from their sins and turn to God.  Someday they will stand before God to give account. The person appointed to do this judging is one who has been raised from the dead. Paul again emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus.  

REFLECT 

As you witness to others, remember to emphasize that Jesus has been resurrected from the dead.  The remains of all other past religious leaders are still in the grave. 

RESPOND 

Read John 5:21-23 that reveals the heavenly Father has committed all judgment to the Son. Everyone will someday give account to the Lord Jesus Christ.               

Day 2 

READ 

Acts 17:32-33 

32 When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33 That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 

The philosophers were willing to listen until Paul mentioned the resurrection of Jesus. As typical of many even today, some laughed with contempt. Not all laughed, however, and were willing to hear more at a later time. This is another indication that the gospel should be presented to everyone but only some will be drawn to Jesus. Only God knows who will be drawn to Him. 

REFLECT 

Do you follow the principle of witnessing to everyone you can but realizing that only some will be drawn to Jesus? Do what you can to encourage those who have expressed a spiritual interest. 

RESPOND 

This is another good time for you and your disciple to read and think about John 6:37, 44. All who come will never be turned away and only the Father can draw them. All believers can do is witness to “whosoever will may come.”  

Day 3 

READ 

Acts 17:34 

34 but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 

Some debate about whether Paul’s presentation to the Athenian philosophers was a success or a failure. The number who believed is not given but two people are mentioned. Dionysius was a member of this high council who was hearing Paul’s presentation. Also mentioned is Damaris “and others with them.” Anytime some respond to the gospel should not be considered a failure. 

REFLECT 

Some believers who witness have few people actually making a decision for Christ in their presence. How has it been for you? Just keep witnessing regardless.  

RESPOND 

Be encouraged as you read 1 Corinthians 3:5-7. Let this be a reminder to you and your disciple that some plant, others water, but only God can cause growth. Talk with each other how God seems to be using each of you in this process as you witness to others.  

Day 4 

READ 

Acts 18:1-3 

1 Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. 

Chapter 18 now shifts the scene from Athens to Corinth. There he became acquainted with Aquila and Priscilla. Note the reason for them being in Corinth: Claudius Caesar had driven all Jews from Rome. This reveals the anti-Semitism and persecution in the first century. Paul became acquainted with them as he practiced his occupation to help support himself.  

REFLECT 

What believers have you been blessed to meet as you have done your daily work? Always be alert to some God may bring across your path. 

RESPOND 

To gain more knowledge about Aquila and Priscilla read Romans 16:4 and 1 Corinthians 16:19. These verses indicate they later were dear friends of Paul and had a church in their house.  

Day 5 

READ 

Acts 18:4-6 

4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” 

True to his custom, Paul went to the synagogue because he knew he would find Jews there as well as Jewish proselytes. Silas and Timothy who had been left in Berea now caught up with Paul in Corinth. As Paul presented Jesus as the Messiah, the Jews opposed him. Paul declared them guilty of their sin and claimed his innocence because he had presented the gospel to them. From this time on he plans to take his message to the Gentiles.  

REFLECT 

When a person has clearly rejected Jesus as Savior, what is you later response when you see that individual? 

RESPOND 

Talk with your disciple about what to do when you later meet someone who has rejected any interest in knowing Jesus Christ as Savior. May your changed life eventually attract them to want to know more about your Savior.