Acts 17:1-9 Paul Visits Thessalonica; Church Founded There

Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.  And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,  explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”  And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.  But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also;  and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things.  And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.

The Word of God causes a stir in the hearts of sinful men; some for the better and some for the worse.  To those who seek salvation in their own deeds, Jesus causes resentment and violence.  To those who recognize their own sins and the need for a Savior, those are received as the sons of God. A non-repentant sinner would rather serve a task-master (Caesar) than be delivered by a Savior.  It will be this way until Christ returns at the end of the age of grace.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, why do we seek to live a part from You when You went to the Cross for the sake of reconciliation? I know I am a sinner in need of a Savior and I thank God for the gospel that forgives my sins and sets aside my infirmities.  Let us tell our story to the world so that some may believe.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.