Sunday, December 5, 2010

Paul keeps it simple

WOW. Acts 17 covers some amazing ground!

First, we see that Paul "reasons" with the Jews everywhere he goes, using their Scripture to prove Jesus is The Christ:

Acts 17:2-3 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."

Acts 17:10-11 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Acts 17:16-17 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.
17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.

From Thessalonica to Berea to Athens: Some believed and many plotted against them, but none were indifferent, except the ones that "want to think it through". We know this type, they won't flat out reject Christ, but they won't surrender to Him either:

Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter."

Paul's message is pretty clear and he wouldn't have had anything else to add to it; what do think this last group was waiting to hear? Paul keeps it really simple, because The Gospel IS simple; we used to be ignorant about the things of God, now we know we are sinners in need of a Savior, Jesus is The Only Savior as confirmed by His resurrection, now repent and put your faith in Him.

Act 17:30-31 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

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