Turning The World Upside Down: Nobly Following God's Perfect Plan: Acts 17:1-15

I. Paul’s Ministry At Thessalonica vs. 1-9

A. Paul and co., traveled for a three day journey. They could have been slowed down because Paul and Silas had sustained many wounds.

B. Paul reasoned with them. Meaning he dialogued with them much like we do in informal classes.

C. He used simple language. He didn’t speak over anyone’s head. (Explaining).

D. Giving evidence means he proved what he was saying was true. Probably from the Old Testament.

E. The Jews here become jealous. Religious people who are lost always become jealous when God is moving in ways that discredit them or are different from how they’ve always done it!

F. Wicked men, can be translated bums. They caused an uproar about how they turned the world upside down.

Acts 17:6 KJV (WS)

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

“In effect these critics of Christianity were saying, “These men have turned the world upside-down.” In one sense, what they said was true, though in its natural state the world is already upside-down. The world was turned wrong-side-up at the Fall and has being going in reverse ever since. So when men and women in Thessalonica were turned around by Christ, everyone else saw them as upside-down. A believer lives right-side-up in a topsy-turvy world.”- R. Kent Hughes

G. After bailing Jason out of jail, they were forced to leave by night.

II. Paul’s Ministry At Berea vs. 10-15

A. These Bereans were more noble-minded. Meaning they were open minded, but they double checked it. (Double Checking preaching/teaching ex).

B. They were probably wealthy if they had copies of the Old Testament personally.

C. Because Paul had done a lot of damage to the religious crowd in Thessalonica they tried do damage to Paul’s ministry as well. (Hurt people, hurt people ex). More than likely, Paul had damaged what they held so dear, good reputation, and/or power, and it hurt, so they took it out on Paul, instead of realizing they were really fighting against God.

D. Paul leaves this time by ship and sails to Greece.