Read Acts 17:1-15
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17:1-15&version=NIV
Paul’s party journeys to Thessalonica, where again an enthusiastic response from Gentiles arouses the fierce jealousy of the Jews. These create so much disturbance that Paul is urged to leave the city (17:1–9). But in nearby Berea the Jewish population is enthusiastic and responsive to the Gospel. Then hostile Jews from Thessalonica arrive and again stir up a riot (vv. 10–15)
Thessalonian letters
Paul’s Thessalonian letters both deal at length with the questions related to the parousia (second coming ) of Christ. The Thessalonians seem to have had serious questions in this area. The two letters look at Jesus’ return from very different perspectives. First Thessalonians is quite pastoral. In the letter Paul sought to comfort and assure the Thessalonians about Jesus’ coming. In 2 Thessalonians he was less patient. Some were spreading the false word to the church that the day of the Lord had already occurred, and Paul addressed the problem more forcefully.
The Thessalonian letters are the earliest of the Pauline letters, according to some scholars. Paul established the Thessalonian church during his second mission, after leaving Philippi. The time was around 50 AD. The two letters were written in close proximity to the founding of the church, perhaps within six months from Paul’s departure from the city. The two seem to have been written close together. They are strikingly similar in both language and content.
Discussion question
Since Paul’s conversion, this is the sixth time that he has been forced by persecution to leave an area. How would you view your mission if that had happened to you?
Personal reflection
In terms of time, consistency, and intensity, how would you rate your Bible Study? Is it at all like the Bereans (v 11)?
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I would love to say that I have Paul's heart in his service to the Lord, but, in being honest with myself I must admit that would probably not be the case. Because I have chosen where I live, work and play I would resent being sent from the place I am familiar with. And this happened to Paul over and over again. I can only strive to have the depth of faith and service to the Lord that he had!
ReplyDeleteIt had to be very frustrating and faith testing each time for Paul. Paul is a great example of how we should stretch ourselves and depend on God for strength. Without it he could not endure the persecution as could I. I would hope that my faith would be that strong, but putting it to the real test, I couldn't honestly say yes, I could keep on going with my missions.
ReplyDeleteWould be tough, hard to keep going forward & spreading the gospel. Honestly, I would have to cut back & go to safer ground. I agree with Jan, I am very much in a routine. I stay at the same hotels, eat same places. If my schedule gets off, I become a little frustrated. What strength Paul had, really amazing when I think about it.
ReplyDeleteI have always been known for my determination to see any situaton through, but it would be very difficult to continue if I had been asked to leave six times. Paul must have been a really hard-headed dude, or he just took it for Jesus, since he received a personal commission from our Lord.
ReplyDeleteFrom my perspective, and in my opinion, I don't think that Paul's experience is altogether non-existent today. Growing up, I can remember dozens of times when church leaders (specifically, they were priests in my catholic youth) who were shuffled from congregation to congregation because their methods or messages were not to the liking of the parishioners. These were not bad men, and they were (more-or-less) preaching the same gospel as many others, it was usually just something as trivial as their tone or their "over-enthusiasm" (catholics aren't supposed to appear TOO happy about the good news :-) - and as such they got run out and shuffled around from place to place, probably taking comfort that they were following in Paul's footsteps.
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