Calvinism
Teacher
Lesson Summary
The class examined the Acts account of Thessalonica and Berea to argue against the Calvinist claim that the Holy Spirit must miraculously soften hearts before the gospel can be understood. The teacher noted that Paul’s reasoned presentation of the Scriptures persuaded both Jews and devout Greeks in Thessalonica, while the hostile Jews responded with jealousy and violence, not with a supernatural change of heart. In Berea, the Jews were described as noble because they received the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily, leading many to belief. The teacher emphasized that there was no indication of a miraculous Spirit work in these passages; rather, the believers’ logical examination and the groundwork laid by earlier Jewish teaching were sufficient. The discussion broadened to show how God’s providence turned the scattering of Israel into a worldwide proclamation of the one true God. The teacher reinforced the value of the Old Testament as a picture of New Testament truths, illustrating that God’s desire is for a relational, free‑will response rather than a predetermined election. The class concluded with a call to emulate the Berean attitude of diligent, scriptural study in modern discipleship at Linder Road Church of Christ.
Key Scriptures
Paul went in and it was his custom and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead and saying, this Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ. ... some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous...
These Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica. They received the word with all eagerness, examining the scripture daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.