Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

God’s Sovereignty in Human Affairs 

Here, we see Paul brought before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, by his Jewish opponents, who accuse him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio, however, dismisses the case as an internal matter of Jewish law, refusing to involve Roman authorities in theological disputes. This legal decision sets an…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

God’s Encouragement to Persevere

We see Paul’s ministry take a significant turn as he continues to proclaim the Gospel in Corinth. After facing opposition in the synagogue, he moves his work to the house of Titius Justus, a Gentile worshiper of God whose home provided a strategic base for ministry. Interestingly, Titius Justus’s house was located right next to the synagogue, ensuring…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Devotion to the Word and Bold Witness 

In this passage, we see a pivotal moment in Paul’s ministry as Silas and Timothy arrive, likely bringing support from the Macedonian churches, which allows Paul to fully devote himself to preaching the Word. Freed from the need to labor for his livelihood, Paul intensifies his efforts to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the promised…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Building Ministry Through Work and Fellowship

In these verses Paul’s arrival in Corinth is characterized by an inspiring blend of practical work and purposeful ministry. Arriving in a bustling Roman colony marked by economic vibrancy and cultural diversity, Paul finds welcome and partnership in the home and workshop of Aquila and Priscilla—a devoted couple who share the same…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Mixed Responses and Ongoing Hope

In this passage, we see how Paul’s address in Athens received a spectrum of reactions, an outcome that remains all too familiar today. His carefully delivered message stirred both mockery and curiosity among his audience. While some listeners responded with scornful laughter—a reaction steeped in the traditional Greek…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Persuasion Through Rhetoric…Again!

In these verses, we see Paul’s continued use of his rhetorical skill. Again, rhetoric is the art of speaking and persuasion.  

Paul combines reasoning (logos), personal credibility (ethos), and an appeal to the listeners' emotions (pathos). He begins by establishing common ground with his audience, reminding them that they are God’s…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Persuasion Through Rhetoric

In this passage, we see Paul speaking in Athens with remarkable rhetorical skill—a method rooted in the art of persuasion. Rhetoric, at its essence, is the disciplined art of using language effectively to inform, influence, and inspire. Paul, fully aware of the intellectual traditions of his audience, begins by respectfully acknowledging…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Seeking the New in Light of the Ancient

Paul’s experience in Athens takes on a strikingly thoughtful dimension as he is brought before the city’s venerable council for inquiry. The Areopagus, long known as the respected tribunal of Athenian aristocrats, provided a formal venue for evaluating the propriety of any new teaching. Here, Paul, much like the revered school of Socrates, presents ideas…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Stirred by Idolatry, Steadfast in Truth

We see Paul profoundly moved by the overwhelming presence of idolatry that filled Athens—a city renowned for its philosophical legacy and rich array of temple images. His spirit was stirred as he beheld the multitude of idols, reflecting a righteous discontent toward misplaced worship. Far from reacting with harshness, Paul allowed this…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Strategic Withdrawal and New Horizons

Here we see Paul acting with discernment and leadership amid rising opposition. Rather than engaging in futile confrontation, Paul, as the mission’s primary leader, wisely chose to withdraw from a hostile environment. His strategic departure was not an act of defeat, but a deliberate move designed to remove himself from the escalating…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Noble Minds and Daily Inquiry

In this passage, we read about the exemplary response of the Beroeans to Paul’s message—a response marked by nobility of mind and a genuine eagerness to search the Scriptures. The Beroeans did not simply receive the teaching at face value; rather, they diligently examined the sacred scriptures—likely the Old Testament in its Greek translation—to see if…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Lessons from a Timeless Encounter

These are an interesting set of verses. What we learn is that not much has changed from Paul’s day to ours. 

We see Paul engaging in a ministry marked by persuasion rather than confrontation. Rather than resorting to heated debates or fights, Paul relied on the power of gentle, reasoned…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

A Reasoned Witness Rooted in the Old Testament

In this brief narrative, we see Paul entering the synagogue in Thessalonica with a bold and thoughtful approach that mirrors the method of Jesus. Paul methodically reasons from the sacred texts of the Old Testament, demonstrating that the story of Jesus’ suffering and resurrection is not an isolated event but the fulfillment of ancient prophetic…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Honor Restored and Humility Displayed 

In this passage, we witness a dramatic reversal in the treatment of Paul and Silas that underscores both the supremacy of God’s justice and the sanctity of human honor under the law. After their harsh mistreatment, the authorities—alarmed upon realizing that the apostles were Roman citizens—sought to avert further disgrace…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Transformative Salvation

In this passage we witness a dramatic shift in a hardened heart when an unexpected, awe-inspiring event forces a moment of deep reflection and faith. Overwhelmed by a mighty earthquake that shook the foundations of his prison, the jailer’s fear reaches a peak reminiscent of the trembling seen by Moses at Sinai. In his alarm, he…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Praise Amid Persecution 

In this passage, we witness a stirring display of unwavering faith amidst severe trials. Though imprisoned and brutally beaten, Paul and Silas did not allow despair to overcome them; instead, they filled the darkness of their cell with impassioned hymns, offering praise to God in the very heart of their suffering. Their midnight…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Unjust Punishment and Divine Sovereignty

Here, we witness how the powerful work of God through Paul and Silas provoked a severe backlash from local interests. After a miraculous liberation that freed a slave girl from a demonic bondage—an act that underscored the transformative power of the Gospel—their ministry quickly attracted the ire of those whose…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Challenging Accusations and Unrest

Here we encounter a dramatic reaction to the liberation of a slave girl from a spirit of divination. Although her deliverance was a sign of God’s transformative power—freeing her from a demonic bondage that had economically benefited her owners—the very act of liberation created a stir. The slave girl’s newfound freedom meant the loss of profit…

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Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat Daily Scriptures Peter Thavornrat

Divine Authority Over Darkness 

In this passage, we observe a dramatic demonstration of the unstoppable power of the Gospel as Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. This spirit, echoing the ambiguous prophetic traditions of pagan oracles, compelled the girl to proclaim that the servants of the Most High God were present. Although her…

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