Highlights In Today's Reading:
Church founded in Thessalonica; Jews riot (17:1-9). Check out 17:6 & 11. The unknown GOD in Athens (17:16-34). Church begun in Corinth (18:1-11). 3rd missionary trip begins; Paul strengthens the believers (18:23). Chapter 19 — Paul is in Ephesus for 3 years (20:31); Word of God grows and idol-makers lose money (19:23-41).
The audience in Berea was not prejudiced like the one in Thessalonica. This is shown in their willingness to study the Scriptures to determine if Jesus was the promised Messiah.
The Bereans listened to Paul appeal to the highest authority — namely the Old Testament prophecies. By a careful comparison of Scriptures with the facts of Jesus' life, Paul pointed out that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled all the prophecies to remove all doubt that He is the Messiah. We wait for His return to fulfill all others.
The Berean Christians received this with all readiness of mind (17:11) and with a willingness to surrender all former opinions to the authority of the Scriptures.
All the books of the Bible are interdependent; none possess an unconnected revelation totally unrelated to the others. Even the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are based on those of the Old Testament for there are 250 — 350 direct quotations and 2,000 — 4,000 allusions.
Furthermore, the Bible is the only inspired Word of God. Any addition or deletion would be uninspired. The Apostle Paul was led by God to write: Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8). We should beware of putting as much confidence in other books as we do in the Bible.
Although the 66 books of the Bible were written by about 40 men over a period of 1500 years, it is One Book with One Author — our Creator, and it closes with: If any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this Book (Revelation 22:19).
The function of a good book is to stand like a signpost directing the reader toward truth as the author sees it. That book serves best which early makes itself unnecessary, just as a signpost serves best after it is forgotten, for the traveler has safely arrived. The purpose of Bible Pathway is to urge the reader to turn his eyes toward the Book of all Books, the Bible, which reveals the Truth of God. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable (II Timothy 3:16; 2:15).
Thought for Today:
All other literature whether Christian or secular, no matter how good, must take second place in our lives to the only God-inspired book in existence, the Bible.
Word Studies:
17:19 Areopagus =b> the Athenian council which met on Mars Hill; 17:29 Godhead =b> the Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Gov. Bill Richardson (NM) and Rep. Ellen Tauscher (CA) • Country: Namibia (1.6 million) in southwest Africa • Major languages: Afrikaans and German • Religious freedom • 89% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other (Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i) • Prayer Suggestion: What a comfort to know that we depend upon His strength (Psa. 71:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Timothy 4:5