In Acts 17 continues the story of Paul’s second
missionary journey, focussing on the reactions he received. First he went to
Thessalonica (v. 1). There he continued his custom of visiting the local
synagogue to explain that Jesus was the Christ (v. 2). He did this by reasoning
with them through the Jewish Scriptures (v. 2-3). Some of the local Jews became
jealous that people were joining Paul and Silas, so they started a mob (v. 5).
Unable to find Paul and Silas, the mob accosted their host, Jason (v. 6-7).
That night, the Thessalonian believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea (v.
10). Again, we see Paul teaching about Jesus in the synagogue (v. 10). The
Bereans eagerly accepted the message of Christ and sought truth in the
Scriptures (v. 11). However, the Jews from Thessalonica went to Berea and
agitated crowds there too (v. 13). The Berean believers sent Paul away
immediately, but Timothy and Silas remained (v. 14). Paul fled to Athens where
He preached to the local Jews and Gentiles about Jesus (v. 16-17). The people
of Athens could be compared to modern day intellectuals. They spent their time
studying and discussing the latest ideas (v. 21). Paul boldly shared with them
the truth about God. He declared that God was the answer to their searching and
questions (v. 22-23). God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is above all
religious expression (v. 24-25). He gave mankind life and ordained specific
details about each person’s life (v. 25-26). We are God’s children (v. 28). He
is calling all mankind to repent, cast away their idols, and turn to Him (v.
29-31). The Athenians responded as can be expected from a highly intellectual
crowd. Some heard Paul’s speech and accepted it as truth; some immediately
rejected it; others wavered (v. 32-34). It is likely that among those who
wavered there were some who were genuinely seeking truth and others who were
looking for excuses not to believe. Paul, like most evangelists, experienced a
wide variety of responses ranging from eager acceptance to persecution.
Journaling
and Prayer
1. “From one man he made every nation of men, that
they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them
[when in history each person would live] and the exact places where they should
live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and
find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” (v. 26-27). God loves us
and eagerly wants to have a relationship with each of us! Ask God how He has
crafted your life circumstances so that you could find Him. Thank Him for what
He shows you.
2. Athens was a city full of temples, false gods
and idols (v. 16). Even though our culture doesn’t typically worship idols of
gold, wood or clay, we often invest our time, energy and money in many things
before we give a thought to Jesus. Ask God to search your heart for idols.
Repent of what He shows you and commit to making Him functional Lord of your
life.
3. Pray for Tupendane Africana. Pray for continued
grace for Apostle Alex Mitala as he mentors pastors around Uganda. Ask God to
continue to clearly guide him and bless his family. Pray for continued
provision for the thousands of orphans cared for by this ministry. Pray that
many would grow up to be physically and emotionally healthy and serve God in
their country. Ask God to show you any other ways you can pray for Tupendane
today.
