Acts 17:1-15

Introduction:

1. Departing Philippi, Paul, Silas, and Timothy arrived in Thessalonica where they met mixed results and had to leave for Berea.

2. The Bereans received the word and examined it carefully, but the unbelieving Jews from Thessalonica came and forced the brethren to take Paul to Athens.

3. The key phrase in this section is that they “turned the world upside down.”

Discussion:

I. Tumult at Thessalonica (17:1-9)

A. Paul went to the Jewish synagogue and reasoned from the Scriptures for three Sabbaths, demonstrating that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 17:1-3).

B. Happily, a substantial number was persuaded: some Jews, many Greek proselytes, and not a few leading women were converted (17:4).

C. Sadly, unbelieving Jews formed a mob to accuse them of sedition (17:5-9).

II. The Noble Bereans (17:10-15)

A. Arriving at Berea, Paul again went to the synagogue to preach Jesus.

B. These were more noble/fair-minded than those of Thessalonica.

1. Their minds were open to the truth of Scripture.

2. Their minds were critical of what was spoken in the good sense of scrutinizing the claims to confirm they were true to Scripture.

C. This led to another diverse group of converts and no conflict from within.

D. Yet, the troublemakers from Thessalonica brought their trouble to Berea, forcing them to send Paul to Athens to wait for Silas and Timothy.

III. Turning the World Upside Down

A. In their false accusations against Paul and company, the jealous Jews testified to the impact the gospel was having in the world.

B. Time and again the truths contained therein upset the old ways, leading to conflict just as Jesus projected would happen (Matthew 10:34-39).

C. Nonetheless, the seed of the kingdom had already sprouted, and the kingdom lived on in these places as more and more souls were saved.

Conclusion:

1. This section shows once again the power of Jesus’ name in the human heart.

2. Whether they accept it or reject it, we must make peoples’ choices clear.