Paul’s Preaching Strategy

What does Acts 17:1-3 tell us about the where, the when, and the how of Paul's preaching strategy in Thessalonica?

We are told in this passage that Paul had a custom to go into the synagogues on the Sabbath Day to reason from the scriptures. Paul explained from the scriptures about Jesus Christ , giving evidence and showing how that Jesus is the Messiah. Paul’s preaching strategy was rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ.

Notice that Paul sought to reach people where they were, using that with which they were familiar. Why is this strategy so important? Think about those whom you want to reach. How can you learn to start where they are and not where you are?

In order connect to people with people I think it is important to start where they are. To start where are person is you must understand that persons condition or state. Paul knew his audience and he approached his audience appropriately. When we seek to do ministry it is also important to know our audience and from that understanding provide an appropriate presentation of truth. Paul’s preaching strategy was not a one size fits all operation he met the people where they were.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, help us to come close to suffering humanity. God help our hearts to be touched and drawn toward those whom you gave your most precious gift. Teach us to meet people where they are and share truth beautifully. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

I would like to have more compassion

Read Acts 16:9-40. According to the passage, why did the Philippians react so negatively to the gospel? What important principle can we find in their reaction that we always need to be wary of ourselves? In what other ways can this principle be made manifest, even in the lives of professed Christians?

While Paul was in Philipi he met a woman who was in bondage to the Devil. This woman followed wherever he went. It is noted that, this woman had a spirit of divination. Though this spirit she brought her masters much money. Paul eventually delivered this woman of her evil the spirit of divination, and it resulted in opposition from the Philippians.  The opposition was because it hurt the financial gain for some of the the Philippians.  Because the gospel liberated this woman she could no longer be used by her masters. When the gospel liberates someone they are free to live life not in subject to others; this freedom will not be welcomed by all.  Above all those who liberate others are a threat to those who profit from someone being in  bondage.

What are the things of the world that, if we're not careful, can draw us away from the Lord? Why, then, is it so important to keep the Cross and its meaning always in the center of our thoughts, especially when the lure of the world seems the strongest?

The bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil.  Money is something that trips people up all the time. Fame and popularity is something that gets other people. Whatever is your weak point there is a temptation that is designed specifically for you. We have to take time to reflect on what Christ has done for us and the reason why we are here. We have to not only keep in mind the hear and now but the hereafter.  There is a delicate balance between the two. When we reflect on the cross we see the end result of what the world offers and that is death. Jesus Christ is the only one who can provided us eternal life.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, When the evils of this wold allure us help us to stand firm in your mighty power. Please cover us with the precious blood of Jesus. In Jesus name Amen.