Do you have a Jesus sharing strategy?
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a massive blessing, and it carries with it a great responsibility to make disciples as we journey in our faith. Making disciples can be hard and thankless, it can become discouraging. Paul and Silas give us great insight into the way to deal with the challenges, of making disciples by praying for and being obedient to the strategic wisdom of Jesus Christ and trusting in Him to build His Church.
Scripture
Acts 17:1-9 ESV Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. [2] And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, [3] explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” [4] And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. [5] But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. [6] And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, [7] and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” [8] And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. [9] And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
Through the Scripture
Be strategic with fellow workers
Luke the author switches from us and we to they, indicating that at least he had not travelled with Paul and Silas. This had the advantage of continuing the ministry in Philippi and also making it possible for Timothy to follow up Paul’s work in Thessalonica at a later stage. Which he did. We should remember that the church should be a tight knit team working together for the salvation of God’s people.
Acts 17:1-9 ESV Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia,
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 ESV Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, [2] and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, [3] that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.
Be strategic with ministry priorities
Paul always took the Gospel to the Jews first. This strategy followed Jesus example and also ensured that there were a small number of Jewish converts who knew the Jewish Scriptures who would be a base for the continued growth and teaching of the Church. We should also pray for specific priorities to our ministry into any group or community.
Acts 17:1b03 ESV they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. [2] And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, [3] explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”
Matthew 15:24 ESV He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 10:5-7 ESV These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, [6] but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Focus on the success
It’s easy to get despondent when trying to lead people to faith in the Lord Jesus. The scriptures say that there is much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. We should have the same attitude, and be greatly encouraged by every small success. Praise the Lord Jesus for every work of redemption and celebrate it to His glory.
Acts 17:4 ESV And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
Luke 15:7 ESV Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Expect resistance from human sinfulness
It’s important not to let trials distract or discourage us from the work Jesus has saved us to do. We should not be surprised when resistance comes, but trust that Jesus knows how to overcome the resistance.
Acts 17:5 ESV But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Be grateful for fellow workers and appreciate their hardships
When we suffer for our faith, we never suffer alone. Christians all over the world face the same trials as we do, this should encourage us to persevere, remembering that Jesus suffered far more than any of us.
Acts 17:6 ESV And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
James 1:2-4 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Remember who you are serving
When it’s gets really difficult and the pain of suffering is great, we should be reminded of who we are serving - the King of Kings. He will not fail, and He will reward all of His faithful servants, for more than we can imagine.
Acts 17:7 ESV and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
Revelation 1:5-6 ESV and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood [6] and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Trust Jesus to continue to build His Church
Finally whatever the outcomes of our efforts, never forget that Jesus builds His Church and He never fails. We may not get to complete what we start - but He always completes what He starts. We fight on knowing that He has already won.
Acts 17:8 ESV And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. [9] And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-8 ESV For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, [5] because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. [6] And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, [7] so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. [8] For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.
Daily Devotions
Monday: The Strategy of Fellow Workers
Today's Verse Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. (Acts 17:1 ESV)
Reflection The journey of Paul and Silas demonstrates that effective ministry requires deliberate strategy. When we see them passing through certain towns and arriving at others, we realize that this movement was prayerfully planned. The team changed composition, with Luke staying behind in Philippi. This intentional splitting of resources allowed the ministry to continue in Philippi and also strategically positioned Timothy to follow up later in Thessalonica. This highlights that making disciples is not a solo endeavor; the church must be a tight-knit team working together for the salvation of God’s people. Paul and Silas were trusting that the newly established church could minister to the surrounding areas within walking distance, giving them the freedom to move on. We must remember that we are not the only ones doing the work; we have the whole body of Christ and, most importantly, God Himself working through us.
Additional Scripture Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 ESV)
Life Application Refuse the temptation to feel overwhelmed by believing that all ministry is on your shoulders. Seek out other believers and work together strategically, thinking through how resources can be best used to reach more people. Trust Jesus to use the existing church and other workers to sustain the ministry you have begun.
Prayer points
Pray that He provides us with strategic wisdom regarding how and where to invest our efforts.
Pray for Our fellow workers and for unity within the body of Christ, that we may labor together effectively.
Ask God to help us trust in Him and His work through other believers to carry on ministry, even if we move on.
Tuesday: Prioritizing Ministry and Reasoning from Scripture
Today's Verse And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (Acts 17:2 ESV)
Reflection Paul followed a clear strategy: He always took the Gospel to the Jews first. This approach was deliberate and mirrored the example set by Jesus, who stated He was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Paul’s method was to reason with them from the Scriptures. This was pragmatic, as the Jews already knew the Old Testament, which entirely predicts and teaches about the coming of Jesus Christ. Paul sought to gain allies who knew the Scriptures to form a base for the continued growth and teaching of the Church. Paul’s ministry was strategic, relying not on human wisdom but on the wisdom of Jesus Christ and the power of the Word. We, too, should pray for specific priorities in our ministry and trust His deliberate plan.
Additional Scripture He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24 ESV) These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ (Matthew 10:5-7 ESV)
Life Application We should be strategic and deliberate about how we share our faith, seeking clear priorities guided by prayer. When we minister, we should rely heavily on the Scriptures, using them to explain and ground the message of Jesus Christ. Consider where you can focus your energy to best build up a foundation of believers who understand the Word of God.
Prayer points
Pray that He directs our ministry priorities and efforts.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give us diligence in studying the Scriptures so we can reason clearly from them.
Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel in places where God is directing us to.
Wednesday: Proving Christ's Necessity to Suffer and Rise
Today's Verse explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” (Acts 17:3 ESV)
Reflection The heart of Paul's teaching was the explanation and proof that the Christ—the Messiah—must suffer and then rise from the dead. Jesus' entire life was characterized by suffering in perfect obedience to God so that He could take our sin upon His shoulders and free us from the consequences. This core message of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection is the fulfilment of the Old Testament and the proof that He is the promised Christ. Paul was not merely presenting an idea but was proclaiming, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ". This truth—that He lived, died, was raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven—through the Holy Spirit has the power to change lives and build churches.
Life Application Focus Your sharing of the Gospel on the truth that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection were necessary for redemption. Be ready to prove from Scripture that He is the Christ. Do not forget that Jesus suffered poverty and struggle throughout His upbringing and life to secure our salvation, making His victory entirely relatable yet perfect.
Prayer points
Pray for courage to proclaim clearly that Jesus is the Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help us explain the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and subsequent rising from the dead.
Pray for a deeper appreciation of the suffering Jesus endured throughout His life to secure our freedom from sin.
Thursday: Celebrating Every Success in Redemption
Today's Verse And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. (Acts 17:4 ESV)
Reflection It is vital not to get despondent when trying to lead people to faith. We must focus on the successes, however small they seem in the grand scheme of things. The Scriptures teach that there is immense joy in heaven over just one sinner who repents. When "some" were persuaded, it meant that for those individuals, their lifelong guilt, shame, and sin were taken away, and they found hope and a reason to live through a relationship with God. This work of redemption is massive, and we must celebrate every instance to His glory. We must train ourselves to recognize and celebrate these small moments of success and joy, instead of focusing only on hardships.
Additional Scripture Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7 ESV)
Life Application Take time this week to praise the Lord Jesus for every positive outcome and sign of redemption you see in your life or ministry. Do not dismiss small victories; remember that even one person coming to know Jesus is an occasion for heavenly rejoicing. When you face setbacks, choose to remember the small successes to encourage yourself and glorify God.
Prayer points
Pray for the capacity to see and celebrate the successes He brings, mirroring the joy in heaven.
Ask Him to help us be encouraged by every person who is persuaded by the Gospel message.
Pray for a renewed focus on His glory when we celebrate the work He has done.
Friday: Expecting Resistance and Trusting His Overcoming Power
Today's Verse But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. (Acts 17:5 ESV)
Reflection When trying to do something worthwhile for God, resistance is guaranteed. This opposition often comes from human sinfulness, such as jealousy, as seen when those who rejected Paul’s message became angry that others responded to the hope offered by Jesus. We should not be surprised when trials, insults, or "fiery trials" come to test us. Paul faced overwhelming negativity and violence, yet we are taught not to let trials distract or discourage us. Instead, we should trust that Jesus knows exactly how to overcome this resistance. When we accept that things will be difficult and that people may not always play according to the rules, we are less likely to be offended or distracted from our mission. If we are insulted for the name of Christ, we are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us.
Additional Scripture Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)
Life Application Prepare Your heart for the inevitability of resistance when pursuing Christ-centered work. When difficulties or unfair treatment arise, remember that sharing Christ’s sufferings is a blessing. Trust that God is bigger and Jesus is more powerful than any mob or opposition that comes against you.
Prayer points
Pray for strength to accept that difficulties and resistance are part of the journey of discipleship.
Ask Him to prevent jealousy and offense from distracting us when we face unfair opposition.
Pray that we may share Christ's sufferings with joy, knowing that His Spirit rests upon us.
Saturday: Encouragement through Shared Hardship
Today's Verse And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,” (Acts 17:6 ESV)
Reflection The violent persecution of Jason and the other believers in Thessalonica highlights a crucial truth: when we suffer for our faith, we are not alone. Christians around the world face the same trials, and this universal experience should encourage us to persevere, remembering that Jesus suffered far more than any of us. The very accusation against them—that they had "turned the world upside down"—is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel they shared. This teaching encourages us to "count it all joy" when we meet various kinds of trials, because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness, leading to maturity and completeness. We must appreciate the hardships and the perseverance of our fellow workers.
Additional Scripture Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)
Life Application When hardships strike, remember that Christians everywhere share this struggle, and we are united with them. Use trials as opportunities for the testing of your faith, knowing that this process develops maturity and steadfastness. Be grateful for the sacrifices made by other Christians who labor alongside you.
Prayer points
Pray for resilience and steadfastness when our faith is tested by various trials.
Ask Him to help us find joy and encouragement in the community of believers who share our sufferings.
Pray for Christians globally who are currently facing severe persecution or trials.
Sunday: Remembering We Serve the King of Kings
Today's Verse and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” (Acts 17:7 ESV)
Reflection The greatest encouragement we have when ministry is difficult and the pain of suffering is severe is the identity of the One we serve: the King of Kings. The accusation that believers were promoting "another king, Jesus," establishes the magnificent truth of His reign. Jesus is the ruler of kings on earth. He is the one who loves us, freed us from our sins by His blood, and made us a kingdom of priests to His God and Father. We are serving Him, and because He is the ruler of all, He will not fail. He promises to reward all of His faithful servants and ensure that whatever we do works out according to His ultimate plan. Remembering His incredible power and authority should motivate us to keep going, knowing that He has already won the battle.
Additional Scripture and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6 ESV)
Life Application When you feel overwhelmed or question the value of your efforts, immediately remind yourself of who you are serving: Jesus, the King of Kings. Focus on His ultimate victory and power rather than your temporary struggles. Trust that He will reward Your faithfulness and ensure His purposes are completed, even if you do not see the end result.
Prayer points
Worship Him for being the ruler of kings on earth and the ultimate victor.
Pray that we never forget the magnitude of Jesus’ power and authority when we struggle.
Ask Him to help us to keep laboring, knowing that He will reward us and be glorified through our faithfulness.