Thurs.’s Devo - We Have the Truth

Read: Acts 17; Acts 18:1-18
Because Paul was of noble birth himself and accustomed to discussing matters with the officials of the government, he was able to appeal to the hearts of the Greek leaders. In Thessalonica, it was the baser Jews that stirred up the people and gave them such trouble. They twisted their words and roused up the rulers of the city against them. Thessalonica means “victory over falsity”. So, we have to believe God got victory because many came to know him. Paul and Silas were able to escape under the cover of night to Berea. Berea means “the pierced”. The hearts of the Berean’s were pierced and they searched the scriptures to see what Paul and Silas were talking about and found their words to be true. The base men from Thessalonica showed up and stirred the people up so much that they got Paul out and left Silas to teach the converts. Paul left for Athens, the city of the great Greek gods and goddesses. The men would meet daily in the marketplace just to discuss any new doctrine or idea. Paul came with a totally different doctrine and idea. He used their monument of their “unknown god” to appeal to their quest for knowledge. He claimed to know this “unknown god”. They were eager listeners till he mentioned rising from the dead. Then they told Paul they would have to take a rain check. Paul had planted many seeds and a few of the people believed. One of them was Dionysius whose name means “revealer”. He was a member of the court held on Mars’ Hill. The other named was Damaris who was a female. She was an Athenian.
Their day looks like ours where there are so many different religions and beliefs. People are okay as long as you let them believe what they want and “coexist” in unity. But, our gospel is not a “coexist” gospel. It is the truth and it doesn’t give room for any other truth. Eternity is at stake, not just someone’s feelings. Paul and Silas were not afraid to step on toes to tell them the truth and we need to do the same in love.
Lord, give us boldness and gentleness to be Your expression in our day.