The Book of Acts: Paul's Second Missionary Journey Part 4
1. In Thessalonica, it's the _________ that start a _________.
When Paul and Silas had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. (Ac 17:1) 2
As was his custom, Paul went to the Jews, and on three Sabbath days he led them in a discussion from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. He also said, "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." (Ac 17:2–3)
Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great number of God-fearing Greeks and more than a few of the prominent women. (Ac 17:4)
But the Jews became jealous and gathered from the marketplace some wicked men, who formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house and searched for Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the mob. (Ac 17:5)
For there will come a time when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, because they have itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in line with their own desires. (2 Ti 4:3)
6 When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, "These men, who have stirred up trouble all over the world, have come here too, 7 and Jason has welcomed them as guests! They are all acting contrary to Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, Jesus!" (Ac 17:6–7)
We found this fellow misleading our nation, forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king. (Lk 23:2)
8 The crowd and the city officials were stirred up when they heard these things. 9 They took a security bond from Jason and the others and then let them go. (Ac 17:8–9)
2. The Bereans are an example of what it means to be _________________ to God's _________.
That same night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue. (Ac 17:10)
11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians. They received the word very eagerly and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them believed, along with more than a few prominent Greek women and men. (Ac 17:11–12)
But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that the word of God was being proclaimed by Paul in Berea, they also went there to agitate and stir up the crowds. (Ac 17:13)
23 But the governor said, "Why? What has he [Jesus] done wrong?" But they kept shouting even louder: "Crucify him!" 24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing and that instead it was turning into a riot, he took water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, "I am innocent of this righteous man's blood. It is your responsibility." 25 And all the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" (Mt 27:23–25)
14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul away to the seacoast, but Silas and Timothy stayed there. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him all the way to Athens. When they left, they received instructions for Silas and Timothy to join Paul as soon as possible. (Ac 17:14–15)
51 Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 Yes, from now on there will be five divided in one household: three against two, and two against three. 53 They will be divided: father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. (Lk 12:51–53)
Points to Ponder
1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
2. Are you a student of God's Word? If you are, what can you do to expand your knowledge? If not, what do you need to change?
3. Do you have a missionary mindset? If not, what can you do to develop a missionary mindset? How can a missionary mindset change a congregation? ... change the Church?
