Lesson 36: Acts 17:1-15

I. How to Read the Bible

A. Informational Reading

Behind the Text

Psalm 60:8 “Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.””

Who is Edom? Why a shoe?

Revelation 3:15–16 ““ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Laodicean aqueduct system (Hot water and cold water)

B. Theological Reading

C. Transformational Reading

II. Informational Reading

· Exegesis – the act of interpreting our drawing out the meaning of a Bible passage.

· “These words given to us in our Scriptures are constantly getting overlaid with personal preferences, cultural assumptions, sin distortions, and ignorant guesses that pollute the text. The pollutants are always in the air, gathering dust on our Bibles, corroding our use of the language, especially the language of faith. Exegesis is a dust cloth, a scrub brush, or even a Q-tip for keeping the words clean.”– Eugene Peterson

III. Reading Through Three Avenues

A. Behind the Text: This kind of reading focuses on gaining information about the language, history, culture, geography, and worldview of the times and people of the Bible.

B. In the Text: This kind of reading pays attention to how the Bible functions as literature, learning skills that help us become better readers.

C. In Front of the Text: This kind of reading listens to how those who have gone before us have read the same Bible, seeking to learn from the perspectives and insight of others.

IV. In the Text

V. Acts 17:1-15.

I. Ministry in Thessalonica (vv. 1–9)

Acts 17:1–9 (ESV)

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 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.” 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. 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. 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, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Arrival in the City (v. 1)

Paul and Silas pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia.

They come to Thessalonica, where there is a synagogue of the Jews.

Reasoning from the Scriptures (vv. 2–3)

Paul’s custom: three Sabbaths spent reasoning in the synagogue.

Explains and proves that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.

Declares: “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”

Response to the Message (v. 4)

Some Jews are persuaded and join Paul and Silas.

A great many God-fearing Greeks and leading women also believe.

Opposition Arises (vv. 5–9)

Jealous Jews form a mob, causing an uproar in the city.

They attack Jason’s house, seeking Paul and Silas.

Jason and some brothers are dragged before the city authorities.

The accusation: “These men who have turned the world upside down… are acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”

Jason is forced to post bond before being released.

II. Ministry in Berea (vv. 10–15)

Acts 15:10–15 “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,”

Departure to Berea (v. 10)

Believers send Paul and Silas away by night.

They arrive in Berea and enter the synagogue.

Noble Character of the Bereans (vv. 11–12)

Bereans receive the word eagerly.

They examine the Scriptures daily to see if Paul’s teaching is true.

As a result, many believe, including prominent Greek women and men.

Opposition from Thessalonica (vv. 13–14)

Jews from Thessalonica come to Berea, agitating the crowds.

Believers send Paul away immediately to the coast.

Silas and Timothy remain in Berea.

Paul’s Journey to Athens (v. 15)

Escorts bring Paul to Athens.

He instructs them to have Silas and Timothy join him as soon as possible.