Day 341 – Paul – Journey #2 (Thessalonica, Berea, Athens)

• Yesterday Paul was in Philippi. Today we read he was (partly!) in Thessalonica. Tomorrow we’ll read about him in Corinth and then Ephesus. Can you see the connection between all these familiar-sounding names? Did you know before this year that Paul didn’t just write to the churches in these cities… he brought Christianity to them in the first place?
• How did Paul use the Old Testament when speaking to the Jews in Thessalonica, in Acts 17:2? What was the reaction? Does it encourage you that, just as some of your friends will be responsive to the gospel and some not, that the reaction to Paul was just the same?
• Paul and Silas were forced to leave the town. Was the reaction to the gospel the same in the next town, Berea, or different? Who turned up to disrupt proceedings?
• Paul was next put on a boat, which took him down the coast of Greece, through the many islands to the capital city of Athens. What shocked him when he arrived there, particularly in verses 16 and 23?
• Acts 17:17-21 gives interesting insight into the thinking in Greece at the time. The Greek philosophers of the day would have enjoyed nothing more than thinking about the next “big idea”. The are the equivalent, perhaps, in our day, of scientists who are often seen as those most nobly pushing forward the boundaries of human understanding and knowledge. Of course, seeking out such knowledge isn’t a bad idea in itself!
• How did Paul tweak his message in Acts 17:22-31, compared to the words he used in Thessalonica, to consider the people he was speaking to and the situation he was in? What do your bible notes say about the quotes in verse 28, for instance? Did Paul ever change the message of the gospel though?
• We’ve read a few of Paul’s “gospel summary” speeches now. Do you ever personally learn something new from them? Perhaps they could help you in summarising the Christian message for your friends or family?
• In today’s second and third passages, we can work out that Timothy, after initially staying in Thessalonica, rejoined Paul in Athens, only to be sent back to Thessalonica later to teach and build up the church. What was Paul’s reason for sending him back? What, despite the reception Paul initially got, was Timothy’s report of how the church was doing?

Today we saw Paul interact with different groups of people, but bringing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection to both.

To the Jews, Paul used the Old Testament. He pointed his listeners to what the Scriptures said, and showed that Jesus was who they were talking about. This was what they understood and knew, and Paul was building upon that to bring them to faith.

To the non-religious, philosopher gentiles, Paul used the example of the “statue to an unknown God” to begin a discussion with them about “making known what was unknown”. He piqued their interest with his comments and engaged with the debate they were already having. In this way, he too brought them closer to faith.

This is a great example of meeting people where they are, which Paul himself explained in 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. Take a look at it now, to see what I mean. Can you see yourself “becoming all things to all people” to help others in their walk with Jesus?