December 7

December 7
Paul -- Journey #2 (Thessalonica, Berea, Athens) -- Paul's ministry to Thessalonica.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Acts 17

Reading 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Reading 3: 1 Thessalonians 3

Good people, bad people, the world is full of them! Today we read about Paul's ministry in Thessalonica, Berea, and then Athens. (Map here).

The Thessalonians who did not believe  caused more trouble for Paul and his companions, so the believers sent them on to Berea. Have you ever considered that the troubles you face are being used by God? That was certainly the case here.

The Bereans were more open than the Thessalonians, and carefully examined what Paul taught, seeking to reconcile this new teaching with what they already knew. It is a skill which is increasingly rare in our polarized society, and we would do well to learn it.

When the Thessalonian trouble makers caught up with them (since the two cities are not far apart) the believers escorted Paul all the way to Athens. There he found a city full of ideas and with much discussion. Notice as you read how Paul adapted his preaching to the needs of the audience, and successfully introduced them to the ideas which could lead them to faith.

This is another skill which is in short supply today, and I encourage you to develop it by applying what you read to the situations you face, with as much Christ-likeness as you can muster!

Have a great day!

Mark.