Correct Enthusiasm (Acts 17:11)

Sermon on 18 November 2025 by Pastor Gaius

Introduction

One can be enthusiastic about many things. These encompass things which are good, as well as those which are wrong to be enthusiastic about.

Message

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. - Acts 17:11

The apostle Paul’s mission was to preach the Word of God. He brought Silas along with him. Paul and Silas were previously in prison together but were eventually set free. In Acts 17, Paul and Silas went to a synagogue in Thessalonica (in Macedonia) to share about Jesus Christ. Many were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas. However, there were also some who were jealous and went to the house of Jason to attack them. Paul and Silas then went to Berea to continue preaching. The Jews in Berea received the Word eagerly. Then the Jews from Thessalonica were angered when they learned about Paul’s and Silas’ sharing in Berea and went there to agitate the crowds (Acts 17:1-13).

The enthusiasm displayed by the people in Thessalonica and Berea were different. The former was incorrect while the latter was correct.

1. The people in Thessalonica were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas (verse 4), while those in Berea received the Word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily (verse 11).

2. Only some in Thessalonica responded (verse 4), but many in Berea believed (verse 12).

3. The people in Thessalonica were enthusiastic about agitating and stirring up the crowd (verses 5, 13), while the people in Berea were enthusiastic about continued learning (verse 14).

In Thessalonica, the people were passive for good but active for bad. Conversely, in Berea, the people were consistently active for good.

Closing

Let us examine the Scriptures daily, let the Holy Spirit teach you personally.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. - Ephesians 6:7