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by Sandy Shaw
As we read these opening verses of Acts Chapter 17, we see here how disciples of Jesus are revolutionaries – always seeking to change people's wrong ideas about God - and wrong ideas about themselves.
Being a disciple of Jesus can mean a revolution in so many areas of our lives - and this is where we see one big difference between being religious and being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Paul was not preaching contrary to the laws of Caesar - yet, he was saying there was another King - JESUS - but not as a rival.
Similar things were said when Jesus was born.
Verse 10 . Paul and Silas are sent off from Thessalonica to Berea - and again they go into the synagogue and preach Jesus Christ - same place - same method - same message.
We read that they were more noble - and they readily received the Word of God. Their minds were open to God - to His Word - and to His servants.
These people did something highly interesting and significant - and important. They went home to check up on what was being preached and taught. This they did every day to ensure that what was being said was true.
Many believed - prominent Gentile women - and Gentile men.
It is always important to check out on what is being said and preached and taught - that it is true - that it can be supported by the Scriptures. That is how to come to real faith with a solid sound foundation - from the beginning. Those who do this will soon see their faith growing.
Verse 13 . When the Jews back in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching in Berea with some success - a mob came down - a gang appeared - to stir up the people - agitators sowing seeds of unrest and discontent.
Paul is forced to move on again. He has to get out of the road for his own safety.
The preaching of the Word of God is never a drowsy soothing sedative. It challenges our whole way of life - it challenges the way we live - it shakes our values, priorities, comfort, beliefs - the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ opens us up to make essential changes.
New priorities are set before us. Old habits - ways - conversations - are discovered to be wrong and empty and meaningless, when compared with Jesus Christ - radical transformations take place in our lives.
As we move on in Jesus - old ways of thinking - former attitudes - and even certain relationships - are left and forsaken for ever.
And yet - at the same time - when you come to Jesus Christ and accept His Ways - you find Him very soothing - loving - tender - strong - understanding. Even when you may be thrown into some prison you find yourself singing hymns and praises. That can even surprise us - because it is so unlike what we formerly were. We would never previously have been able to react and respond like that.
Even when you may be on the run - there is supernatural peace as God guides and moves in your life - encouraging and inspiring.
This is one positive aspect of the life of the disciple which can only be understood by someone who has been born again. Paul and Silas experienced something of this as they ministered in Thessalonica and a few years later wrote an important letter to the Church in that area.
1Thessalonians 1 – a letter from Paul and Silas, or Silvanus, and Timothy, and it is sent to the Church, and the wording is most specific and precise. It is some title.
God without Christ can give rise to a question and Christ without God is nothing but heresy, but God and Christ is power and these people knew the power of God, the Holy Spirit. There is a double emphasis here.
The Church belongs to Christ and to God. When we belong to God we belong to Christ and when we belong to Christ we belong to Almighty God.
“Gracious God – loving Father – having seen how the Church was birthed and launched – we give thanks for that day when you birthed and launched faith in Jesus Christ, in our own hearts and lives. Inspire and motivate us from these opening words of this letter – teach us about the importance of strong sound foundations. Increase our fellowship with You, as we read and study and give ourselves to prayer.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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