Acts 17 -- Three Cities, Three Responses

As Paul ministered in three different cities, he received three different responses.  In Thessalonica, he first went to the synagogue, reasoning, explaining, proving, and announcing what Scriptures said about Christ.  After 3 weeks, a large number of people had believed.  But the unbelieving Jews manufactured a riot (how very religious of them!)  so that the city magistrates would have Paul removed.  Paul and Silas couldn't be found, so they obtained a peace bond which Jason paid, guaranteeing they would leave and not return.

Paul and Silas headed to Berea, where people were meeting daily to discuss Scripture.  Many people believed, but again Satan brought unbelieving Jews from Thessalonica to stir things up.  Paul was slipped away by sea to Athens.

Paul faced ridicule in Athens regarding the resurrection doctrine.  "To a Greek, the body was only a prison, and the sooner a person left his body, the happier he would be ... They believed in immortality, but not in resurrection ..." my commentary said.  "Some laughed and mocked and did not take Paul's message seriously.  Others were interested but wanted to hear more.  A small group accepted what Paul preached, believed on Jesus Christ, and were saved."

Warren Wiersbe said in his commentary, "We still need witnesses who will invade the halls of academe and present Christ to people who are wise in this world but ignorant of the true wisdom of the world to come ...   God may use you to call them.  Take the gospel to your Athens."

Father, I agree.  Those who appear wisest to the world are often those who do not know You, and I'd like to make the introduction.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford