Acts 17:1-15 (NIV)
Read by: Courtland Hopkins
When we say that Jesus is LORD we by implication say that other things are not.
Today on Daily Read, we see that from the very beginning, followers of Jesus have, in giving their allegiance to Jesus, had to withhold their allegiance to other kings and kingdoms. It’s not as obvious to us as we read the text in English, but in Greek the word for Christ is Christos, which literally means anointed one. And in the ancient world, to be called anointed is to either be thought of as a priest or a King. Jesus was fine with both, but Caesar, who referred to himself as the anointed one, was not fond of competition for the title. Therefore, when each person began to follow Jesus and say that Jesus is LORD, they were also saying that Caesar is not.
In our modern world there are ways to grasp how monumental this would have been, but it can’t be understood as denying allegiance to a single leader, that’s all too common in our day. Rather it would be more comprehensive than that. Caesar controlled virtually everything, to deny allegiance to him was to cut against the grain of society itself. It would be like saying today that Jesus is LORD and prosperity is not, or Jesus is LORD and comfort is not, or Jesus is LORD and America or democracy even is not.
This kind of singularity allegiance caused issues then and it causes issues today.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What stood out to you in this passage?
2. What is different about this interaction with the Thessolonians verses the cities and villages that Paul has visited before?
3. Would the same charge be brought against you, that you are defying a Caesar-like decree and calling another one King and LORD? Or are you sharing your allegiance with the ruling forces of the day that draw us to comfort, greed, hatred, lust, or and the rest?
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project: Acts 13-28 Overview >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Acts >>
----------CONNECT----------
Find an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Start an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Learn More >>
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free