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 begins his third mission trip, sailing for Ephesus (in Asia Minor, which is present-day Turkey) (chap. 19). After 2 years, all they which dwelt in Asia (Asia Minor) heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (19:10). Wicked people cause a riot (19:21-41)!
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 is 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 (Acts 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 (Gal. 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 (Rev. 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 help the reader understand and 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 Tim. 3:16; 2:15).
Thought for Today:
Jesus said to His tempter: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
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 Mary A. Tarjan • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Country: Country: Ethiopia (60 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Amharic and Tigrinya • Unsettled after overthrow of communist regime • 41% Eastern Orthodox; 35% Muslim; 10% Protestant; 10% animist; .7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God that the answers to your prayers are granted through the grace of God (Is. 30:19).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:13