ACTS 17 - PREACH ANYWAY

 

Acts 17

teaches us about sharing the gospel in different cultures, staying rooted in Scripture, and recognizing that God is near to every person.

V1-9 preaching in Thessalonica

Paul preached for 3 sabbaths – some believe others caused trouble

Indeed, the gospel brings both acceptance and resistance – Truth always confront the pride of human hearts that results to non-submission.

Not everyone will receive the TRUTH, but we must still preach.

 

V10-15 preaching in Berea

Bereans received the Gospel with openness and examined the scripture daily to seek the truth.

They did not depend on emotion alone they tested everything by scripture. The word was their foundation

– they have a teachable heart; therefore, they have a fertile heart that grows.

 

V16-34 preaching in Athens

A place full of idols, Paul didn’t quote the scripture, instead used the idols to explain about God – there is one creator and calls them to repent.

The gospel can be shared in the language of culture without compromising the truth.

Wherever Paul went… not everyone believed.
Some listened.
Some mocked.
Some followed.
And some rejected him.

But he kept speaking…
Because the truth is worth sharing.

In Thessalonica — there was opposition.
In Berea — there was hunger for the Word.
In Athens — there was searching, questioning, and longing.

Different places.
Different responses.
Same message.

Jesus.

Acts 17 reminds us…
You won’t convince everyone.
And you don’t need to.

Your job is to plant the seed.
The Holy Spirit will open the heart.

Keep speaking.
Keep sharing.
Keep shining.

Because God is “not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:27)

Let us pray:

Lord, open our eyes like Paul who sees the spiritual needs of the people around us. Grant us the boldness to speak Your truth and a heart willing to share the gospel even if not everyone accepts it.  Help us be like Bereans – always searching, always learning and rooted in Scripture. Amen.