October 16, 2026 - Acts 17

In Thessalonica, Paul preached in the synagogues and, as might be expected, was received differently by various groups.  Some who heard “were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women” (17:4).  “But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd” (17:5).  There were those who then cried out in opposition to Paul and his preaching, uttering one of the most amazing statements in all of Scripture:  “These men have turned the world upside down” (17:6).  That’s the story of Acts, isn’t it?  In fact, that’s the story of the last 2,000 years.  The preaching of the gospel has turned the world upside down!  Now, there is so much in this chapter – Paul and Silas in Berea and Paul in Athens at the Areopagus – and I want to return but, for now, just marvel at this statement:  “They have turned the world upside down!”  Wow!

We have a gospel to proclaim,

good news for all throughout the earth;

the gospel of a Saviour’s name:

we sing his glory, tell his worth.

Tell of his birth at Bethlehem . . .

Tell of his death at Calvary . . .

Tell of that glorious Easter morn . . .

Now we rejoice to name him King:

Jesus is Lord of all the earth;

this gospel-message we proclaim:

we sing his glory, tell his worth.   –Edward Burns (1968)