Text:
Acts 17:1-9
Memory Verse:
“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6b).
Paul was not like a candle put on a table which gives light only to the people in one room. On the contrary, his missionary journeys portray him as the sun which gives light to the world. Paul’s two epistles to the church at Thessalonica give the impression of a church that is fervent. He stayed long enough in Thessalonica to spread the gospel there and prepare the way for the appointment of their ministers.
Initially, he went to the synagogue of the Jews to preach to them with the
intent that, if the Jews embraced the Gospel, the new converts would also
benefit, but if they refused the Gospel, then the apostles would be free to spread the Gospel to other races. The Jews refused to accept Christ as the Messiah of the world. Paul reasoned with them from the scripture that the Messiah must suffer, die and rise again and that Jesus is the Christ.
His preaching was like a double-edged sword. Some of the Jews believed and
consorted with Paul and Silas. However, the Jews who were not convinced,
become envious. They took some of the evil men from the marketplace,
gathered a mob, set the city in an uproar and attacked Jason’s home. They
alleged that Paul and Silas had turned the world upside down through the
Gospel. The truth is that, contrary to their claim, the Gospel turns the world the right side up. So, let us continue with evangelism so that the world might, indeed, be turned right side up.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, use me to turn this evil world the right side up.
2. May I use the grace I have received to evangelise.
