1st Nov 26 | 04:00
Daily Study
Built up through trials
Acts 17 - Series 01/Episode 20 - Fri 02nd Oct 2026 - Built up through trials - Acts 17:01-09 - MINISTRY IN THESSALONICA - I Thessalonians 01:06-08
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Acts 17:7 *Jason has harbored them*, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king-Jesus."
"Jason has harboured them". Jason, as we had seen earlier, was a kinsman of Paul. Jason had also become a believer in Christ, as there were other brethren in his house, and this accusation was against all of them. This trial established them in their walk with the Lord, for them to become fruit-bearing Christians.
Mark 4:16-17 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; (17) and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. / Mark 4:20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."
The Lord contrasted different types of soil. The seed of God's word sown on stony ground represents those who received the word gladly but did not continue with the Lord. When faced with tribulation and persecution, they stumbled. The persecution that these new believers in Thessalonica faced was the test that ensured they were those who would develop to become fruit-bearing believers. Tests of tribulation and persecution are necessary to ensure that we graduate to become fruit-bearing children of God.
Paul later writes to the Thessalonian church that this trial of persecution was, in fact, what made them one of the most effective and powerful churches planted by Paul and the team. I Thessalonians 1:6-8 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, (7) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. (8) For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
Paul reminisces about how these believers in Thessalonica received the Gospel, and he thanks the Lord for them. I Thessalonians 2:13-14 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. (14) For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, Suffering for the Gospel is also what connects all of us as the body of Christ, worldwide. We are all one, as all of us, all over the world, have to face suffering for the name of Jesus.
Paul had been in Thessalonica for only three sabbaths, and so he sent Timothy to encourage them. Timothy was part of the team, along with Paul, Silas, and Luke, that came from Troas to Macedonia. I Thessalonians 3:2-5 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, (3) that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. (4) For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you *that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. (5) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
Timothy returned after visiting and strengthening the church in Thessalonica. Paul blesses the new church in Thessalonica. I Thessalonians 3:6-13 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you- (7) therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. (8) For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. (9) For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, (10) night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? (11) Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. (12) And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, (13) so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
Learning: Our responsibility is to nurture new believers in Christ through their trials.
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