Acts 17

Thessalonia is the capital of Macedonia.

Paul sticks to his procedure of visiting the synagogues first and reasons with them for three Sabbaths. I wondered why three? Three is a significant number in the Bible, it symbolizes completeness.

Jews, Greeks and leading women are converted. Again, women are listed...this should prove to those who say the Bible is anti-women that women made a difference. If they didn't they would've never mentioned this incident in scripture. Are you a "leading woman"?

The Jews gathered a mob and persecuted Jason and the Roman brethren. You see, this is where Paul was staying. And Paul wasn't to be found, so they pick on Jason.

Remember, just because you are not a "leader" doesn't mean you won't have trouble. In fact, if you don't have some persecution, maybe it's not that obvious who's team you are on!

In verse 7, note the mix of truth and lies. That is the enemy's procedure...he'll take a little bit of truth and mix it with lies. Always always check your source of information!

So my question for you is when are we called to civil disobedience? Is it Christian to step across the legal line? We discussed this issue at length and decided that when man's law breaks God's law, it's time to make a choice. But...you must accept the consequences. Whether it's losing a friend, a job or your freedom!.

If you'd like to know more about Christian civil disobedience, check into
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/.

As we read about this visit to Thessalonica, refer to the first letter to Thessalonians by Paul. It will give you a good feel of what was going on there.

So as Paul teaches, he meets two Roman "think tanks", the Stoics and the Epicureans. They are opposite ends of the spectrum...stoics were all for reason and discipline, where epicureans were all for pleasure. Paul looks out on the city and could see all the temples built for all sorts of gods. And he uses this to talk to these Greeks. You see, if he followed normal procedure, talking to them using the Old Testament they would've shut him down immediately. But he talked to them knowing where they were coming from.

When you share the Gospel, there are those who will be drawn and others will be repelled. Talk to people from your own life-lessons. Do not be afraid to share your background with someone, God pulled you up out of some stuff before. Why can't you help someone who is in the same spot you were?

What idols are prevalent today? How would you, keeping Paul's sermon in mind, compare one of today's idols with God? How would you contrast the differences and give them a picture of who God is to you? It's a super way to pick up on conversation and turn them toward Christ.

That is your homework for this week. (Besides reading Acts 18!) Use a news story, an incident or an observation and test the waters of some one's heart. Remember to pray first, then let it happen!