Acts 17 - 8.14.26
SCRIPTURE: ACTS 17:1 – 4
1 “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, Saul (later named 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 began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.” Paul had a heart for those in the synagogue. He was once in their shoes before his conversion. Although he reached many for Christ, Paul used his position as a synagogue leader to be on a specific mission: to specifically reach these people for Christ. The Synagogue was his part of his mission field.
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 salvation message 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 they were some that were probably businessowners, leaders, or in other “prominent” positions and they became followers of Christ.
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. He obviously shared his faith elsewhere but I think because of his position and history within the synagogue, it was his extra special place to share Jesus’ saving message. Maybe you have a group of people that were once a part of your life, before finding Christ as your savior, that could be your special mission field. If not, there are plenty of people we encounter within our normal activities that could be a special mission field. Connecting with those around you, in your sphere of influence, or just someone you happen to meet along the way are all a special mission field.
Our church family has heard often how Jesus and others shared their faith “along the way” of life. He used everyday life to bring the message of salvation. I’m encouraged to do this but also, at times, feel inadequate. Sometimes it takes a quick prayer and just asking a question. This is how I shared Jesus with my 90 year old dad (that I had only met about 7 - 8 years ago - it’s a long story). He was in the hospital earlier this year and I just asked if he had every heard about the salvation message of Jesus. He said no and I was actually shocked he hadn’t heard. I shared about Jesus, how he came and died for our sins, how we need his forgiveness in order to get into heaven and more. I asked if he wanted to pray and ask Jesus into his heart and he said YES! We prayed together in his hospital room. I loaded the Bible app on his phone and encouraged him to read the Gospels. I’m not sure how much he read because he was in and out of the hospital for several more months. I am very thankful for that time we prayed together because he passed away last night (8/13/26). Although I’m sad and will miss him on this earth, I take comfort that he asked Jesus into his heart and I’ll see him again in Heaven.
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 to who needs to hear about your saving grace. Guide me in spreading your Gospel. In Jesus name…. amen!
- Mary Oberg
