Explaining and proving.

Acts 17:2-5, And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 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.

Paul shows us the value of Scripture in explaining and proving, and also that there are those who will hear and be persuaded. Even so, there are others who will rise up with their own personal jealousies and agendas, those who are willing to use any means necessary to maintain their position of power. We have the truth and even though we offer it in love, some may violently reject it. Yet those who hear and believe are transformed into His new creation, born again, saved! Are we willing to bring other the good news as did Paul?

Give us this same boldness to bring Your good news to others, even in the face of jealous and wicked opposition.

ESV Lectionary