Kingdoms in Conflict

Introduction

Review of what took place in Philippi (). Thessalonica was 90 miles away. They walked there wounded.

You still have to do life when there is pain---emotional, physical, relational

How do you navigate life as you navigate pain?

The Focus (17:1)

See what they skipped—Amphipolis and Appolonia. Thessalonica is more strategic. It was a capital. About 200,000. Trade city, boots and people passed through.

Don’t waste your life! It is easy to zone out when you are in pain.

The Message (17:2-3)

Verse 2—reasoned, explaining, proving

Why spend so much time in the synagogue? They has some knowledge of the Scripture—a common background. The OT Scripture did prophesy the death of the Messiah and also his resurrection.

Could have used

The verbs imply a dialogue back and forth. It’s OK to think. It is possible to investigate the story of Christianity—not everything but the core events. Anthony Flew finally concluded there was a God—due to mathematics and scientific process

Keller, The Reason for God

Strobel, The Case for Christ—a converted atheistic lawyer

The Response (17:4-

“Some” Jews, “large number” of God-fearing Greeks.

How did the rest of the Jews respond? (5a)—Response of violent rage. In the market place.

Where did the rage come from? This happened over and over again—Why the rage?

Greek system—Greek gods didn’t care how you behaved. Lies, sex, etc.

God of Israel—How can you be accepted by that God? Turn to the law—purification, food, so many would be impacted financially.

Paul explains how Jesus was holy for you. He was acceptable and presentable when you weren’t. He is our substitute.

Paul was tipping over the Jewish system. They started a riot in the city.

They go to Jason’s house

Paul and Silas are snuck out of town (17:10).

Analogy of Paul’s love for them—

How to suffer and give away life at the same time. We want to survive and get through this. God wants to use our lives even before you are well. I want to give you strength for the journey—to help others when you don’t feel like it.

Paul in “with the help of our God”

As you wait learn what he means to be a wounded healer