How does Acts 17:4 connect with Romans 1:16 about the power of the Gospel? The verses in focus Acts 17:4 — “Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women.” Romans 1:16 — “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and then to the Greek.” The immediate setting of Acts 17:4 • Paul has entered Thessalonica and reasoned from the Scriptures for three Sabbaths (Acts 17:2–3). • His message centers on Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection—core gospel truths (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). • The result: mixed but measurable fruit—Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and influential women respond in faith. Romans 1:16—Paul’s theological banner • The gospel is “the power of God for salvation.” • It operates on the simple condition of belief. • The order “first to the Jew, and then to the Greek” lays out God’s inclusive redemptive plan (cf. Acts 3:26; 13:46). Connecting threads: power on display in Acts 17:4 1. Visible persuasion – “Some of them were persuaded…” mirrors Romans 1:16’s promise that the gospel carries divine power to convince hearts (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:4–5). 2. Cross-cultural reach – Jews and Greeks respond, matching Romans 1:16’s scope. – Leading women embrace the message, highlighting the gospel’s societal reach (Galatians 3:28). 3. Holy Spirit empowerment – Luke often links belief to the Spirit’s work (Acts 11:21). – Paul later reminds the Thessalonians, “Our gospel came to you not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:5), indicating Acts 17:4 is the practical outworking of Romans 1:16. 4. Salvation in real time – Converts immediately “join” the mission community, evidencing new life (Acts 2:41-42; 2 Corinthians 5:17). 5. Fulfillment of prophetic expectation – Isaiah 49:6 foretells salvation reaching the Gentiles; Acts 17:4 records one fulfillment episode, and Romans 1:16 explains the principle behind it. Implications for today • The same gospel still carries God’s power—confidence for sharing. • Expect diversity in the harvest: no cultural, gender, or social barrier limits its reach. • Persuasion rests on Scripture and Spirit, not human eloquence (1 Corinthians 1:18, 24). • Joining a faith community is a natural step after belief, just as in Thessalonica. |
    |