Steadfast #9: The Gospel Turns the World Upside Down

Scripture:  Acts 17:1-9

Speaker:  Grant Perkins

Summary: This sermon explains how Paul and Silas preached the gospel in Acts 17, boldly declaring that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus is King instead of Caesar, and that Jesus rose from the dead — claims that disrupted the established religious and political order. Their message angered some Jews, leading to accusations that they were “turning the world upside down,” but the Grant clarifies that Jesus is actually turning the world right side up. The sermon shows how humanity lives in an “upside-down” world because of sin, but Jesus’ life, teachings, and resurrection reveal the way life was always meant to be. Believers are challenged to live “right side up” now by boldly proclaiming who Jesus is, following his radical teachings, and serving like he did, even when it clashes with cultural norms. Ultimately, Christians are called to embody this gospel way of life as a glimpse of eternity here and now.