FRIDAY September 1, 2023

Turning the World Upside Down for Christ

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
Acts 17:6-9

The apostles were very effective in their preaching, and it brought opposition from evil men. An angry mob had come upon Jason’s house to seize the apostles, but Paul and Silas had escaped. In the chaos and unruliness, Jason and some of the brethren were dragged out of the home and charged before the rulers of the city. As they stood there, the mob cried out damaging charges. They accused them of harboring men who were turning the world upside down, but that really was a great charge to be made against them!

Seriously, they should have charged them with this statement instead: those who have turned the world right side up! That is exactly what the Gospel of Jesus Christ does. It heals people’s lives as they come into a right relationship with God.

The other serious charge brought against Jason and the others as Paul’s accomplices was they all were acting contrary to the decree of Caesar. Why? They proclaimed Jesus as King. Caesar Augustus had set up a degree, Christians were commanded to bow their knee and say, “Caesar is Lord.” If they refused, they were crucified, set on fire, or thrown to the lions. Many made a courageous stand and said: “Jesus is Lord.” During this time in history, persecuted Christians gave their lives for Christ.

Bail was set for security and taken from Jason, so they were all let go. They would have to return to jail at a later time to answer the charges. These disciples counted the cost for turning the world to Christ.

If any of you would be saved your hearts must be turned upside down. I will now appeal to you, and ask you whether you have ever felt this––whether you know the meaning of it?
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!