Authors: Gerard and Bernie Robinson, from Charis in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Acts 17 reads, “When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. He said “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” (Acts 17:1-3)
It would be fair to say that Paul was the greatest evangelist ever, after the Lord Jesus himself of course. Here we find Paul preaching in a synagogue in Thessalonica. When he entered a city to evangelise, Paul went first to the local Synagogue and spoke there. The devout Jews present were steeped in the Old Testament scriptures and so Paul’s preaching showed how these scriptures pointed to, and found fulfilment in, Jesus as the Christ. His death and resurrection were not just things that happened to Him, but were destined for the purpose of our salvation. This mirrors the approach used by the Lord himself, seen, for example, in Jesus opening up the scriptures to Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus on Easter Sunday morning. Next time you read a bit from one of Paul’s New Testament letters, look out for how he frequently builds Christian doctrine by quoting the Old Testament.
Paul and his mission team sought out those who needed to hear the good news and presented Christ as the answer to their needs and longings. To do this effectively they needed to have a personal relationship with him and be clear on what they believed about him and his relevance for their own lives. Today Jesus Christ asks you the same question he asked of Peter and the Apostles: “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Prayerfully reflect on this important question today, answer Him in prayer, and ask the Lord to reveal Himself more fully to you.
Scripture quotations from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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