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Acts 17:10-15

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17, NASB).

In every age people think that their world is in worse condition than it has ever been before. I believe that there are at least three things that contribute to this belief. First, there is an unawareness of things that have taken place in history. Second, people tend to view their own circumstances as unique. This means that that people see things on the news every day, but they do not pay much attention until their own life is affected. Third, people are not sure of where God is in the situation. Is God aware of what is taking place? Does God care? What is God doing? Does God have anything to say about what is going on? What do the Scriptures say?

Acts 17 gives us an account of part of Apostle Paul’s travel itinerary on his second missionary journey beginning in Acts 15:40. Paul leaves Philippi (16:40) and arrives in Thessalonica. He goes to the Jewish synagogue and preaches that Jesus is the Messiah that has come. He died for sins, and He is raised from the dead. Some believe and some are angered by this new teaching. A mob gathers and the brethren send Paul and Silas away to Berea. This brings us to the segment in the text that I want to emphasize.

In Berea Paul meets a people that have a different attitude and behavior towards Paul and Silas who are coming with their new ideas. Let us contrast the two responses, that of the Thessalonians and that of the people living in Berea. It seems that in Thessalonica the people are threatened by this new teaching. They are entrenched in their ways, and they are not receptive to any new ideas that suggest that they should consider making a change in their lives. While some of the people believe, others not only reject this new message, they become violent. Have you noticed that new ideas and new ways have potential to spark violence?

On the other hand the citizens of Berea are more “noble-minded than those in Thessalonica” (v.11). These are people with an open mind. New ideas are not a threat to them. They consider that this new teaching may be beneficial to them. Maybe what Paul is saying is true. Maybe what Paul is saying is not true. Regardless, they do not jump to a quick decision. Instead, “they received the word with eagerness” (v. 11). They listened, but this does not mean that they agree with what is said. They continue in a process that will help them to make a wise decision. They examine “the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (v. 11). These people believe that they can determine from the Scriptures whether or not what Paul is saying is true. These people want to know the Scriptures. So, what does this have to do with Christians in America in 2018? Let me explain.

There are a lot of new ideas being presented in our co0untry today. There are some people that readily accept these ideas simply because they want to see change. They are not satisfied with the way things are at the present time. Some have been waiting for a long time to see a change. Change can be a good thing, and change can be a bad thing. How do Christians determine if the new thing is good or bad? Does the new thing agree with what is written in the Scriptures? Conversely, does the new thing violate what God says in the Scriptures? Do all the people desire change? Let us return to the text.

We read that in Thessalonica there are some people that want thing to remain the same (v.5). Apparently, they are aware that this new teaching is changing the world in ways that are not beneficial to themselves. Possibly they know about what had taken place in Philippi. In Philippi Paul cast out the demons of divination in a slave-girl, and this takes away the profits of her masters. The changes that take place are not beneficial, but the changes are the will of God who desires that all be saved. Did you notice that the people in Thessalonica are not concerned about others although they say to the authorities in the city, ‘“These men are throwing our city in to confusion, being Jews, and proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or observe, being Romans”’ (v. 20-21). When we look at verses five (5) and thirteen (13) we understand that those who are upset are not Romans by birth. They are Jews that benefit from their Roman way of life. Again, what does this have to do with Christians in America today?

There are several debated issues in America today. Some people want things to change while some people want things to stay the same. I have noticed that when people argue these debatable subjects they take the position that best suits their desires and needs. For many the abortion debate is less about morality and more about money and/or political posturing. Who will pay for these abortions? Where will women that believe that they cannot afford children financially get health care and child care for their children? What position should I take that will enhance my political career?

The immigration debate and President Trump’s determination to see a wall built is more about money than what is right or wrong. How will the large number of immigrants affect the economy and the so-called American way of life? How will they affect the education systems? How will their presence affect the healthcare system? What will their presence cost the American tax payer? How will their presence with their way of life affect America’s culture and religion?

Why is there so much violence today? Why are more people being diagnosed with mental illness today? Why are so many people addicted to opioid pain medicines? Where do Christians in America look for answers?

The news media expose us to a lot of people that claim that they have the answers. Do you believe that these people have the answers? As a Christian, do you take sides with groups that have an ideology that you find acceptable? Are you open to change, or have you decided that things should remain the same? Who or what is the authority in your life? What does God say to us in the Scriptures? Do you believe that the Scriptures have anything to say about our problems? Have you concluded that the Scriptures are ancient texts that have no relevancy for today? How did you come to your conclusion?

I am asking these questions to Christians. Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-14). We are to show the world God’s ways. How do we demonstrate that following the teaching of Jesus Christ help us to live a better life that benefits us individually and as a society? Are we disciples of Jesus (John 8:31-32)? Are we witnesses of Jesus Christ? How can I, a Christian demonstrate to the world if I do not know what God says? Do I simply go to church on Sabbath Day, listen to the preacher and believe that what the preacher says is true? How can I know if what the preacher says is true? The church at Berea gives us the answer. “They received the word with eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (17:11). A lot of our questions and concerns are addressed in the scriptures. Do you know the Scriptures?