June 3, 2024

Acts 17:1-9  (HCSB)
A Short Ministry in Thessalonica
17 Then they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As usual, Paul went to the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.” 4 Then some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a great number of God-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women.
Riot in the City
5 But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some scoundrels from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. Attacking Jason’s house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly. 6 When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too, 7 and Jason has received them as guests! They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus!” 8 The Jews stirred up the crowd and the city officials who heard these things. 9 So taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they released them.

Kimberly Ivey
The theme of this week’s study is “The Church Expands.” Today, we read a short blurb about Paul and Silas in Thessalonica, and the rest of the week we’ll be looking at his first letter to the Thessalonians. That’s why we’re in Acts today and Thessalonians the rest of the week. I’ve heard many people wonder why we would be in several books of the Bible within a week. Hint: there’s always a connection. So, when we read this passage with the thought of “The Church Expands” in the back of our heads, it’s obvious that Paul and Silas are spreading the word from city to city, thus expanding the church. Let’s zoom in and take note of the method that Paul uses. Acts 17:2-3 states, “As usual, Paul went into the synagogue... he explained the prophecies.” Does this mean we should walk up to people and start talking prophecies? Is that how evangelism works? No. It means we need to meet people where they’re at. Paul often went to the synagogue on the Sabbath to speak with the Jews, as Jesus did (Luke 4:16). He started by speaking of the Old Testament, scriptures they were familiar with, then expounded to explain Jesus’ connections to those prophecies. He met them where they were at, established trust and a relationship with them, and introduced them to the real Truth. Is there someone you’re wanting to beat over the head with a Bible? Do you feel like it’ll take the jaws of life to pry their eyes open to the Truth? Meet them where they’re at. Be patient, walk alongside them and, in prayer, keep showing them Jesus.