Faithful on Fridays Blog

As you read Acts 17 it’s apparent that Paul toured the northern coastline of Greece and we’re invited to tag along. From Philipppi to Thessalonica, through Berea and into Athens Paul is our tour guide but more importantly our role model. YouTube has become popular because someone models behavior with good results, subsequently, you learn something. Let’s view this chapter as our YouTube account of good ministry.

Being Jewish Paul continuously visited the local synagogue first, however, being called to the Gentiles he always searched for the marketplace as well. Since Paul understood the Hebrew mind he used three ways to reach his brethren: reasoning, explanation, and proof that Jesus was the promised, Jewish Messiah.

Since the New Testament wasn’t yet written Paul discussed the Old Testament passages that pointed to the coming of Messiah. Reasoning means he dialogued from scripture to scripture, giving insight but also listening to their comments with respect. His desire was revelation of Jesus Christ as Redeemer and Rescuer:

But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6 

Paul also opened up their minds as he fully explained the death and resurrection of Messiah as Jesus had earlier modeled:

Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:27 

Lastly, Paul proved or presented these truths in close alignment with Jesus’ life showing that He was, in fact, the promised Messiah. What happened? Some Jews and many Gentiles were persuaded or believed, and joined in this new movement of God. 

If we could see a YouTube of Jesus and Paul’s ministry I think we’d continually see this method of bringing understanding of our Savior’s life, the reason for His death, and the incredible value of His overcoming resurrection all for our benefit. In turn, it’s our responsibility to gain understanding and share this good news with others. That’s the value of Bible Study in a nutshell.

The Jewish Bereans’ (vs. 11) had open hearts to hear God’s Word and followed Paul’s example as they examined the Scriptures daily making sure what he said was verified in the Bible. That’s some Bible Study! Lastly, when Paul reached Athens (vs. 16) he again reasoned with the Jews and Gentiles explaining through preaching Jesus’ righteous life, resurrection, and the necessity of repentance and receiving of faith.  

If you desire the people you influence to know Jesus then follow Paul’s example by reasoning (discussing) your faith, be able to explain why you believe, and prove (by a changed life) He’s the only One who can give you a new birth, a renewed life, and the promise of eternity spent with Him.