Acts - Week 9 / Monday

Reading for today: Acts 17:1-9

This is now Paul's second missionary journey. He and Silas make the 100 mile trek along the Egnatian Road to the city of Thessalonica, the most important city of ancient Macedonia, and there they find a synagogue. As was Paul's custom, he went to the synagogue first. The Jews had a background in the Scriptures, so Paul would use that background as his platform for teaching.

As always, Paul talked about the Scriptures that pointed to the Messiah, and used them to clearly show that it was God's divine purpose for the Messiah to suffer and rise again from the dead, clearly pointing to Jesus in the process.

Some of the Jews were persuaded, but an even larger number of Gentiles believed, including some of the wives of the chief men of the city. Thus the Gentile converts far outnumbered the Jewish believers. Incidentally, the first letter to the Thessalonians gives a further description of the ministry of Paul and Silas at this time, especially chapter two.

Again, opposition arises alongside this great opportunity. I love the accusation that the unbelieving Jews bring against Paul and Silas. They said, "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here..." Even though the accusation was a large exaggeration, it nevertheless was a back-handed compliment about the influence and impact these two men were having in the area.

The authorities did not take the charges seriously, and they order Jason's release after securing from him some sort of agreement, probably to talk Paul and Silas into leaving town. The sooner they could get these guys out of town, the better! Although the gospel is a gospel of peace, it still can stir up a fair amount of discord between those who believe and those who don't.

Tomorrow: What's the best way to stay on course?