WEDNESDAY August 30, 2023
Reasoning From the Scriptures
Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”
Acts17:2-3
For three Sabbaths, Paul came into the Jewish synagogue and argued his point––Jesus Christ was the Messiah. Remember, Paul taught from the Old Testament Scriptures; the New Testament had not yet been written. He peacefully reasoned with his fellow Jews. The word reasoned means “to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss.” For the most part, many Jews were convinced that Jesus was not the Messiah––the Son of God.
In the book of Romans, Paul wrote an interesting fact about the Jews: not only do they have hardened hearts, but the majority of Jews in Israel still remain blind to the knowledge of Christ being their Messiah. It is not until the last person among the Gentiles is saved that their eyes will finally be opened: ...blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Romans 11:25).
Like Paul, I like to reason with Jewish people from the Old Testament Scriptures, right from their own writings. I take them to Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. I ask them to tell me what these Scriptures are speaking about. They will answer me that these Scriptures are speaking about the nation of Israel. Wrong! These Scriptures reveal to us a Person––Jesus Christ––the Suffering Servant.
Paul was able to reason with the Jews, and within three short weeks, he established the church in Thessalonica. He gave them the full counsel of God. Paul proved Christ was the Messiah, as seen in the Scriptures. As a result, many people made a solid commitment to Christ. They truly became born again! Why not take a step of faith and reason with someone from the Scriptures who Christ is and their need for Him to be their personal Savior.
Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.
~John R.W. Stott~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
