Acts 17 - 9.24.24
SCRIPTURE: ACTS 17:1 – 4
When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.
OBSERVATION: This Scripture highlights a custom of Paul:: going to the synagogue. I know it might not be anything new to think it was his “custom” to go to the synagogue. He is Jewish and you would think it’s common but his “custom” had a different meaning. Before his conversion to Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul was a leader in the synagogue and specifically hunted new believers in the early church to bring them to religious justice and persecuting new believers. According to Acts 8:3, it says “ But Saul (Paul) began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.” After his conversion, maybe Paul had a special heart for those in the synagogue because of his past history? He was once in their shoes before his conversion. Although he reached many for Christ, Paul used his position as a synagogue leader to specifically reach these people for Christ. He also spent a lot of time in the synagogue - three days - as “he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.” The synagogue was his special mission field and important enough to spend a lot of time with them.
I also love the fact this Scripture includes that Paul, in his ministry to the people there, was able to bring others to Christ including “a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.” Here’s a great example of how Paul took the Great Commission to everyone – to the Jews first and also the Greek. How wonderful to see the Scripture also noting there were “prominent women” who joined Paul and Silas. Many think that women were relegated to only traditional roles in Biblical times but this shows some were in “prominent” positions - possibly businessowners, leaders in the community, or ? We don’t know their prominent position but it was enough to show these women held a higher and special position.
APPLICATION: Paul took his experience from the past, as a leader in the synagogue, to connect with those who needed to hear that Jesus is the Messiah. Going to the synagogue was his extra special place to share Jesus’ saving message. When I first became a believer, I tried to reach those from my BC (before Christ) days. These people were deep into the world and drugs. Some listened but it wasn’t always easy. One slammed the door in my face and another would never talk with me again because he didn’t want to hear about Jesus. Thankfully the door slamming incident was later discussed with an “I’m sorry” and we were able to establish a relationship again. Sometimes sharing our faith doesn’t end in a positive way - just like in this Scripture which said only “some” of the Jews followed Paul. The key is to keep going!
Maybe you have a group of people that could be your special mission field? If not, there are plenty within our normal activities that could be a special mission field. Connecting with those around you, in your sphere of influence, at work, a neighbor or just someone you happen to meet along the way can all be a special mission field. Our Wednesday night event at the Canyon Country park or the upcoming Halloween event at Pastor’s house are all a wonderful chance to share Jesus. Each one is an opportunity to make a connection or to spend time getting to know people. As Pastor Levi has said in the past and our guest speaker Pastor Chris also commented this last Sunday, connecting and spending time with people is a great way to minister Jesus to the unsaved. These events are an opportunity to find your own “custom” and making it your special mission field.
PRAYER: Lord, give me your boldness and courage to step out and share your saving grace to all those I encounter. Forgive me Lord for letting fear of rejection or fumbling my words to keep me from not saying anything. My heart’s desire is to share your wonderful love, forgiveness and eternal life with everyone! Lord, give me your eyes and ears on who needs to hear about your saving grace.. Help me to find a special mission field and to make it my custom to reach others for you. Guide me in spreading your Gospel. In Jesus name…. amen!
- Mary Oberg
