4/5/26
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
The name of Jesus stirs a response in every person, joy and peace in some, resistance, and hostility in others. This was true as Paul proclaimed Christ to his watching world. Acts 4:1-12
In Thessalonica, Paul went into the synagogue as was his custom. Over three Sabbaths he reasoned from the Scriptures, explaining that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, declaring, “This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ.” Some were persuaded and believed, including God-fearing Greeks and prominent women. 1 Corinthians 15:1-6
Unbelieving Jews were rebellious and jealous. They formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked Jason’s house seeking Paul and Silas. In mob-like protest they dragged believers before the authorities and accused them of “turning the world upside down” and proclaiming another king, Jesus. The believers had to bond out.
Paul and Silas were sent by night to Berea. There, the people received the word eagerly, examining the Scriptures daily to test Paul’s message. Many believed, including prominent Greek women and men.
Opposition soon followed. Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea and protested and stirred up the crowds there. Paul was sent on to Athens, while Silas and Timothy remained behind to minister in Jesus’ name.
In Athens, Paul was distressed by the city’s idolatry. He reasoned in the synagogue and spoke daily in the marketplace. Some philosophers dismissed him as a babbler, while others said he was preaching foreign deities because he proclaimed Jesus and the resurrection.
They brought him to the Areopagus and asked him to explain his teaching. There, Paul declared the one true God, the One they did not know: the Creator of all, who does not dwell in temples made by hands, who gives life to all, and who now commands all people everywhere to repent. God has fixed a day of judgment and has appointed Jesus, giving proof by raising Him from the dead.
When they heard of the resurrection, some mocked, others were curious, and some believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite and Damaris. Matthew 28:1-20