by J. C. Gibson (Scotland)
In the first paper we commenced an introductory study to this epistle and set out to consider the following matters:
1. THE SETTING:
2. THE SERVANTS:
3. THEIR SCRIPTURAL ORDER
4. THE SAINTS:
5. THE SCRIBE:
6. THE STRIFE:
We got as far as the first two and now we continue with:
They were Scriptural in sermon material. We must use our Bibles in preaching. At Thessalonica Paul preached ‘the Scriptures,’ v2, and at Berea ‘the Word of God,’ v13. Although there is no apparent Old Testament quotation in the preaching at Athens, the material is completely Biblical. Paul speaks of God as Omnipotent, v24; Omnipresent, v24,27; All Sufficient, v25; Longsuffering, v30; and a God of judgment, v31. The only way we can allow God to speak in our messages is by quoting and reading from the inspired Word of God. We must explain the Bible in our preaching. Paul was an expositor of the highest calibre because he opened and explained to his audience what the Word meant, ‘opening and alleging,’ v3. God honouring exposition of the Scriptures brings out the true meaning of the text, making accessible to view, it involves prising open that which appears to be shut and unravelling that which is difficult to entangle. There is no point in reading a passage from God’s Word never to mention it again. The whole point of reading it is that its message will penetrate the hearers' hearts, and the whole objective of preaching is to explain that message in a clear and understandable way.
They were Christological in sermon material. Prior to His ascension into Heaven the Lord Jesus said to His disciples, ‘ye shall be witnesses unto me,’ Acts 1.8. Concerning the converted Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus the glorified Christ explained, ‘he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name,’ Acts 9.15. Paul had a full understanding of the most complex Bible doctrines, but when he went about preaching his chief end was to preach the Lord Jesus. With regard to his preaching at Corinth, he wrote, ‘I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified,’ 1Cor.2.2. He preached at least four things in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ. Firstly, His suffering, ‘Christ must needs have suffered,’ v3. Secondly, His resurrection ‘from the dead,’ v3. Thirdly, His rejection, ‘this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ,’ v3, that is to say, Jesus of Nazareth, rejected and crucified by the Jewish nation, is in actual fact the true Messiah. Fourthly, His royalty: ‘there is another king, one Jesus,’ v7.
They were powerful in their preaching. ‘These that have turned the world upside down,’ v6 is an amazing testimony to the effectiveness of their preaching. When the gospel of Christ is set forth in the power of the Holy Spirit, it turns men’s lives upside down and inside out, transforming the whole character of a man. It produces nothing short of a revolution in the heart, turning around the whole direction of the life in an instant. This transforming power of the gospel comes through faith in God’s infallible Word as v4 states: ‘and some of them believed.’ Although it sounds good, we must be prepared for the open hostility that such preaching provokes, v5,6.
The missionaries were considerate of other believers. This is seen in their willingness quietly to leave the city of Thessalonica, v10. Paul was unafraid of opposition and persecution so it was not because of the threat of this that he left. Rather he was willing to go so easily for the sake of the young converts since, had he stayed, the persecution they had already experienced was likely to intensify, and he did not wish that upon them. V9 states ‘And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.’ The word for ‘security’ is hikanos, meaning they had to make a monitory deposit, so ensuring that the preachers would not again disturb the public. Had they risked any further preaching the Jews would undoubtedly have staged another riot. This would have involved Jason and his fellow Christians in serious financial loss and would have aroused the active hostility of the magistrates against the church. True spirituality does not ignore the material. Paul did not play fast and loose with other people’s property and finances claiming only to be interested in the spiritual.
They showed hospitality, v5,7. It was quite something for Jason to allow these missionaries to stay at his house, since they still bore the wounds that they had received at Philippi, showing it was no popular message they preached. Hospitality to such men evidenced the genuineness of their conversion. Lydia responded in a similar manner, Acts 16.15, when she desired them to stay in her home. Hospitality is one of the characteristics that should mark elders in a local assembly, 1Tim.3.2.
They suffered hostility, v5,6,9. Jason and the other believers had not been saved for long before they were hauled up before the authorities and accused of nothing short of the executionable offence of treason. Adversity is inescapable for the believer in this world, 1Thes.3.3. If we do not somehow suffer for the faith it may be questionable whether we are really saved. Adversity also acts as a very effective test for genuineness, Matt.13.20,21.
Scholars have questioned Luke’s credibility, claiming that certain words used by him in the text of the Acts cannot be found in other contemporary historical documents. For example, the word for ‘rulers’ in v6,8 is politarch. Classical writers never appeared to use this word and instead used poliarchos and politarchos to describe these ‘rulers’. However the validity of Luke’s writing has been vindicated as this word has now been found in inscriptions discovered at Thessalonica dating from this time. We learn from this the infallibility of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit has chosen every word. If the academics of this world are found to be at loggerheads with the Word, then they are wrong, Lk.16.17.
Then there is the industry of the servant. Luke was a very diligent student as he compiled this historical record of the early years of Christianity, working hard that every detail would be correct. This should be the attitude of any Bible teacher.
— to be continued (D.V.)