Acts 17:5-10
5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and they attacked the house of Jason and were seeking to bring them out to the people.
6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also;
7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things.
9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Thessalonian Evangelism (4)
Evaluation of the evangelism in Thessalonica
Before we move forward, let’s review the characteristics of the evangelism in Thessalonica.
(1) Power, the Holy Spirit, and Strong Conviction
“Or our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thess. 1:5a). By God’s supernatural work, they were saved. This proves that their salvation was according to God’s plan. Paul aligns his own experience (his encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus) with their experience of salvation.
(2) An Example for Evangelists
“Just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sakes.” (1 Thess. 1:5b). The Philippian church supported Paul’s ministry financially (Phil. 4:15-16). Additionally, Paul engaged in self-supporting evangelism. “For you recall, brothers and sisters, our labor and hardship: it was by working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, that we proclaimed to you the gospel of God” (1 Thess. 2:9) (see also 2 Thess. 3:7-8). Paul earned his living with his own hands to prevent any criticism of his ministry. Of course, Paul believed it was appropriate for those who served the Lord full-time to receive financial support from the believers.
(3) Turning to the True God
“For they themselves report about us as to the kind of reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is, Jesus who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:9-10). The believers in Thessalonica sincerely turned to the true God. “The wrath to come” refers to the Great Tribulation (Revelation 6-19). Believers will be saved from the tribulation. This hope allowed them to endure hardships without losing patience and confidence.
Let us keep these three key points in mind: (1) Conviction through the Holy Spirit, (2) A sincere walk, (3) Hope that comes from turning to the true God. With these three, we can overcome trials.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, conviction through the Holy Spirit, a sincere walk, and the hope that comes from turning to the true God are the strength to overcome trials. Please continue to guide me today. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.