Get the appActs 17:1-15 | Leaving the Results to Godಮಾದರಿ
Opposing Reaction
Paul’s experience with the Thessalonian Jews didn’t end with an “agree to disagree” situation. Some Thessalonian synagogue attendees were persuaded, but others were so upset that they recruited “bad characters” from the marketplace to run Paul out of town. When they couldn’t find Paul, they dragged a believer named Jason and some others in front of the city officials simply for hosting them.
These Thessalonian Jews used the Roman government as a tool to persecute those who followed Jesus. “...These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus” (Acts 17:6-7, NIV), they shouted. The irony is that Jewish hope and faith are predicated on the idea of supreme allegiance to God and His coming Messiah as King. They knew how to play on public sentiment and Rome’s. The sad implication is their willingness to sell out God to get what they wanted by insinuating a first allegiance to Caesar as king. The same thing was done to get Jesus crucified. Like Jesus, like Paul.
What we see is that for some, Paul’s message didn’t change their hearts; it only threatened their importance. So they violently pushed back.
We may face the same resistance as we share the gospel. God’s word cuts and when people are threatened, they strike back. Don’t let it inhibit your witness. Be encouraged. Continue. And leave the results to God.
About this Plan
Sharing the gospel can be unpredictable. How it’s received often has nothing to do with you, because the outcome is not up to us; it’s up to God. We see this in Acts. This 5-day plan continues a journey through Acts, the Bible’s gripping sequel of Jesus at work in the life of His followers as He expands His kingdom to the ends of the earth. It’s a journey on what it means to be a Christian. It’s a story in which you have a role to play.
More
