Bible ReadingActs 17:1–151. Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
[09:00]2. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
[09:08]3. explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”
[09:18]4. And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
[09:30]5. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
[09:37]6. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,”
[09:52]7. and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
[10:01]8. And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.
[10:12]9. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
[10:16]10. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.
[10:24]11. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
[10:24]12. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
[10:36]13. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
[10:41]14. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.
[10:59]15. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
[10:59]Acts 16:6–106. And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
[05:30]7. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
[05:38]8. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
[05:46]9. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
[05:46]10. And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
[05:59]Isaiah 53:7–97. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
[27:33]8. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
[27:50]9. And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
[28:06]Isaiah 53:10–1210. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
[40:55]11. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
[41:45]12. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
[43:01]Observation questions- In Acts 16:6–10, what doors were closed to Paul’s team, and what did they do once God made the way to Macedonia clear? [05:30]
- What four actions describe Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica in Acts 17:2–3, and what was the central message he kept bringing them back to? [21:31]
- According to Acts 17:4–9, what were the two very different responses to the message about Jesus, and how did those responses affect Jason and the other believers?
- What details in Isaiah 53:7–9 show that the suffering servant was innocent, yet suffered for the sins of others? [28:19]
Interpretation questions- Why was it necessary for Paul to show from the Scriptures that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead? How does that keep the gospel from becoming merely advice about living a better life? [24:19]
- The accusation against the believers was that they were saying there was “another king, Jesus.” Why would the claim that Jesus is King create such a strong reaction in a city devoted to Caesar and filled with other beliefs? [31:39]
- Isaiah says that the righteous servant “will justify the many” because he bears their iniquities. What does this show about why people cannot make themselves right with God through their own effort? [42:05]
- The Bereans eagerly received the message but also examined the Scriptures daily. What does their example suggest about listening carefully to teaching while personally seeking to know whether it is true?
Application questions- Paul’s team had a “yes on the table”: they were ready to go when God directed them. Is there an area of life where God may be asking for greater willingness—at home, at work, in a relationship, or in serving others? What makes it hard to say yes? [06:18]
- Paul and Silas continued toward Thessalonica after being beaten and jailed in Philippi. When obedience has been uncomfortable, costly, or disappointing, what has helped you keep going rather than pull back? [19:46]
- Fear often comes before a gospel conversation begins, but it can fade once a person starts speaking. Is there someone in your life with whom you sense an opportunity to speak about Jesus? What would be a simple, honest first step? [38:39]
- Paul reasoned, explained, gave evidence, and proclaimed Jesus. Which of those comes most naturally to you: listening and discussing, explaining Scripture, sharing your own story, or clearly stating the gospel? Which one would you like to grow in? [25:37]
- The gospel brought joy and forgiveness to some people, while others resisted Jesus’ kingship. Have you ever avoided speaking truth because you wanted to make sure no one felt uncomfortable? How can you speak truth with both courage and love? [35:42]
- Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice who bore sin and now intercedes for his people. When you feel guilt, shame, or the pressure to prove yourself to God, how does this truth change where you place your trust? [42:21]
- God’s people are not called to seek conflict, but they should not be surprised when the message of Jesus is resisted. What kind of opposition or misunderstanding do you fear most, and who could pray with you and encourage you to remain faithful? [37:21]
