BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

Many of the Jews had specific expectations for their Messiah. They thought their promised King would  take the throne and rescue them from Roman oppression. So when Jesus came and started associating with the outcasts of society and humbly announcing the Kingdom of God, some did not recognize him as the Messiah and even violently opposed his rule. Ironically, their opposition was the very instrument God used to establish Jesus’ rule, and through crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus was enthroned in heaven as the King of the Jews and all nations. In this next section, Luke tells us of Paul’s experience preaching this message in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. 

While in Thessalonica, Paul demonstrated from the Hebrew Scriptures that the prophets always said the Messiah would have to suffer and rise again to rule as King. Paul pointed out that Jesus fit the ancient prophet’s description, and many were persuaded. As Paul’s audience grew, some jealous Jews riled up influencers in the city to accuse Paul of turning the whole world upside-down and announcing a new King. Roman colonies did not want to upset the emperor, so this was a very serious accusation that could get Paul killed. Paul was sent out of Thessalonica to preach the good news of Jesus’ Kingdom to the city of Berea instead. While there, Paul found men and women who were eager to listen, study, and make sure that his message matched up with the Hebrew Scriptures. Many in Berea began following Jesus, but Paul’s mission was cut short when the Jewish men from Thessalonica traveled all the way to Berea to kick him out of there too. This led to Paul moving on to Athens, where he entered the central marketplace of ideas to explain the true identity of their “unknown god” and the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.  

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• The Jews accused Paul of turning the world upside-down. For those who prefer the greedy values of worldly kingdoms, the message of the upside-down Kingdom is upsetting. But Jesus’ ways only upset the self-centered values that ruin the world. For example, what is one thing in this world that needs to be remedied? How would following Jesus’ values and teachings bring restoration there? What selfish values would need to be turned upside-down to see that accomplished?
• Review Acts 17:11-12. What two exemplary things did the Bereans do that helped them conclude that Jesus really was the Messiah? What do you think happens if only one of these two things are active in a person’s attitude and actions? What would it practically look like for you to grow in both of these attitudes and actions? 
• Review Paul’s message in Athens carefully. What does he say about God’s proximity and relationship to humanity? What does Paul say about the identity and purpose of humanity? What does he say about Jesus? How does Paul’s message impact you today? 
• Turn your reflections into a prayer. Thank God for creating you. Thank him for making himself known and near. And ask him for renewed affection, attention, and perseverance to study the Scriptures to learn about him and the restoring power of his Kingdom.