Bible Study Snacks, Acts 17:1-15

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Seventeen, Verses 1-15.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Explore how Paul preached in Thessalonica and Berea, and how his preaching was received in each.
2) Recognize how the enemies of the gospel can be relentless in their efforts to stop the spread of the Truth.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 17:1-15...  

Paul, Silas and Timothy continue on the second missionary journey. As they depart Philippi, they travel through Amphipolis and Apollonia, arriving at Thessalonica (1). Paul finds the Jewish synagogue and for three Sabbaths "reasoned with them from the Scriptures" (2). He teaches them that Jesus had suffered and died, and then was raised from the dead. He proclaims to them that Jesus is the Christ. Some Jews, a great multitude of Greeks, and not a few of the leading women believe and join them. (Verses 3-4) 

The Jews, who do not believe, become envious of the success of the gospel of Christ. They set out to create a mob, and enrage them against Paul and Silas, but they can't  find them. Therefore, they take Jason and some of the brethren before the rulers of the city, claiming they have harbored these men who are "acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king - Jesus."  This incites the crowd and the city rulers. They try to depict Paul and Silas as revolutionaries against Caesar. The rulers then take security from Jason and the others, and release them. (Verses 5-9) 

The brethren send Paul and Silas away by night to Berea (about 50 miles away). They go to the Jewish synagogue there and find the people receptive to the gospel. They are willing to study the Scriptures to determine the Truth. Many believe. When word gets back to Thessalonica, Jews travel there to stir up the city against them. The brethren send Paul away to Athens. Silas and Timothy remain there. Paul requests that they quickly join him in Athens. (Verses 10-15) 

REVIEW QUESTIONS:  

1) After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, where did Paul's company arrive? (Acts 17:1)
2) What was Paul's custom when he found a synagogue in a city? (Acts 17:2)
3) What was his purpose in visiting the synagogue? (Acts 17:3)
4) What was the initial reaction to Paul's teaching in the synagogue? (Acts 17:4)
5) What did the Jews who were not persuaded do? (Acts 17:5-6)
6) What charges did they bring against Jason and those whom he received? (Acts 17:6-7)
7) Troubled by such charges, what did the rulers of the city do? (Acts 17:8-9)
8) What did the brethren do with Paul and Silas? What did they find there? (Acts 17:10)
9) List two ways the Bereans were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica. (Acts 17:11)
10) What was the initial response? Who soon stirred up trouble? (Acts 17:12-13)
11) Where was Paul then sent?  Who initially stayed behind in Berea? (Acts 17:14-15)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri