Human Reasoning? Wins versus Losses?
Do you remember the verse, “My ways are not your ways?” Jesus is speaking and alludes to the fact that even as the Christ, His ways (reasoning, wisdom, and knowledge) is far superior to even the brightest human being. Paul was a very bright man. He was educated in the best schools, learned under Gamaliel at the School of Theology in Jerusalem, yet his human reasoning only went so far. It was not until the Road to Damascus that God’s wisdom was added to Paul’s curriculum vitae.
What does it mean to reason?
I suspect that Paul’s physical beating at Philippi was nothing compared to the mental anguish he must have been feeling as he attempted to “reason” with the Jews in the various synagogues during his second missionary journey. We’re going to witness some of Paul’s work at multiple cities, each time going to the synagogue to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Read Acts 17
Thessalonica was an important city. It was on the Egnatian Way, the major trade and travel route from Asia to Rome. Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. The city got its name from Cassander, a general of Alexander the Great, who named the city after his wife, the daughter of Philip II.
- Verse two tells us that Paul and Silas reasoned with the Jews and Greeks at the synagogue. His reasoning was to “explain and prove” that Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. If this class were to be asked to develop this model of explanation and proof, how would we do it? What Scripture would you use?
The Christ Model of Salvation.
Using the spaces below, given your faith in the Savior, share with someone who does not know Jesus as his Savior.
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- We are not told how many believed Paul’s message, but we are told of the variety. List them from verse four.
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- Why is this variety important to the ongoing mission effort in Thessalonica? Why is it important today?
- We have witnessed some in the “win” column after Paul’s reasoning. What about the losses? Verses 5-9 tell the story. What term does Luke use here to describe their state of being?
Jealousy
Jealousy is used in three senses in Scripture; (1) as intolerance of rivalry or unfaithfulness; (2) as a disposition suspicious of rivalry or unfaithfulness; and (3) as hostility towards a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage. Sense 3 approximates envy. God is jealous for His people Israel in sense 1, that is, God is intolerant of rival gods (Ex. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 4:24; 5:9) One expression of God’s jealousy for Israel is God’s protection of His people from enemies. Thus, God’s jealousy includes avenging Israel (Ezek. 36:6; 39:25; Nah. 1:2; Zech. 1:14; 8:2). Phineas is described as jealous with God’s jealousy (Num. 25:11, 13, sometimes translated zealous for God). Elijah is similarly characterized as jealous (or zealous) for God (1 Kings 19:10, 14). In the New Testament Paul speaks of his divine jealousy for the Christians at Corinth (2 Cor. 11:2).
Numbers 5:11-30 concerns the process by which a husband suspicious of his wife’s unfaithfulness might test her. Most often human jealousy involves hostility towards a rival. Joseph’s brothers were jealous (Gen. 37:11) and thus sold their brother into slavery (Acts 7:9). In Acts 17:5 a jealous group among the Jews incited the crowd against Paul. Jealousy, like envy, is common in vice lists (Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20-21). Jealousy is regarded as worse than wrath or anger (Prov. 27:4). James regarded jealousy (or bitter envy) as characteristic of earthy, demonic wisdom (3:14) and as the source of all disorder and wickedness (3:16). (Source: Holman’s Bible Dictionary)
Yes, some were jealous of Paul’s wins. So the losing side sought to gain its own momentum. They attempted to find the offenders but had to settle for Paul and Silas’ host, Jason. How did Jason suffer for the Lord in this description?
- Paul and Silas were off to Berea. How would you describe their stay in Berea? Compare to Thessalonica.
- Berea was not on a major highway or route. Perhaps that’s why Paul left by himself and left Silas and Timothy there to continue the mission work.
- Luke tells us that Paul was waiting for his missionary team before beginning their work there. But Paul couldn’t wait. Again, Paul goes to the synagogue and attempts to “reason” with them. Luke tells us that Paul had to deal with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.
Epicurean Philosophy
centered on the search for happiness. Pleasure is the beginning and fulfillment of a happy life. Often today, Epicurus’ ideas are distorted. Many think he proposed a life of sensual pleasure and gluttony. This concept is far from his philosophy and his own lifestyle. To Epicurus happiness could only be achieved through tranquillity and a life of contemplation. The goal of Epicureanism was to acquire a trouble-free state of mind, to avoid the pains of the body, and especially mental anguish. Epicureans sought seclusion from worldly temptations. Epicurus taught that a man should not become involved in politics or affairs of the state. These activities simply served to distract one from the life of contemplation.
He believed in gods, but he thought that they were totally unconcerned with the lives or troubles of mortals. Still, according to Epicurus, it was appropriate to worship the gods because it leads to happiness.
Even though Epicurean thought focused on the search for happiness and advocated withdrawal from the world’s affairs, it was by no means an egoistic philosophy. Friendship was a very important aspect of the philosophy. Indeed, friendship was seen as the best attribute of society. A true Epicurean was willing to give one’s own life for a friend. The ideal society was a group of like minds living together. Epicureans believed in equality. Both slaves and women were received as equals at the school.
The Epicurean quest for happiness left little time for concern for afterlife. Epicureans believed in living happy and dying happy. Death did not concern them. They believed that death should be met with a serene mind. In death, the soul is asleep and can no longer be disturbed.
Now in Athens, what technique did Paul use to begin his “reasoning” with the philosophers? According to twenty-two, how did he compliment them?
In Paul’s oration, he even quotes one of the Epicurean poets. “We are his offspring.” The unknown god now takes human form and is none other than the Christ that died for them and us. Remember, the Epicureans were not at all concerned about death and the life hereafter. Some sneered at this idea of resurrection, but others wanted to hear more. Alone and in the midst of many of the world’s best scholars, Paul uses some of their own principles to prove his point. How can we use this eample as we may meet people from a different belief?
Let’s go back through Paul’s visits in chapter 17 and identify some of the people that were mentioned as coming to faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- Thessalonica
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- Berea
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- Athens
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