Bible Pathways - November 15, 2005

November 15

In Today's Reading:

Jewish opposition; Paul and Silas in Berea; Paul on Mars Hill, at Corinth, at Ephesus; Priscilla and Aquila; the silversmiths

The Apostle Paul and his coworker Silas were brutally beaten by a mob in Philippi and then thrown into prison. However, through God's intervention, they were released the next day. Paul never used his Roman citizenship for personal advantage, but he did use it to defend his right to preach the Gospel Although the city officials wanted Paul to leave immediately, he used his Roman rights to remain until he had returned to the new converts, and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. . . . to Thessalonica (Acts 16:40 — 17:1). Wherever he went, he always went first to a Jewish synagogue. Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, Opening and alleging (giving evidence), that Christ must needs (necessarily) have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed (17:2-4).

However, when the unbelieving religious leaders became aware of these conversions, they were outraged and started a riot. Paul left immediately, by night and traveled southwest to Berea. Upon arrival there, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed (17:10-12). Confessing Jesus as their Messiah was a monumental decision that would affect all aspects of their lives — family, friends, and business associates. Their dedication to the truth should encourage everyone, regardless of religious training, to be like them and study all the Scriptures with a sincere desire to know the Truth it reveals.

Our Creator has allotted each of us only one lifetime of an unknown number of days to prepare for our eternal destiny. We have a dual responsibility — to become the person He wants us to be in order to accomplish the purposes for which He created us. Think how tragic it will be for those who fail to fulfill the will of God, wasting their few short years achieving material, social, and financial goals for self-gratification. God has provided just one perfect Guidebook — His Word. As we obey it, we will follow Jesus as our Savior and our God (I Timothy 2:5).

God . . . now commandeth all men every where to repent (of their sin): Because He hath appointed a day, in . . . which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man (Jesus Christ) whom He hath ordained (Acts 17:30-31; compare John 5:22-27).

Word Studies:

17:19 Areopagus = the Athenian council which met on Mars Hill; 17:29 Godhead = the Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Jeannie C. Torrey Sike · Staff: Bernice Rathbone · Government Officials: Gov. Bill Richardson (NM), Rep. John "Joe" Schwarz (MI), and Rep. Ellen Tauscher (CA) · Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59 million) off the coast of western Europe · Major languages: English and Welsh · Religious freedom · 53% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 2.5% Muslim; .8% Sikh; .7% Hindu; .6% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal His perfect will for you (Psalm 25:4).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:25