6/13/25

Acts 17:2-3 NASB95 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 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.”

Paul opened up the scriptures. What he had at that time would have been scrolls from Genesis to Malachi and He would have opened many. Perhaps Genesis 3:1-15 showing sin and the need of a blood sacrifice. Perhaps he went to Genesis 22 giving the illustration of God sparring Abraham's son Issac and providing His own sacrifice. Maybe then he went to Isaiah 53 that described the Messiah as a suffering servant, saying in Isaiah 53:5 NASB95 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.

Maybe then he went to Psalm 16:10-11 NASB95 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Then maybe he went to Jonah spending three days in the body of the Great fish.

There are many other places Paul could have went but one thing he did for sure is He GAVE EVIDENCE!

He showed that Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”

So many want evidence. They say prove to me, and I will believe, but if we read on, we see some had faith to believe, and others refused and fought against it.

Jesus tells us that even when one comes back from the dead some won't believe. Luke 16:31 NASB95 “But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

We have here the truth that we must share scripture showing the proof it has but some will not believe even though Jesus was raised to walk in new life.

So share with fervency and then disciple those who believe. But do not get so wrapped up in failures. It is not yours when you have shared. It is theirs.

Love Bro. Scott