Bible Pathway - Nov. 15, 2010
Read Acts 17
Highlights:
Preaching Jesus, Paul challenges the Greek worship of idols (Acts 17:16-17), false gods and philosophers (17:18-34). He leaves Greece, returns to Syria, and then begins 3rd mission trip, sailing for Ephesus (present day Turkey) (chap. 19). After 2 years, all they which dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (19:10). Wicked people cause a riot (19:21-41)!
The Apostle Paul and Silas were unfairly tried and beaten in Philippi, then put into prison. However, through a miracle of God, they were freed the next day. Paul was no quitter, when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. . . . to Thessalonica (Acts 16:40 — 17:1). Wherever he went, he always attended a Jewish synagogue. Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath (Rest) days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures . . . alleging (giving evidence), that Christ must needs (necessarily) have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus . . . is Christ . . . some . . . believed (17:2-4).
When the unbelieving religious leaders learned of these conversions, they were angry and started a riot. Paul immediately left by night and traveled southwest to Berea. Upon arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed (17:10-12). Confessing Jesus as their Messiah affects all people in their lives — family, friends, and business associates. Their seeking after the truth should encourage everyone, regardless of religious training, to study all the Scriptures with a sincere desire to know the Truth it reveals.
Our Creator has allotted each of us with only one lifetime to prepare for our eternal destiny. We have a dual responsibility — to become the person He wants us to be in order to accomplish the purposes for which He created us. Think how tragic it will be to face Jesus having failed to fulfill the will of God and wasted their few short years only achieving material, social, and financial goals for self-gratification. God has provided one perfect Guidebook — His Word. When we obey it and follow Jesus as our Savior and our God we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1; I Tim. 2:5).
The times of this ignorance God winked at (overlooked); but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in . . . which He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:30-31).
Thought for Today:
The Lord preserveth all them that love Him: but all the wicked will He destroy (Ps. 145:20).
Cross Reference:
For Acts 17:31: See Ps. 96:13; 98:9.
Word Studies:
17:19 Areopagus the Athenian council which met on Mars Hill; 17:29 Godhead the Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Donna Bell • Staff: Linda Kennon • Government Official: Gov. Bill Richardson (NM) • Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic • Major language: Icelandic • Religious freedom • 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Let your prayers be praise to the Lord (Ps. 150:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Timothy 4:5
