Daily Bible Plan – Acts of the Apostels 17

12. March 2026

Devotion by Deaconess Ruth Ahiabor

Theme: My Job, My Kingdom Assignment

Devotion: Acts 17:1-15

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Introduction

In Acts 17:1-15, Paul and Silas again face opposition for preaching the gospel in Thessalonica a seaport town 100 miles from Philippi. Thessalonica provided both sea and land routes to other areas of the world and Paul’s strategic choice of this city led to it becoming a center for spreading the gospel to other parts of the Roman world.

The Assignment doesn’t change because we fall on hard times

After being released from prison in Philippi, Paul and Silas only stopped briefly at Lydia’s house to comfort and encourage the brothers and sisters, after which they were on their way again to continue their missionary assignment, this time stopping in Thessalonica.

Instead of the prison experience at Philippi causing Paul to lose his zeal, it rather strengthened him.

And when we as believers walk in our true assignment, then push backs and satanic setbacks should never deter us but rather spur us unto greater works in accordance with James 1: 2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Let us not grow weary in doing good

“As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people.”

Acts 17:2

Paul had a custom of visiting the Jewish synagogue when he entered a city - a tradition he kept even when he visited Thessalonica.

The first place of ministry the team went to in Thessalonica was the synagogue

where Paul “reasoned” with the Jews and expounded the scriptures.

And after presenting the gospel to the Jews, he moved to ministering to the Gentiles; explaining [opening] and demonstrating [persuading] how Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead.

By so doing some Jews were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, were won to Christ and joined Paul and Silas.

Those who endure much in ministry and still take on the next challenge are people of courage

Paul faced intense resistance in Thessalonica (v5-9) but he didn’t back down, instead, he kept preaching, moved to Berea, and kept sharing (v10)

When we seek to protect themselves above everything we will not become effective in the mission of Christ. On the contrary, Christians with a high priority for the gospel never become defeated by challenges they face in ministry; Nothing daunts them at all. This kind of courage does not come from self but from a deep trust in a God who can be trusted.

Open Minded and with Great Eagerness

“The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they entered the Jewish synagogue. Now these people were more noble and open-minded than those in Thessalonica, so they received the message [of salvation through faith in the Christ] with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

Acts 17:10-11

Paul’s perseverance was finally rewarded in the town of Beroea. The Christians here received his teachings with eagerness, and excitement but they also went back home to check what they had been taught daily against the scriptures scriptures (vs 11-12)

* In due season we will always reap the reward if we do not faint

* Openness to God's word leads to growth and transformation and it also draws others to the faith

This is a relevant example for us today; Week after week, we receive the word of truth from our pulpit. How well Are we like the Bereans, seeking truth and responding to scripture?

Conclusion

• The Assignment does not change because we fall on hard times

• Let us not grow weary in doing good

• Those who endure much in ministry any stil take on the next challenge are people of courage

Reflection

• How do I respond to opposition when sharing my faith?

• How can I be like the Bereans, searching scripture with openness?

• How can I encourage the spread of the gospel in my own circles?

Chair time

Read Acts 17:1-15 again

Shalom

Deaconess Ruth