Bible Study: July 9, 2020

Acts 17

Paul in Thessalonica and Berea

July, 2020

Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.

Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.

To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.

This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Acts 17. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.

Highlights:

Envy and Strife

Verse 5: Envy led the unbelievers to start a riot to disrupt the spread of the Gospel. We noted that the Bible is always relevant to any age and time that we live in. There was envy in Biblical days and there is still envy today. Where envy is, there is every evil work. (Ref. Romans 1: 24-25)

Verse 6: The unbelievers falsely claimed that Paul and his teachings had turned the world upside down, when in fact his teachings were turning the world right side up by spreading the truth of God’s Word.

Godly Discipline and Courage

Verse 10: Although Paul and Silas had been sent to Berea to avoid the riot in Thessalonica, they did not hide in fear of what may happen to them in this new city. Instead, they immediately went to the Jewish synagogue and began teaching the Word there. The Bereans were disciplined people, and they received the Word with “all readiness”. It is important that we exercise readiness and discipline with regards to God’s Word, otherwise we may miss important messages that God intends for us to hear.

A Lack of Focus on God and Truth

Verse 16: The city was filled with idols. Many of us today still have idols; an idol is anything that you put before God.

Verse 18: The Epicureans were people who believed in doing whatever felt good to them. This is a common view in society today, proving once again that nothing has changed, and that the Bible’s teachings are very relevant even in modern times.

Verse 21: Areopagus- Many Athenians spent their time gathering at this area to be entertained by gossip. They were not seeking truth. This is yet another common behaviour in society today. We must avoid idle gathering just to hear or “spread news”.

God’s Sovereignty

Verse 26: The entire world is in his hands, He is omnipresent and sovereign.

Verse 30: God will overlook our ignorance, but once we know truth, we will be held accountable on the day of Judgement, unless we repent.

We also discussed the dangers of presumptive sin, which is sin that is intentional and deliberate (Ref. Psalm 19: 12-13)

There are, we noted, three types of believers:

1. The True Believer 2. The Make Believer and 3. Those who believe nothing.

As you read, ask yourself:

What kind of believer am I?

Am I displaying discipline and readiness in my walk with Christ?

What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?

Blessings!