Jesus Is the Messiah | Acts 17:1-15

Summary

In Acts 17:1-15, Paul faithfully proclaims one central message wherever he goes: Jesus is the Messiah. As he preaches in Thessalonica and Berea, the same gospel produces two very different responses. Some reject Jesus because they refuse to surrender their own kingdoms, while others eagerly receive the message and search the Scriptures to see that it is true. “Messiah” points to God's promised King who would suffer, die, rise again, and reign forever. Paul believed Jesus was the Messiah because his life perfectly fulfilled the Scriptures. The sermon and Scripture leave us with one question: Will you receive Jesus as your Messiah and King, or will you reject him?

Key Takeaways

• What does Paul mean when he says Jesus is the Messiah? The word Messiah means "Anointed One" or "Chosen One." Throughout the Old Testament, God promised a King who would reign forever over his people. But this promised King would accomplish his reign in an unexpected way, by suffering, dying, and rising again to redeem his people. Jesus fulfills every promise of the Messiah. He is not only the King who reigns over God's people but also the Savior who gave his life for them. (Acts 17:2-3; Isaiah 53; 2 Samuel 7)
• Why did Paul believe Jesus was the Messiah? Paul didn't ask people to blindly trust him. With Scripture, he demonstrated that Jesus fulfilled everything God had promised about the Messiah. Likewise, the Bereans were commended because they eagerly received Paul's teaching while carefully examining the Scriptures for themselves. Their confidence rested not in Paul's words but in God's Word, which consistently points to Jesus. (Acts 17:2-3, 10-12; Luke 24:44-47)
• If Jesus is the Messiah, how should we respond? Acts 17 presents two responses to Jesus: receiving him or rejecting him. To receive God's Word is to accept Jesus as Messiah and gladly submit every area of life to his rule. Receiving Jesus means more than agreeing with true facts; it means receiving Christ and all the forgiveness, grace, and life he offers. Rejecting Jesus often stems from a desire to maintain control over our lives rather than to surrender. (Acts 17:11-15)

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Before Sunday's message, how would you have defined "Messiah"? What new understanding stood out to you?
• What does the Bereans example teach us about growing in confidence that Jesus is who he claimed to be?
• The sermon challenged us to receive God's Word, not merely as information, but as an invitation to receive Jesus. How does that change the way you think about reading Scripture?
• Grant suggested that rejecting Jesus often looks like protecting our own "little kingdoms." Where are you most tempted to seek control, comfort, or recognition instead of submitting to Jesus as King?
• What is one way you can joyfully submit to Jesus as your Messiah this week?