Unstoppable! 'Various Groups Come Together' — Acts 17:4

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Some of the Jews who listened [to Paul's proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah] were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.

— Acts 17:4 NLT

Key Thought

As we have seen throughout Acts, Paul and his mission team often began in the synagogue. In Macedonia and Achaia — essentially what is now modern Greece, there were typically responses from a wide variety of groups:*

  • Some committed Jewish people.
  • Many God-fearers — Gentiles who believed in the one true and living God of the Scriptures. They were drawn to the Good News because of their hunger for godliness and morality.
  • Prominent women of influence — probably well-educated and of financial substance.
  • Other Gentiles who were idol worshippers, not God-fearers.

Paul had a strategy that was rooted in the culture of his time. This strategy worked remarkably well. He knew how to appeal to the "God-longing" in different groups, and his messages in Acts reflect that cultural awareness. We must follow his example. Our goal is not to copy Paul's specific tactics, but to follow his example of knowing those we are trying to reach and knowing what touches their hearts with the Good News of Jesus.

* The Related Scripture Readings help show the various groups that came together in the churches.

Today's Prayer

O Father, help me understand my world and the cultures I am involved in trying to reach. I want to know how to speak your hope, joy, and love into the hearts of men and women who are searching for you — even those people who are longing for something or someone they don't know. Give me wisdom and patience, along with the right words and the tender attitude I need to share Jesus with them. I ask for this help in his name and by his authority. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 16:6-10, 13-15, 17:1-5, 10-12, 22-23, 33-34, 18:4-8
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10; Romans 16:1-3; Philippians 4:2-3

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 17:4 NLT — Some of the Jews who listened [to Paul's proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah] were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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