When the Gospel Upends the Status Quo

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND: Paul and his fellow believers in the Book of Acts were so empowered by God's presence that silence was not an option for them! They proclaimed the gospel wherever they found themselves - in jail, in the presence of authorities, or within the Jewish temple, sharing about God's redemptive power. Their message agitated those outside the Christian faith. Preaching God's Word invariably leads to persecution. However, such opposition never deterred these early Christians.

WHAT IS TRUE? The Apostle Paul’s missionary work in Thessalonica and Berea underscores the central role of Scripture's authority, the unchanging message of the Gospel about Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Messiah, the ongoing resistance to the Gospel, and the genuine unity among Jesus' disciples. While not everyone embraced the message, leading to their salvation, Paul’s ministry left a profound impact. He made significant progress, and many found faith in the Lord.