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Acts 17:1-15
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. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
Jesus Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed. Alleluia!
Easter Sunday was a multi-exclamation point day. Beautiful hymns. A powerful message. Joyful Lord’s Supper Celebration. Then delightful time with family. For 2000 years the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave has been the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It forms the foundation for God’s Good News of life and salvation through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. Without the resurrection we have no hope. With the resurrection we have people who for centuries have witnessed to this remarkable truth: Jesus Christ is risen!
In Thessalonica Paul was doing just that. And with some degree of success to be sure. Luke tells us that Paul and Silas went to the synagogues sharing the gospel with the people there. 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.
But success does not always equate with peace and harmony. Just as always, the success of the spread of the gospel was met with conflict, envy, and challenge. They were accused of turning the world upside down. And that was not a compliment. But it was the truth. And not everyone was convinced that the world needed to be upturned. Many powerful and influential people were happy for things to remain just like they are.
Before we’re too quick to point the finger at them, consider how that might be true for you and me. We may know we need to make a change in our lives, but we’re too hesitant. We’re often too comfortable in our misery rather than making the changes that would put things in order. From messy closets to messy minds, to messy relationships, to messy words, our sinful flesh gets in the way of making the changes that would bring true peace.
We may never completely conquer these messes. But what we are unable to do, Jesus has done. He is our righteousness, our joy and our crown. Convincing the Jews that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies was important to the spread of the Gospel. Our need is less for such convincing and more of the Holy Spirit’s influence in our daily lives.
The reality of Jesus’ resurrection is tied to a new life in Christ. God connects us with Jesus’ resurrection so that we may live a new life (cf. Romans 6:1-4). That’s why the resurrection is so vital. Jesus conquered death. His resurrection is proof of his victory and the power of our new life.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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