Jump Start # 888

Acts 17:2-3 “And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 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.”

On a recent trip through Tennessee, my wife and I stopped in Dayton. It’s a small town. In the basement of the court house is a museum dedicated to an court trial in 1925 that drew national attention. It was the Scopes trial for violating a state law about teaching evolution. Through the years it has become known as the Scopes ‘Monkey Trial.’ Two famous attorneys battled each other over the teachings of the Bible and the theories of evolution. John Scopes, the substitute biology teacher, charged with violating the state law, was a pawn to bring bigger attention. Scopes was found guilty, which pleased his legal team. They wanted that. They needed a reason to appeal the verdict on a larger, national scene.

Interesting things. Sadly, today a biology teacher would be charged for teaching creation. Times have certainly changed. But one thing has not, truth has always been attacked and there has always been a need to support, defend and stand up for what the Bible says.

Our passage shows three things Paul was doing in Thessalonica.

First, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. His appeal was not emotional, political nor what’s best for the city, rather it was based upon Scriptures. This shows that the Scriptures teach a certain way. Too many weak preachers and socially interested churches have left the impression that the Bible reads differently to each person. Everyone has their own interpretation, they tell us. Have you heard that before? Paul didn’t think so. He reasoned from the Scriptures, just as Jesus had done. No one would say, “Well, that’s how you see it. I see it differently.” There was no differently to it. You agreed or you disagreed, but the Scriptures taught one truth.

Secondly, Paul explained things. Paul connected the dots. Speaking to a Jewish audience, he would have shown how O.T. prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Philip explained the Scriptures to the eunuch in Acts 8. There is an explaining part of learning, even the Bible. Understanding who is speaking, the context, grasping the meaning of words all helps in knowing God’s word. Paul explained. Understanding doesn’t just happen. There is an explaining part to it. A learning that must take place.

Thirdly, Paul gave evidence. Our faith isn’t blind. It isn’t in dreams and hopes and wishes. There is evidence. There is proof. There is internal evidence (that is, within the Scriptures) and there is external evidence (outside the Scriptures). There is evidence that God exists. We know there is a God. How? Evidence. There is evidence for creation. And in this passage, there is evidence that Jesus had to die and rise again. Proof.

All of this shows us that Paul could do two things: He knew why he believed and he could prove it. It wasn’t something vague like a feeling. I’ve heard some say, “I don’t know, it’s hard to explain, I just feel that I’m right,” or, “I just feel that I am saved.” Paul didn’t say that. He explained, gave proof and reasoned from the Scriptures.

Can you do that? Why is it that you believe what you do? Not sure? Good enough for your mamma? Told not to question things? Maybe it’s time we looked deep within the Bible and began to ask some serious questions.

How about it? Why creation over evolution? Or, why evolution over creation? Got proof? Why life after death? Got proof? Why second coming? Proof? Why did the early church not use instruments in worship? Proof? Why immersion for baptism? Proof? Why a spiritual mission, not social for the church? Proof? Why Heaven? Got proof?

Looking for proof takes you to the Bible. That search will open your eyes. It may reveal things you didn’t know. It may show that your faith stands upon the word of God or it may show that you believe things without any Biblical evidence and proof.

I know whom I believe…I know because the Bible says so. Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so…The foundation of our faith is the evidence and teaching of the Bible. Faith, the Romans were told, comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Paul reasoned from Scripture…Paul explained…Paul gave evidence.

We need to do the same!

Roger