The Book of Acts: Turn the World Upside Down

In Acts 17:1-15, we follow Paul and Silas on their missionary journey as they travel through Thessalonica and Berea, two significant cities in the early spread of Christianity. This passage highlights the challenges and triumphs they encounter as they boldly proclaim the gospel message.
Upon arriving in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas engage with the local Jewish community, reasoning from the Scriptures about the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection. Their message finds a receptive audience among some Jews, a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and prominent women. However, their success also stirs up opposition, leading to hostility and accusations from those resistant to the gospel.

Despite the opposition, Paul and Silas's commitment to their mission remains unwavering. They soon travel to Berea, where they again preach the gospel. The Bereans are noted for their noble character, eagerly receiving the message and examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul and Silas's teachings. This Berean response contrasts sharply with the hostility in Thessalonica, yet opposition follows them even to Berea, prompting further challenges.

Through these events, we witness Paul and Silas's courage to proclaim the gospel in the face of danger, their deep conviction in the truth of their message, and their steadfast commitment to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Their example inspires us to consider how we can embody these same qualities in our own faith journeys.


Turn the World Upside Down
Acts 17:1-15


1. Courage
1. How did Paul and Silas demonstrate courage in Thessalonica and Berea? What risks            did they face?
2.  Can you recall a time when you had to show courage in sharing your faith or                        standing up for your beliefs? What was the outcome?
         3. How can we as a small group support one another in being courageous in our faith?

2. Conviction
1. How did Paul's and Silas's convictions about the gospel influence their actions in              these passages?
2. When faced with opposition in Thessalonica, how did Paul and Silas respond? What              does this teach us about handling opposition with conviction?
3. What practices can we incorporate into our lives to strengthen our convictions in               our faith?
3. Commitment
1. Describe the commitment of Paul and Silas to their mission, despite the challenges               they encountered. How did their commitment impact the early church?
2. In what ways can we stay committed to our faith and mission in the long term, even               when it is difficult?


What modern-day situations require courage, conviction, and commitment from believers? How can we prepare ourselves to respond to these challenges?

Spend time praying for one another, asking for God’s strength to exhibit courage, conviction, and commitment in specific areas of life.