Reasoning From the Scriptures

Bradley Johnson • Oct 11, 2023

Source of Strength

Acts 17:1-15 details the Apostle Paul and Silas’s continued ministry following their imprisonment and release. Instead of altering their ministry plan or message they remained steadfast to their calling. Why did they refuse to change their plans? What motivated them to remain firm in their message? How were they able to endure even amid opposition? This passage describes the source of their strength.

In preparation for Sunday, Oct. 15th read through Acts 17:1-5 and prayerfully consider the following questions: 

  • Why did Paul reason from the Scriptures?
  • What truth did the Scriptures prove?
  • According to the passage, describe the difference between the two cities (Thessalonica and Berea).

  • Read Acts 17:1-15

    Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

     Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 


    Paul and Silas in Berea

    10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. 



    The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac 17:1–15.

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