Acts 16:38 – 28:16
Overview
The reading today was devoted to the Ministry of Paul. He traveled on 3 missionary journeys to many places including Philippi (North Greece), Thessalonica, Berea, Athens where he preached to the philosophers about the unknown god, Corinth in the home of Titus, Ephesus (in Asia), Antioch, Galatia, Troas, Tyre and Ceasarea. All the while God uses Paul to grow the church. Many people believed and fellowships/churches were planted. Special friendships were established and these people remained in the heart of Paul for the rest of his life. Paul faced many threats to his life as he delivered the Gospel. These threats were mostly from Jews. Ultimately, Paul is taken into Roman custody because of false accusations from these people. Because he is a Roman citizen, Paul had the right to be heard by none other than Caesar. He is placed on a ship headed to Rome when a storm shipwrecks them on Malta. Paul finally arrives in Rome and is put under house arrest.
Scripture Acts 17:11-12
11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Observation
Many people heard the Gospel message from Paul throughout his ministry. The Berean’s were different. They heard his message just as the others but these people examined the scriptures to confirm what Paul said was either true or false. They were excited and eager to know the truth and went to God’s word to confirm or deny his teaching.
Application
Many false prophets & teachers are on the radio, TV and internet. They promise that God will bring them riches and worldly possessions if they donate money to their ministry. God has blessed us with His Word and wants us to seek His truth when we hear teaching from others. In order for us to verify the teaching of others, we must be so familiar with God’s Word that a lie will stand out like a sore thumb. If we don’t immerse ourselves in the Word, we won’t know the truth and could be led astray by false teaching.
Prayer
Thank you for your Word Lord. Instruct me as I read it and apply it to my life.
