Scripture Reading – Acts 17:1-15 - NIV                           

¹ When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,”he said. ⁴ Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.  ⁶ But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, ⁷ and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.”⁸ When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.⁹ Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. ¹² As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

¹³ But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. ¹⁴ The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

Psalm Reading:  Psalm 4:1-8 - NIV                    

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

¹ Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

² How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false god? 

³ Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

⁵ Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.

⁶ Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.

⁷ Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

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Note: All Scriptures are New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted