The Suffering King

What happens when the gospel collides with culture? In Acts 17, Paul arrives in Thessalonica and begins reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue. For three weeks, he opens the Scriptures, connecting the prophecies of the Old Testament to the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The result is explosive. Some believe, joining Paul and Silas in following Christ, while others resist violently. A mob forms, riots erupt, and Paul’s host Jason is dragged before city officials, accused of treason and upsetting the entire world.

In this episode of The Wisdom Journey, Stephen Davey unpacks this dramatic moment in church history. Paul’s message was clear: Jesus is not just a religious figure but the true King, the sovereign Monarch of all creation. That claim directly challenged the decrees of Caesar, forcing listeners to choose between loyalty to Rome or to Christ.

The story of Thessalonica reminds us that Christianity is not about keeping peace with the status quo—it’s about proclaiming the truth that changes lives and cultures. It challenges divided hearts, calls for full allegiance to Jesus, and invites us to live boldly under His rule. Discover how the same gospel that turned the world upside down in the first century still speaks with authority and clarity today.

Stephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback