Episode 963
When Faith Disrupts Empire: A Story of Resistance Acts 17:1-9
This podcast episode delves into the profound narrative of how authentic faith acts as a catalyst for challenging and subverting entrenched systems of power and privilege. We explore a reading from Acts 17:1-9, which illustrates the fervent resistance encountered by Paul and Silas as they propagate their revolutionary message. The episode underscores the significant implications of faith that not only disrupts societal norms but also invites individuals, regardless of their social standing, to align with movements seeking justice and liberation. We reflect on the historical context of these events, drawing parallels to contemporary struggles against oppressive structures. Ultimately, we encourage listeners to examine their own beliefs and identify specific actions that embody their commitment to love and justice in the face of systemic injustice.
Engaging with the narrative of Acts 17:1-9, the episode reveals the profound impact of faith as a vehicle for resistance against imperialism and social injustice. Paul’s arrival in Thessalonica marks the beginning of a transformative journey that challenges the traditional understanding of power and belief. His teachings, which proclaim Jesus as the Messiah, incite both conversion among the populace and vehement opposition from established Jewish leaders, illustrating the dual nature of faith as both a unifying and divisive force. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the historical tensions that often accompany spiritual awakening, particularly when it disrupts established societal norms.
The discussion further delves into the themes of privilege and resistance, highlighting the varied responses to Paul’s message. Noteworthy is the alignment of influential Greeks and women from the aristocracy with the movement, suggesting a potential for cross-class solidarity in the pursuit of justice. Yet, this solidarity is met with hostility from those who perceive their power as threatened, leading to violent confrontations reminiscent of contemporary struggles against systemic oppression. This reflection calls upon listeners to critically assess their own positions within these dynamics and to ponder how their faith can serve as a foundation for resistance against injustice in their own contexts.
Ultimately, the episode posits that faith is intrinsically linked to political action, challenging believers to recognize the implications of their convictions in the face of societal structures. The accusations leveled against early Christians—that they sought to upend the world order—prompt a necessary reevaluation of what it means to live authentically in faith. By inviting listeners to identify areas where their beliefs challenge dominant systems, the episode encourages actionable steps toward justice, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of faith as a tool for social transformation.
Takeaways:
- The podcast delves into the profound implications of faith as a catalyst for social change and resistance against established power structures.
- Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their faith and identify areas where they can actively resist dominant systems of injustice.
- The reading emphasizes how progressive theology reinterprets traditional texts through lenses of justice, liberation, and inclusion.
- The narrative illustrates how even those benefiting from power can choose solidarity with movements advocating for justice and change.
- The episode discusses the intersection of faith and politics, highlighting the challenge authentic belief poses to societal norms and hierarchies.
- Practical action steps are provided for listeners to engage in resistance, emphasizing the importance of love and justice over profit.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
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Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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Transcript
When Faith Disrupts an Empire A Story of Resistance A reading from Acts 17:1:9 on the Daily Bible refresh.
Speaker B:Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker B:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker B:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker B:The reading is understandable.
Speaker B:I use the message version Relatable.
Speaker B:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker B:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
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Speaker B: lionaires a million people by: Speaker B:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker B:Here's today's reading.
Speaker A:Reading from Acts 17:1 9 from the Message Thessalonica they took the road south through Amphipopolis to Apollonia to Thessalonica where there was a community of Jews.
Speaker A:Paul went to their meeting place as he usually did when he came to a town and for three sabbaths running he preached to them from the Scriptures.
Speaker A:He opened up the text so that they understood what they'd been reading all their lives.
Speaker A:That the Messiah absolutely had to be put to death and raised from the dead.
Speaker A:There were no other options and that this Jesus I'm introducing to you is that Messiah.
Speaker A:Some of them were won over and joined ranks with Paul and Silas among them a great many God fearing Greeks and a considerable number of women from the aristocracy.
Speaker A:But the hard line Jews became furious over the conversions.
Speaker A:Mad with jealousy.
Speaker A:They rounded up a bunch of brawlers off the streets and soon had an ugly mob terrorizing the city.
Speaker A:As they hunted down Paul and Silas.
Speaker A:They broke into Jason's house thinking that Paul and Silas were there.
Speaker A:When they couldn't find them, they collared Jason and his friends instead and dragged them before the city fathers yelling hysterically these people are out to destroy the world and now they've shown up on our doorstep attacking everything we hold dear and Jason is hiding them.
Speaker A:These traitors on turncoats who say Jesus is king and Caesar is nothing.
Speaker A:The city fathers and the crowds of people were totally alarmed at what they heard.
Speaker A:They made Jason and his friends post heavy bail and let them go while they investigated the charges.
Speaker A:Well, in today's reflection, in today's reading, we're exploring a narrative about how authentic faith challenges systems of power and privilege.
Speaker A:Let's get into some points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first is about going beyond traditional interpretation.
Speaker A:Paul's radical reinterpretation of Scripture challenged established religious understanding.
Speaker A:This models how progressive theology today reexamines traditional text through the lens of liberation, justice and inclusion.
Speaker A:The texts haven't changed, but our understanding deepens as we read with new awareness of power dynamics and marginalized voices.
Speaker A:Second point is about privilege and power and resistance.
Speaker A:Notice who responds positively.
Speaker A:God fearing Greeks and a considerable number of women from the aristocracy.
Speaker A:This suggests that even those benefiting from existing systems can choose solidarity with movements for change.
Speaker A:However, those most invested in maintaining power respond with violence, using street brawlers to protect their interests, a pattern still seen in responses to justice movements even today.
Speaker A:The third point is about the political nature of faith.
Speaker A:The accusation that the believers were attacking everything we hold dear and claiming Jesus is king and and Caesar is nothing reveals how authentic faith challenges political power.
Speaker A:This wasn't just about personal belief, but about reimagining social organization.
Speaker A:The charge of being out to destroy the world really meant challenging the world order that benefited the powerful.
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Examine where your faith challenges the dominant systems and choose one area where religious conviction calls you to resist.
Speaker A:Quote Caesar Perhaps environmental justice, economic inequality, or racial reconciliation.
Speaker A:Take one concrete action that declares allegiance to love and justice over profit and power.
Speaker A:Document the resistance you encounter and the unexpected allies that you find.
Speaker A:We're Going to Pray Just a minute.
Speaker A:I just want you to know that we've got a resource for you that's going to help you help you with your home Bible study.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC123 Bible Study Method and you can pick it up at our website, voiceofgodddaily.com let's pray.
Speaker A:O God, you are the divine disturber of empires.
Speaker A:When our faith becomes too comfortable, too aligned with power, too accepting of injustice, shake us awake with your revolutionary love.
Speaker A:Give us courage to challenge Caesar, wisdom to find unexpected allies, and strength to face opposition.
Speaker A:Help us remember that your kingdom turns empires upside down, making the last first and the privileged humbled.
Speaker A:Encourage and hope we pray.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker B:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
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Speaker B:Thanks much.
Speaker B:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your daily Bible refresh.
Speaker B:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker B:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker B:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
