These that have Turned the World Upside Down

Acts 17:1-15,    Thessolonica 1 1:10

I: The City, the People, and the Gospel.
1. Thessolonica was not a colony like Philippi.
a. It was like Antioch of Syria, Tarsus and Athens.
b. It was entirely self governed.
c. The local magistrates had the power of Life and Death.
d. No garrison of Roman soldiers.
e. No Insignia of Roman office was displayed in its streets.
2. Therefore the rules of such a city were very anxious to show their loyalty to the Emperor.
a. There was quite a number of Jews.
b. The Church was mostly made up of Gentiles.

II: “These that have Turned the World upside down.”
1. How could they say this about so few?
2. Paul preached in important and well situated cities.
3. Every Christian was a witness.
4. They were willing to sacrifice.
5. They preached Christ, Death, Resurrection, and coming again.
6. The Division they brought was cleaned out.

III: “We Give Thanks to God Always for You All.” Thessolonica 1:2
1. Paul was disturbed about their welfare.
2. They were the kind of people Paul gave thanks for every time he remembered them.
a. The memory of some people brings anger and resentment.
b. The memory of some people brings pity and sympathy.
c. The memory of some people brings a smile and a chuckle.
d. The memory of some people brings joy and Thanksgiving.
3. When Paul remembered that little Church in the Pagan World, he wanted to sing the Doxology.

1923: Edmund Mosul visited all the European Capitals. Mosul was an extremist in Politics, a member of the Left Wing Labor Party. He was a strong friend of Stanly Baldwin, then Prime Minister of Britain.

When Mosul returned he told a sad story of rags, revolt, and hunger. It was a dark picture that moved both men. Then Baldwin lifted his head and said, “Do you like roses, Mosul?” Mosul replied, “I love them.” “Then hurry your face in this loveliness and thank God!”