"Acts 17-21"
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In an 1880 case — Miles vs. United States — the Supreme Court ruled that a jury can't convict someone unless they have enough evidence of guilt "to the exclusion of all reasonable doubt." We believe defendants are "innocent until proven guilty," and proof should be "beyond a reasonable doubt." But in the modern media age — even with a sequestered jury — some trials can become public relations battles. And in Paul's day, too, cases sometimes played out first in the "court of public opinion."
The Charges
Theophilus, the recipient of Acts (Acts 1:1), had probably heard of "disturbances" (Acts 19:23) throughout the empire tied to Paul and other Christians. At every turn this week, Christianity itself will face opposition. Were Christians a dangerous gang of troublemakers? Or was it a misunderstood movement that could change the world for the better?
- Monday (Acts 17), they'll face accusers in Thessalonica who say they "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6) — not something the Romans wanted.
- Tuesday (Acts 18), Jews will bring Paul before Gallio the proconsul, but he will declare the matter an internal, religious debate among Jews, effectually making Christianity legal in Corinth (Acts 18:14-16).
- Wednesday (Acts 19), an Ephesian group of silversmiths decide that Christianity threatens their profits in the idol-making business "in almost all of Asia" because Paul says, "gods made with hands are not gods" (Acts 19:26).
- Finally, on Friday (Acts 21), Jews in Jerusalem will accuse Paul of "teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law" and bringing Gentiles into the temple (Acts 21:28).
The Jury
Paul made his case by "reasoning with" people (Acts 17:2,17; 18:4,19; 19:8,9; 24:25). But that defense strategy only works with fair-minded, impartial people. Paul was "explaining and proving" his case (Acts 17:3) in Thessalonica, but many Jews became jealous and took him before the city rulers (Acts 17:5-6). But those in Berea were more noble-minded. What can you learn from their open-minded example, as they searched the Scriptures daily to see if Paul’s words were true (Acts 17:11)?
The Defendants
The personal vignettes of disciples in these chapters make a compelling case for Christianity. What kind of character do they display?
- Tuesday (Acts 18), we'll meet Aquila and Priscilla, an extraordinary Christian couple chased from Rome along with other Jews. Notice how they approach Apollos, and then examine your approach to correcting others.
- Thursday's reading (Acts 20) offers a look into an early Christian assembly (Acts 20:7-12) and then gives insights into the responsibility God gives to church leaders (Acts 20:17-38). Look for applications from these invaluable glimpses into the life of the first-century church.
The case for Christianity continues to play out in the "court of public opinion." These disciples boldly spoke while unsure what it might cost them. May we learn from their example and do the same! It makes me think of the old question: if you someone accused you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
