Saving Souls

The love of Jesus, expressed in the Gospel, is the Hope of the World

Moe Bergeron

When Paul and Silas preached the gospel, it disturbed not only the spiritual status quo but also the material interests of those who profited from sin. This is why their message was met with such violent opposition, especially from those who had something to lose. The resistance wasn’t just about theology; it was about profit and power.

In Thessalonica, jealousy drove the Jews to form a mob and stir up trouble. They were not concerned with truth, but with preserving their own influence and security. When the same gospel began to flourish in Berea, the agitators traveled there as well to create chaos. Again, their issue wasn’t the gospel itself; it was the threat it posed to their comfortable way of life. We see this same spirit at work in Acts 16, when Paul and Silas were dragged before the authorities—not because they had done wrong, but because their preaching had disrupted the sinful exploitation of a demon-possessed girl. The root of the hostility was the loss of profit.

The gospel of Jesus Christ, by its very nature, challenges the systems of sin and darkness. It speaks to the heart of humanity’s rebellion against God and calls for repentance. This is why the world so often responds with hostility—whether in ancient times or today. Jesus Himself said, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18, BSB). The world, under the dominion of Satan, resists the truth of the gospel because it exposes sin and demands change.

Yet, despite the opposition, Paul and his companions continued preaching. In Acts 17:10, we see Paul and Silas, after being driven from Thessalonica, immediately going into the synagogue in Berea. There is no hesitation or retreat. Why? Because the gospel is worth proclaiming, even when met with resistance. As Andre Crouch so beautifully expressed in his song, Jesus desires His church to tell the world about His love, even when they may not believe or receive it. The message of Christ is one of eternal significance. It speaks of a love that the world desperately needs but often rejects.

J.C. Ryle captured the heart of gospel ministry when he said, “One single soul saved shall outlive and outweigh all the kingdoms of the world.” This is why the gospel must be preached regardless of opposition. Every soul saved by the grace of Christ is of immeasurable worth. The kingdoms of this world, with all their power and wealth, will fade away, but the soul redeemed by Christ will live forever. This truth drives the church to persist in preaching, even in the face of hostility.

The world’s resistance to the gospel should not surprise us. As Christians, we must expect that proclaiming the truth will upset the powers that profit from sin—whether that be in ancient cities like Thessalonica or modern institutions that support agendas contrary to God’s Word. But we must also remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). The devil will stir up opposition, but the gospel remains the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

So, what should we do in the face of opposition? Like Paul and Silas, we must keep preaching. The message of Christ is worth every hardship, every rejection, and every sacrifice. We preach because Christ’s love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14), and because we know that in the end, the gospel will triumph. The love of Jesus, expressed in the gospel, is the hope of the world. And no amount of opposition can silence that truth.

Keep telling them. Tell them that He loves them. Tell them that He came to save. Preach the gospel with boldness, for the salvation of even one soul is worth all the kingdoms of the world. Preach it! Amen.

(Inspired by the words of wisdom from Ken Beaton)

___