A Journey Through Luke & 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.