Stepping into Christ’s Kingdom
This week, we jump forward quite a bit in the Acts narrative. A lot happens between last week’s healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-10) and this week, as Paul starts the church in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). Peter preaches the gospel, Steven presents the gospel and is stoned to death, and Peter escapes prison. I encourage anyone who is journeying through the narrative lectionary with us to spend time reading everything we skipped over to get to where we are today. We skipped so much more than what I just mentioned.
Today, we read of Paul going to Thessalonica, entering the synagogue, and presenting the good news of Christ, explaining the scriptures to those who listen. This causes quite a stir, as Paul claims a new kingdom led by Christ, who has ascended and is no longer present on earth. Many Jews don’t like this and take drastic measures to try and silence them, even going after the generous host who had given them a place to stay. Yet, despite the opposition, the gospel’s transformative power is evident.
They even use the excuse that they are going against the current political powers, claiming a king different from Ceaser. Sometimes, I wonder if we have lost the energy and urgency that the apostles, Paul and earlier followers felt as the early church proclaimed the gospel. They lived among the Romans and Jews but knew their ultimate allegiance was to Christ. They weren’t focused on transforming the current government; they were focused on people placing their faith in Christ.
Even more beautiful is that you can flip forward in your Bible to the 1st and 2nd Thessalonians to see that this tense scene isn’t the end of the Church in Thessalonica. An established group of believers united in their faith continue to follow the Spirit. Now, Paul doesn’t write to say they are doing well. He encourages them to keep following the Spirit and stay strong despite opposition and the difficulties of living differently from those around them. Paul speaks to them of the second coming of Christ and encourages them to be people who are not dependent on others but work with their hands and serve each other and God through their work.
Seeing the unfolding story of the apostles, Peter’s ministry, Stephen’s faith even unto death, and Paul’s persistence in sharing the gospel no matter the cost to self gives us much to consider as followers of Christ today. Do we live as though the second coming is a reality? Do we believe Christ has called us to share the Gospel? Do we know the Spirit gives us the words necessary to share it? Do we live as though God’s kingdom is the most important? Or have we decided to merge our kingdoms, politics, and lives with Christ’s teaching, creating a counterfeit kingdom?
Today, I challenge you to read the 1st and 2nd Thessalonians (it’s short) to hear Paul’s encouragement and challenge to continue being faithful to Christ. Then, ask God to reveal in your heart where you are building your kingdom instead of fully entering the kingdom Christ has called us. I will join you in doing the same.