“Reasoning From the Scriptures"
Acts 17:1-15
Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” [Acts 17:2-3]
Paul, “as his custom was,” sought a synagogue in every city he visited to share the Gospel of Christ. He came to Thessalonica, which unlike Philippi, had a synagogue because there were ten or more practicing religious Jews.
He remained in Thessalonica for “three Sabbath,” and during that time he preached the Cross and Resurrection, “explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead…”
It is a fascinating study to connect Paul’s letter to the Thessalonica church with this historical account in Acts 17:1-15. It reveals what Paul focused on over those “three Sabbaths.” He emphasized the Resurrection of Christ [the first fruit] and the resurrection of believers in Christ [the latter fruit].
“One of the striking features of 1 Thessalonians is the depth of the teaching that Paul had communicated during only three weeks of a church’s existence. There are people today who feel that teaching eschatology (the study of last days prophecy) is too advanced and complicated for newer Christians, and there are some who feel that it is too complicated even for mature Christians. Paul didn’t feel that way. He included it in his New Believers class. Why? Because it provides tremendous comfort for those who are suffering and powerful motivation for us to live our lives with the right priorities.” – Chuck Smith
First and Second Thessalonians are oftentimes coined as Paul’s eschatology letters. They give profound insight into events leading to Christ’s return, particularly the rapture of the Church [ref. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18].
Paul felt it was important for new believers in Thessalonica to understand the final chapter. It gave them eternal hope in the midst of temporal persecution. It helped them to live lives in the here and now with right priorities.
And the same is true today. Knowing the final chapter, how it is all going to end, helps us to live faithful and true today.
We, too, therefore, “reasoning from the Scriptures,” must make it a priority to know the final chapter.
