JESUS and Evidence (Acts 17)

Anytime Paul came to a new location, he would look for a Jewish synagogue and teach there first...

(Acts 17:1-4)  Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.

SomeJews became believers just based on what Paul was saying; but there were Jews who became angry and stirred up the city against them, so Paul and Silas moved on to the next town...

(Acts 17:10-12)  The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.  11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.

These two locations were fairly close to each other, and so the persecution followed them from the last location, Thessalonica.  What was different in this location was that the Jews were more excited to hear the gospel message; even though they didn't just take Paul at his word - they examined the scriptures to make sure it was so.  This is something we should be doing.  A good church and a good pastor will say, "Don't just believe everything I/we say - be checking up on us in the scriptures so you see the evidence!"...

(2 Timothy 2:14-19)  Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene.  Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

As well, as we know and live by God's words, there will be evidence of Him working in our lives.  We should never test God - except in tithing...

(Malachi 3:10)  Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

But our obedience should be - because we love God, knowing that God loves us - and because we have faith, knowing God has best intentions...

(Philippians 2:12-13)  ...just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.