Unstoppable Courage: Proclaiming Christ for God's Glory
Summary
The journey through Acts 17 reveals the unstoppable courage and deep compassion that marked Paul’s ministry as he carried the gospel into new territories. Paul’s pattern was consistent: he entered each city, beginning with the synagogue, reasoning from the Scriptures that the Messiah had to suffer, die, and rise again. Despite repeated rejection and even violence, Paul’s heart for his own people—the Jews—never wavered. He longed for their salvation so deeply that he said he would even be accursed if it meant they could be saved. Yet, his mission was not limited to the Jews; he was also called to the Gentiles, and his message was always centered on Christ crucified and risen.
Paul’s approach was both courageous and reasonable. He did not ask his hearers to turn off their minds but invited them to examine the Scriptures for themselves. The Bereans, in particular, were commended for their noble character because they received the word eagerly and searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. This is a model for all believers: faith is not blind but rooted in the truth of God’s word, and transformation comes as the Holy Spirit works through that word.
The gospel’s impact was unmistakable. In Thessalonica and Berea, people from all walks of life—Jews, Greeks, men, and women of influence—were persuaded and transformed. But with transformation came opposition. The world, comfortable in its darkness, resisted the light. Paul and his companions were accused of “turning the world upside down,” but in reality, they were turning it right side up, restoring God’s intended order through the proclamation of Christ.
At the heart of all Paul did was a passion for the glory of God. In Athens, surrounded by idols and the splendor of human achievement, Paul’s spirit was stirred—not by admiration, but by grief that God was not being glorified. The ultimate motive for every believer must be the glory of God—whether in preaching, living, or suffering for Christ. The call is clear: to have courage rooted in confidence in God, to proclaim Christ and the resurrection, to know and share the Scriptures, to be transformed by the Spirit, and to live for God’s glory above all.
Key Takeaways
- Courage in the Face of Opposition
Paul’s repeated entry into hostile synagogues, despite previous rejections and threats, demonstrates that true courage is not the absence of fear but confidence in God’s calling. Courage is required to speak truth in a world that resists it, and it is sustained by a deep conviction that the message of Christ is worth any cost. This kind of boldness is not reckless but rooted in a sense of divine mandate and love for others. [36:22]
- The Reasonableness of Faith
Paul reasoned from the Scriptures, inviting his listeners to engage their minds and examine the evidence for Christ. The Bereans exemplified this by searching the Scriptures daily, showing that faith is not a leap into the dark but a response to the light of God’s revealed truth. Christian faith welcomes honest questions and investigation, trusting that God’s word will stand up to scrutiny and lead to genuine conviction. [58:13]
- Transformation by the Word and Spirit
The gospel does not merely inform; it transforms. In both Thessalonica and Berea, people were persuaded and changed—not by human persuasion alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the word. True conversion is not the result of clever arguments but of God’s supernatural work in the heart, producing lasting change and a new way of life. [49:32]
- The Inevitability of Persecution
Whenever the gospel advances, opposition follows. The world, turned upside down by sin, resists being set right by Christ. If there is no resistance, it may be a sign that we are not making an impact; but when we faithfully proclaim Christ, we should expect both transformation and trouble. Persecution is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness in a world that loves darkness rather than light. [01:01:38]
- Living for the Glory of God
Paul’s ultimate motive was not personal success or even the salvation of others, but the glory of God. He was grieved when God was not honored, and everything he did was aimed at restoring God’s rightful place in people’s hearts and in the world. The highest calling for every believer is to do all things for the glory of God, asking continually whether our lives reflect His worth and majesty. [01:06:19]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[29:43] - Acts: The Foundation and Expansion of the Church
[31:13] - Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel
[32:26] - Paul’s Missionary Journeys
[33:20] - The Call to Macedonia and Philippi
[34:33] - Five Elements of Paul’s Ministry
[35:28] - Paul’s Courage in Thessalonica
[36:22] - Paul’s Message: Christ from the Scriptures
[38:42] - Paul’s Heart for His People
[40:32] - The Suffering Messiah in the Old Testament
[44:52] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
[46:12] - The Offense and Power of the Gospel
[48:08] - The Reasonableness of Faith and the Work of the Spirit
[49:32] - Transformation and Persecution in Thessalonica
[56:11] - Paul in Berea: The Noble Response
[58:13] - Searching the Scriptures Daily
[01:01:38] - Persecution Follows the Gospel
[01:03:22] - Paul’s Burden in Athens
[01:06:19] - Living for the Glory of God
[01:10:40] - What It Takes to Turn the World Right Side Up
[01:12:32] - The Call to Respond to Christ
[01:14:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts 17 – Turning the World Right Side Up
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### Bible Reading
Acts 17:1-18 (ESV)
(You may want to read the whole chapter for context, but focus on verses 1-18 as the main text.)
Isaiah 53:3-6 (ESV)
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
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### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul’s usual pattern when he entered a new city, and why did he start in the synagogue?
[[36:22]]
2. According to Acts 17, how did the Bereans respond differently to Paul’s message compared to the Thessalonians?
[[58:13]]
3. What Old Testament passages did Paul use to show that the Messiah had to suffer, die, and rise again?
[[40:32]]
4. What accusation did the people in Thessalonica make against Paul and his companions, and what did they mean by it?
[[51:33]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul kept returning to the synagogue, even after facing rejection and violence in previous cities? What does this reveal about his heart and priorities?
[[36:22]]
2. The Bereans were called “more noble” because they searched the Scriptures daily. What does this suggest about the relationship between faith and reason?
[[58:13]]
3. The sermon says that the gospel “turns the world right side up.” In what ways does the message of Jesus challenge the status quo of the world?
[[52:12]]
4. Paul’s ultimate motive was the glory of God, not just personal success or even the salvation of others. How does this shape the way a believer should approach ministry or daily life?
[[01:06:19]]
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### Application Questions
1. Paul showed courage by entering hostile places to share the gospel. Is there a situation or relationship in your life where you feel called to speak truth, even if it’s uncomfortable or risky? What would courage look like for you this week?
[[36:22]]
2. The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. How often do you personally search the Scriptures? What is one practical step you can take to make Bible reading and study a daily habit?
[[58:13]]
3. Paul’s heart broke for his own people, and he longed for their salvation. Who in your life are you burdened for spiritually? How can you pray for them or reach out to them this month?
[[38:42]]
4. The gospel brings transformation, not just information. Can you share a specific way God’s Word and Spirit have changed you recently? Where do you still long to see transformation?
[[49:32]]
5. The world accused Paul and his friends of “turning the world upside down.” If someone looked at your life, would they see evidence that you are living differently because of Jesus? What might need to change for that to be true?
[[51:33]]
6. Paul was grieved when God was not glorified. Are there areas in your life where you are more concerned about your own reputation or comfort than God’s glory? What is one thing you can do this week to intentionally live for God’s glory?
[[01:06:19]]
7. The sermon mentioned that persecution and opposition are inevitable when the gospel advances. Have you ever experienced pushback for your faith? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it?
[[01:01:38]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for courage, a heart for others, a love for His Word, transformation by His Spirit, and a passion to live for His glory above all.
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