Acts 17:1-4 Preaching Christ at Thessalonica
“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.
When it comes to preaching, Paul is an amazing apologist. For three Sabbaths, Paul preaches in synagogues convincing “a great multitude of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.” While Paul is preaching, Silas is praying for people and counseling them. It’s a great combination. But trouble is brewing.
Acts 17:5-9 Assault on Jason’s House
“But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.”
Notice that Jews who refuse to listen to Paul must go to the marketplace to organize evil men into a mob. Storming through the streets, this mob sets the entire city in an uproar and attacks the house where they think Paul is staying. When this group of rabble rousers can’t find Paul, they drag Jason, the householder, and some other Christians to city rulers, claiming they are advocating rebellion against Caesar.
What is fascinating is that even though the Christian movement has only been going for a short time, this description is completely accurate. In a short time, the truths about Jesus Christ have shown pagan religions for the shams and scams that they actually are. These Jews are banking on the venality of the city leaders plus their healthy fear of the Romans to sway things in their favor.
Acts 17:10-15 Ministering at Berea
“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore, many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.”
After having to deal with an angry mob, believers in Thessalonica wait until dark and then send Paul, Timothy, and Silas on to Berea. Paul might be protesting all the way, arguing that he can still persuade more of the citizens of Thessalonica; meanwhile, other believers are relieved to allow Paul to go to Berea. In Berea, Paul preaches more fiery sermons, converting many people until Jews from Thessalonica show up, creating problems. The Bereans realize that Paul is too controversial for them, so Silas and Timothy remain in Berea while Paul leaves for Athens.
It is said that Maimonides, a famous Jewish scholar of the twelfth century, has said, “Tell the truth, and see the world.” From Thessalonica to Berea to Athens, Paul is telling the truth and preaching the Gospel; meanwhile, God keeps moving him just ahead of angry mobs. But each time a mob gathers, more people ask about Paul’s teachings. While Paul is fleeing these enemies, Silas and Timothy quietly remain to teach people the truth about Jesus Christ. Paul might draw all the attention, but his companions are conducting effective ministry.
Ministry takes all kinds of people. Some people are very vocal like the Apostle Paul. Others are quieter, like Silas and Timothy. While Paul raises all kinds of controversy, his colleagues answer questions and explain, backing up their beliefs with Scripture.
Recently, I read a piece about “Ineffective missionaries.” The writer described a missionary who had spent decades in a country, allegedly without making any disciples. But the writer continued to point out that these perceptions might be totally wrong. Many times, the Gospel is not so much taught as it is caught. When Christians live out their beliefs on a daily basis, those around them notice the difference and begin asking perceptive questions. Sometimes we influence people without realizing it. One lady friend got saved out of drug abuse and alcoholism; the night she accepted Jesus, she thought about some Christians she knew and prayed, “God, what ever those people have, I want it!”
May God help us, so that all those around us will see Jesus in us!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to follow so hard after You that people will see our witness and be attracted to You. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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