Lesson by Pastor John Skaggs

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church

P. O. Box 1173

Claypool, Arizona 85532

520-425-8345

Date: 01-14-01

Sermon Number: 30

Text: Acts 17:1-16

Topics Addressed in this Lesson

(The Power of the Bible to change the lives of men)

We begin our lesson this morning in Acts 17:1-16 NASB. "Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. {2} And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, {3} explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ."

These three verses occupied our attention when we last studied the book of Acts. They remind us of Paul’s practice of taking the gospel to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. When he came to any city he would enter the synagogue and begin teaching the Old Testament scriptures to his countrymen. From these ancient texts Paul preached the good news that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and that He saves all who come to Him by faith.

Modern Christians often forget that the good news of salvation by faith in Christ is clearly presented in the Old Testament. Hebrews 4:1-7 reminds us of this fact.

"Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. {2} For indeed WE HAVE HAD GOOD NEWS PREACHED TO US, JUST AS THEY ALSO; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. (The prophets all pointed to and spoke of the coming Messiah, the Savior of sinners. But the vast majority refused to believe, therefore, the "Good News" did them no good at all. They went on trying to please God by works never finding rest for their souls.) {3} For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST," although HIS WORKS WERE FINISHED FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. (Through faith the Jews of old could have entered into the finished work of the promised Redeemer but they did not.) {4} For He has thus said somewhere concerning the seventh day, "AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS"; {5} and again in this passage, "THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST." {6} Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and THOSE WHO FORMERLY HAD GOOD NEWS PREACHED TO THEM failed to enter because of disobedience, {7} He again fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS."

It is true that the majority of people in the Old Testament died in their sins, but not all. There were many that believed the good news and were saved. The prophet Isaiah spoke of his rebirth in chapter sixty-one verses ten through eleven. "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; FOR HE HAS CLOTHED ME WITH GARMENTS OF SALVATION, HE HAS WRAPPED ME WITH A ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS."

Isaiah knew that nothing good or acceptable to God dwelt in him. He knew that his good works were like filthy rags. He knew he had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, he rejoiced in the salvation provided by God through faith. By grace he was wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus, his Messiah, his Savior and that righteousness made him acceptable to God. Abraham was another one saved by faith in the coming Messiah. {3} For what does the Scripture say? "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." . . . . . {23} Now not for his sake only was it written, that it was reckoned to him, {24} but for our sake also, to whom it will be reckoned, AS THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIM WHO RAISED JESUS OUR LORD FROM THE DEAD, {25} HE WHO WAS DELIVERED UP BECAUSE OF OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, AND WAS RAISED BECAUSE OF OUR JUSTIFICATION." True and lasting righteousness is given to sinners who come to Christ through faith. This is the gospel and it is found in the Old Testament as well as the New.

Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica was blessed by God, as we see in verse four of our text. {4} "And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women." Paul’s success enraged the leaders of the Jews. This was not because of their love for the Gentiles but for jealousy’s sake and for economic reasons. Like some ministers and churches today numbers were a big deal to the Jews. The more Gentile converts they could get the more proud and puffed up they would be. Not to mention the fact that the more converts they got the more money the Synagogue would have. Paul, by the blessing of God the Holy Spirit, was taking converts away from Judaism, which could not be tolerated.

The extremes to which this jealousy drove the Jews is revealed in verses five and following. {5} "But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; (The Jews had to enlist godless men to whip a crowd into a frenzy with lies and exaggerations because there was no legitimate accusation that could be made against these men.) and coming upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them (Paul and Silas) out to the people. {6} And when they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren 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." (This is, of course, an exaggeration of the facts. Paul and Silas may have upset a portion of the city with their preaching but they had not yet affected the whole world. Neither were they opposed to all the laws of Rome or Caesar. Further, they were not proclaiming Christ as king of any earthly kingdom, only of a heavenly one. These men had broken no Roman law. They were being accused falsely.) {8} And 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."

It appears that Jason and the others were hauled before some judicial authority who recognized the accusations as frivolous and let them go with just a "pledge." There are differing opinions as to what this "pledge" might have been. Some believe it was a fine or bail money paid with a promise that Jason would not let Paul and Silas stay in his house any longer. Others think the pledge was just a verbal promise to that effect. We are not given an answer to this question. However, when the pledge was given Jason and the others were released. {10} And the brethren (Jason and the others) immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; In other words, Paul and his companion were hustled out of the city at night for the preservation of their lives and freedom. But notice, they did not go into hiding, rather, "when they arrived, (in Berea) they went into the synagogue of the Jews. (to again teach the Gospel) {11} Now these (Non-Christian-Jews of the Synagogue) were more noble-minded (The term describes a group of Jews who had a more civilized, open minded, response to the Gospel and its bearers. . .) than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. {12} Many of them therefore (that is, because of their close examination of the scriptures) believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. {13} But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there likewise, agitating and stirring up the crowds. {14} And then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. {15} Now those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. {16} Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was beholding the city full of idols."

Paul’s countrymen pursued him from city to city because of jealousy and greed. As you study the New Testament you discover that almost all of Paul’s hardships in the ministry were the result of Jewish hatred toward him, Christ, and the Gospel of grace. He speaks of his hard missionary life in 2 Corinthians 11:22-27 NASB. "Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. {23} Are they servants of Christ? . . . . . I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. {24} Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. {25} Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. {26} I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; {27} I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." The sufferings cited that were not brought on directly by the Jews were often the result of their inciting others against the great Apostle and his companions.

The persecution of Christians is not, however, the subject I want to deal with today. Instead, our time will be spent with verses ten through twelve. "And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. {11} Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word (The scriptures read by Paul and his explanation of them.) with great eagerness, (not gullibility but eagerness) examining the Scriptures (asking questions of the scriptures) daily, to see whether these things were so. {12} Many of them therefore (as a result of their Bible study) believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men."

I have read this passage for years but it was not till this week that it dawned on me who these people were. The Bereans who Paul describes as "noble-minded searchers of the scriptures" were unbelieving Jews! They were not saved by faith in Jesus they were simply sincere searchers for truth. These were un-converted religious sinners who desperately needed Jesus. They had been looking in the right place all along they just needed someone to help them understand what they were reading, they needed a teacher of truth. Their method was to hear Paul preach then compare what he had to say to the Old Testament scriptures. No doubt most of Paul’s teaching had to do with proving that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the true Messiah. These noble-minded, honest seekers of truth, teach us a great deal about the value of Bible study for both Christians and non-believers as well.

It may sound strange to speak of the value of Bible study for un-believing sinners but our text proves that with the blessing of God it is not wasted time. For God may be pleased to save those who expose themselves to His word. With great eagerness these Jews studied the scriptures and they did so with purpose. They were intent on seeing whether or not the Bible supported what Paul was teaching. Was Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah spoken of by the prophets? Was it true that men are not saved by keeping the law, circumcision, ancestry, or ceremony? Was it true that faith in this Jesus was the only way to God? These are just some of the questions these men sought answers to in the Bible.

If they had they turned to the writings of their forefathers they would have remained lost. Had they turned to philosophy they would have remained lost. Had they turned in any direction but to the Bible they would not have found the good news that sinners are forgiven and saved from the wrath to come by faith alone in Christ alone plus nothing! But they did not turn elsewhere they turned to the Bible and searched sincerely for answers to their questions, as a result, many were saved.

You see the Bible is not an ordinary book. I might read "Gone with the Wind" and be moved to tears, laughter, boredom, or anger. I might learn something about the south but one thing I am sure of I will not come away from that book a changed man. Rather, I will remain, when I am finished, the same person I was when I began. This is true of all secular books. The words and opinions of men will not and cannot change the heart of man. They cannot make him right with God. The words and writings of men may have value but not eternal value. They cannot make the drunkard sober, the harlot chaste, the thief honest, they cannot shut the mouth of the gossip. The words of men cannot make a lazy man productive, or a surgeon realize that he has no ability to heal apart from the intervention and blessing of God. But the Bible is different, it is not a secular work, it is not the work of man. Rather it is a supernatural book which, when blessed by God, can effect the salvation of sinners. (2 Timothy 3:12-17 NASB) "And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. {13} But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. {14} You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; {15} and that from childhood you have known the SACRED WRITINGS WHICH ARE ABLE TO GIVE YOU THE WISDOM THAT LEADS TO SALVATION THROUGH FAITH WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS. (Remember, he is speaking of the Old Testament) {16} All Scripture is inspired (breathed out) by God and (is therefore) profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; {17} that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." That "good work" includes the evangelization of the lost and the regular feeding of the saved. The Bible meets the needs of all men for it is the "Word of God."

Speaking to the Pharisees in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says, " . . . . you invalidated THE WORD OF GOD for the sake of your tradition." (Matthew 15:6 NASB)

(Luke 8:10-11 NASB) "And He said, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, in order that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND. {11} "Now the parable is this: the seed is THE WORD OF GOD." The seed that is planted and, with the blessing of God, springs forth to eternal life is the "word of God", the words of the Bible.

The "Word of God," referred to in these texts, is nothing more of less than the Old Testament in its entirety. Add to that the words of Christ and the apostles, which make up the New Testament and you have the Bible from Geneses to Revelation. This is the word of God spoken through and written down by men "moved by the Holy Spirit" to speak and write. The words are inspired, breathed forth from the mouth of God. Therefore, the Bible is a supernatural book, filled with good news for sinful man. That good news is that every sinner who comes to God through faith in Jesus will be forgiven his sins and saved from the wrath due him. Paul tells us in the book or Romans that this message is the power of God for the salvation of sinners. The author of Hebrews speaks of the supernatural nature of the Bible as well. (Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB) "For the WORD OF GOD is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. {13} And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

When the Jews of Berea unrolled their copies of the Old Testament and began to read, to search the prophecies concerning Jesus, something began to happen. The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, began to pierce both soul and spirit. It began to divide truth from lies, and to judge the thoughts and intentions of their hearts. Soon they were under conviction for their sins and were convinced that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah, the only Savior of sinners. Soon they left the world of skepticism and cast themselves by faith upon the mercies of Jesus Christ. And all of this took place in connection with and not apart from the careful, sincere, study of the Scriptures and, of course, the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon that study. For even the Bible is of no value to men apart from the application of its truths to the sinner’s heart by the Spirit.

In light of all this we must conclude that Bible study is not just beneficial for Christians. For when the unbeliever reads the Bible or listens to Bible preaching and teaching he is being exposed to the very truth that God uses to bring the dead to life. Therefore, lets us be diligent in encouraging the lost around us to study the Bible with us in our homes and in this church. For it is through the word of God that men are gloriously saved and changed.

There is also great value in Bible study for the Christian. In fact, the study of and application of the Bible’s teachings to the Christian’s life is essential. The word of God is the bread of life to the child of God. He cannot and will not want to live without it. As it was before salvation so it is after. The word of God to the believer, ". . . . is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. {13} And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB) Brothers and sisters we must expose ourselves faithfully and continually to the searching light of God’s eternal truth. It should be our desire to have God’s word sink deep within us to divide truth from error. It should be our delight to have God, through His word, discover and judge the thoughts and intents of our hearts. We must submit ourselves to the scrutiny of His truth as found in the Bible. This is the way and means of our sanctification, which is the will of God for us. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 NASB) "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; {4} that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, {5} not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; {6} and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. {7} For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. {8} Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you."

(Ephesians 5:25-28 NASB) {25} Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; {26} that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, (or by washing her, the church, clean with the word of God) {27} that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. {28} So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;"

This text tells us that we are washed clean of this world’s corruptions, its way of thinking, speaking, and of treating each other, by and through the inspired word of God. This word is the means of our sanctification it is how we grow in faith, knowledge, and holiness of life. Jesus said it ever so plainly in John 17:14-17. "I have given them Thy WORD; (the scriptures) and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. {15} "I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. {16} "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. {17} "SANCTIFY THEM IN THE TRUTH; THY WORD IS TRUTH."

The word of God is the means by which He sets us apart from the world to Himself more and more. In His word we find everything pertaining to life and godliness. We discover how to live, love, work, play, grieve, and die. In the Bible we discover how to raise a family, treat a husband, wife, or employer. By studying the scriptures with sincerity and the intent to obey we participate in our own progressive sanctification. The Bible is the word of God without which the Christian cannot live and the sinner cannot be saved.

When we have come to value the Bible as we should, we will be of one mind with the Psalmist who made the following statements in Psalms 119. {11} "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. . . . . {14} I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. . . . . . {17} Deal bountifully with Thy servant, That I may live and keep Thy word. {18} Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Thy law. . . . {24} Thy testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. {25} My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Thy word. {26} I have told of my ways, and Thou hast answered me; Teach me Thy statutes. {27} Make me understand the way of Thy precepts, So I will meditate on Thy wonders. {28} My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Thy word. {29} Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Thy law . . . . {36} Incline my heart to Thy testimonies, And not to dishonest gain. . . . . {38} Establish Thy word to Thy servant, As that which PRODUCES reverence for Thee . . . . . {50} This is my comfort in my affliction, That Thy word has revived me. . . . . {54} Thy statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. . . . . {58} I entreated Thy favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Thy word . . . . . . {65} Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O LORD, according to Thy word. {66} Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Thy commandments. {67} Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Thy word . . . . {88} Revive me according to Thy lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Thy mouth. {89} Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven . . . . . {104} From Thy precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. {105} Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path . . . . . {165} THOSE WHO LOVE THY LAW HAVE GREAT PEACE, AND NOTHING CAUSES THEM TO STUMBLE."

The Bible, brothers and sisters, is the living, powerful, sanctifying, and redeeming, word of God. Let us follow the example of these Berean unbelievers and study it carefully. For in the holy scriptures you will find everything pertaining to life and godliness.