June 25
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PAUL PREACHES IN ATHENS
A poem by ILMA
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was troubled by the idols around
He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles
Paul relentlessly spoke daily to whoever was present in the public square
He had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.
When Paul told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they questioned him
They asked him to tell them about this new teaching as they are into latest ideas
Paul addressed and spoke to them their religiosity displayed in their many shrines
“One of the altar’s inscription said ‘To an Unknown God’. This is my God.
Paul continues “He is the God who made the world and everything in it
Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples
Human hands can’t serve his needs-for he has nothing of those needs
He himself gives life and breath to everything and satisfies every need.”
When they heard Paul about the resurrection, some laughed in contempt
Others said, “We want to hear more about this later,” and some became believers
Among those who joined Paul and became believers were Dionysius, from the council
Another woman named Damaris and others with her also became believers.
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MEMORY VERSE
His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him-though he is not far from any one of us. – Acts 17:27
Read: Acts 17
In this account, we witness Paul’s boldness to address idolatry in Athens. He wasn’t intimidated by the people who laughed at his preaching when he talked about the resurrection of Jesus. He continued to make Jesus and the God he loves to be known to these people who was all so full of themselves.
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REFLECTION
• Can you be bold enough when people resist the truth that you are presenting to them?
Tag Archives: Acts 17
PAUL PREACHING IN TESSALONICA Poem Devotional
June 24
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PAUL PREACHING IN TESSALONICA
A poem by ILMA
Paul and Silas then travelled through towns and came to Tessalonica
As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue three Sabbaths in a row
Paul used the Scriptures to reason with the people and explained prophecies
The apostle proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead.
Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas
The God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women joined as well
Some of the Jews were jealous so they asked some troublemakers to form a mob
They started a riot and attacked the home of Jason, looking for them there.
Not finding Paul and Silas there, they dragged out Jason and some believers
Jason was brought before the city council and told the crowd he caused trouble
They convinced the people that Jason allowed Paul and Silas in his home
They accused Jason of treason against Caesar because he was loyal to Jesus.
The people of the city as well as the city council were thrown into turnoil
So the officials forced Jason and the other believers to post bond and was released
That night, the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea and went to the synagogue
The people of Berea were more open-minded and they listened to the teachings.
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MEMORY VERSE
As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue for the service and for three Sabbaths in a row, he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. – Acts 17:2
Read: Acts 17
When the apostles came to Thessalonica, Paul and Silas met much resistance from the people in the Jewish synagogue but they used Scriptures to reason with the people. Out of envy, some of the Jews plotted to shoo the apostles away.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it hard for people to accept the Good News?
• What do you do to convince someone of your belief as a Christian?
• How can envy and jealousy hinder us from knowing the truth?