Hoped So

Acts 17:4-6

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Hold up for a moment. You might be wondering where we are. Thessalonica is where we get our modern-day word for 'thalassophobia.' Simply put, this means a fear of deep water. This city stands for the deep places of God. These are as certain as a rock or a mineral to be mined. These are as high and as lofty as an icon of regions already frequented. These are as certain as the Word on which it rests. Those that are wise among you might be saying to yourselves, 'how do you know.' My friend, I know whatever happens here will be good, for behind it is God. Even if Paul must struggle to string basic doctrinal truths together, God can keep him. Some of you just lack the faith to believe this. If that be the case, God can provide for your lack should you but ask him. Notice who came to the altar call following the three-day preaching session. There are some believing Jews, devoted Greeks, and some big chief women. Who came is very important. For indeed it will shape what happens next. But first see how these people do. They "consort with" the apostles. Here Paul is calling for some other believers to show their Christian love. Yet these here are doing so already. In the day to day, they are living with the apostles. Imagine how encouraging it was for the church to grow. Imagine also how the apostles know they are alone no longer in their wanderings. Now, the chief women will anger the baser fellows as we will see soon enough. Say it with me now, 'that is how the devil do.' He hates for anyone to come to Jesus. But he especially dislikes when those male leaders in the community and their chief women come. You might wonder at this; tell me now. When the devil wishes to tear down a family, church, and community, where does he go. He comes to the chief women with some "lewd fellows of the baser sort." Think of it as Mafia or gang related activities if you will. Carry on with that sort of hit and run behavior long enough and everything built will soon resemble Chicago.

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Is it not interesting how Paul wants to discuss ministry to the saints now. He chose to do so at such a time like this. It seems every time the church grows, persecution follows. So, you tell me, Mr. Wise Guy if you feel like joking now. I know some of you in this situation would not dare. You know everything that Paul has borne. He left all for Christ to follow him like the disciples of Matthew 19:27. Leaving Lydia and her house was just the last in a long string of injustices. But for Paul it was likely hardest to handle. Now he says it is unnecessary to write the church further. He only does so regarding their Christian ministry, touching the saints, and the feeling of the Macedonians following him. Stop laughing now. You just agreed with me that the situation is not funny. While I have your attention, look with me at 2 Corinthians 9:1-5. When you do Godly ministry, you must be ready for all sorts of things. Paul might say it is unnecessary to warn the church of such attacks. So it is, for they are experiencing them first-hand. But I will tell you of them also since you must always be ready. Now, the chief women are key in turning the city into disarray. If only these women would quit praising, speaking, and worshipping God. Then all sorts of lewd behaviors follow, with the strange men's encouragement. If only some believing men would stop it from happening. Because none did, the various races now start to fight each other openly. Once I knew those of the persuasion of the Jewish leaders with the lewd men. Believe me, when they were done several charities, chief women, and godly leaders had been shut down. Such is all the devil's work just the same. Only, you might call it by slightly different names. See this city in uproar. It seems Satan is free to do as he wants unhindered. Only one household still stands for God. So, the crowd settles on him, one by the name of Jason. But how many of you know that God is still on the throne, amen.

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Remember how I told you the devil seeks only to steal, kill, and destroy. But you did not yet believe me, did you. Now see how zeal without knowledge can lead many into danger. Paul himself warns the church of this. Yet there is a certain other sort of zeal that comes along with Godly works. Here, he commends their zeal. Indeed, they are a boast unto the Macedonians due to their readiness to receive the things of the Lord. So many lives were influenced because one church served Jesus. I bet some of the Macedonians said to each other, 'let us go out and see what the Lord has done.' Nor would Paul deny the possibility. We see here that forward thinking produces a harvest of much. There are so many things working together here that only God could do it. Look how the situation is. Jason was picked because he was faithful. When it may look like no one is left, God always has someone waiting. We have seen how much disorder the devil would bring. Now let us see how God has just one man, one house, and one church of believers. You might be saying to yourself, 'look; the Lord protected the apostles this time.' Yes, he certainly did. Here the believers are hauled unto the council, just like last time. There the charges are as follows and I quote: "turning the world upside down."

Well, I see the fine job they did with the city at least. My, it might be messed up. But the devil's workers always like to accuse someone else of what they are currently doing. But look how God can use this lot of foolish talking. Romans 10:10 reminds that the mouth makes confession of him unto salvation. Here Paul is saying, 'believers get ready.' There is a harvest coming. These are no idle boasts. Rather, the church really ought to trade their garment of mourning, shame, and confusion as in Isaiah 61:3. Someone put on your dancing shoes and get dressed for the love of God. The church of Macedonia is in the house tonight. Believe me, they now have a testimony. Here, those who lack much will indeed be blessed. Soon the house will want for nothing. Because of whom God is will he do this. See how this road trip is going down thus far today. Some of you really ought to praise him. Those of you who cannot, quit wanting what other people have. God has not changed. The same God who did it before can do it again. But look now, here comes the test for some hope so people.