Our Daily Scripture – 5/9/22

SCRIPTURE:  ACTS 17

Bible Verses:

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.  And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:24-25)

IN THESSALONICA (vs. 1-9)

The Jews in Thessalonica were not interested in what Paul was proclaiming.  They rejected Jesus as the Christ.  But the Gentiles accepted the gospel and were saved.  The Jews formed a mob and rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas.  Since they could not find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason out because he had welcomed them to his house.  Jason posted bond and was released.

IN BEREA (vs. 10-15)

Paul and Silas went to Berea.  The Bereans took time to examine the evidence and study the Scriptures.  They received the message with great eagerness.  Many Jews and a number of prominent Greek men and women also believed.

The Jews in Thessalonica went to Berea to stir up the crowds against Paul and Silas.   So they escorted Paul to Athens while Silas and Timothy will join him later.

IN ATHENS (vs. 16-34)

While Paul was in Athens, he was very distressed to see the city full of idols.  So Paul preached the good news about Jesus and his resurrection.  But a group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him.  They brought Paul to a meeting of the Areopagus to discuss the ideas.  Paul gave them a sermon about “newness of life” through the resurrection of Christ.  Many rejected but among those believed were Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus and a woman named Damaris.

THOUGHTS:

  1.  Jason hosted Paul and Silas so that they could effectively proclaim the truth.  He was an “unsung hero” by playing his part to spread the Good News.  God can use us in many ways for his service.  Be willing and ready to serve Him.
  2.  People responded to God’s Word in many ways:
    1. In Thessalonica – they opposed the word for forming a mob and dragging out Jason who showed hospitality to Paul;
    2. In Berea – they received the word by searching the Scripture and studying it daily.
    3. In Athens- they mocked the Word because of two philosophies that controlled Athens –  Stoic and Epicureans.  What group do you belong?
  3.  The Stoics had materialistic and fatalistic thinking.  Their system was built on pride and personal independence.  Nature was their god and they believed that all nature was naturally moving toward a great climax.  They placed thinking above feeling and tried to live in harmony with nature suppressing their desire for pleasure.   The Epicureans loves pleasures with their philosophy grounded in experience, not reason.  They believe that seeking happiness or pleasures were the pursuing goal of life.
  4. Paul presented his sermon of 4 great truths about God;
    1. He is the Creator (vs. 24-25) – God creates everything and does not live in temples made by men.  He is the one who created life.
    2. He is the Governor (vs. 26-29) – He controls everything and governs all nations.
    3. He is the Savior (v. 30) – He will forgive those who repent and believe in Him.
    4. He is the Judge (v. 31) – God has appointed his son Jesus Christ as the judge in the day of judgment by raising Him from the dead.