February 17, 2023 -- Acts 17:1-5 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Suffering and the assurance of faith

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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.
Acts 17:1-5 ESV

Paul and Silas explained to the Jewish people in Thessalonica, and all non-Jewish people who would listen, that Jesus had to suffer. Contrary to what many people say, Jesus was not unexpectedly betrayed, falsely accused, and helplessly led to the cross. No, it was appointed by the Father that the Messiah, that is the anointed One Jesus, had to suffer, and rise from the dead. For many people that is surprising news. For others this challenges the comfortable myth that Jesus was merely a great teacher.

First, it means that the Old Testament is critical if a believer would understand the work of God. It is the only Scriptures that Paul and Silas had at the time. Jesus receives the punishment of God against sin. It is why He had to suffer.

Second, it is consistent with Jesus’ own view of His life and dead and ministry. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to two men who were on the Road to Emmaus, and He explained why He had to suffer (Luke 24:25-27).

Third, it explains why the followers of Jesus are so prepared to suffer as well. Paul and Silas experience hardships and suffering for the sake of Jesus. Jesus informed His disciples and all who subsequently would follow Him, “Remember the word that I said to you: “‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my words, they will also keeps yours” (John 15:20).

Fellow believers, be encouraged. People will be impacted by your faith in Jesus Christ. When others push back, or hate you, the suffering you experience will prove the words of Jesus, refine your faith, and increase your prayer life. Trust this too, the same Spirit given to Jesus without measure (John 3:34), has been give to all who believe so that we can live for Jesus.

Our prayer today is Psalm 27. Believers, through-out the centuries and generations have prayed this to bless God, because He has given us these words. The words are deep and profound reassurance also.

Of David.

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me
    to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
    it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.

Psalm 27:1-5 ESV

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"Holy, Holy, Holy!" Martijn de Groot

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