Around 54 A.D., after an uproar in Thessalonica aimed at punishing Christians, Paul and Silas, who were spared by the mighty hand of God continue to advance the gospel, fulfilling the great commission throughout the Roman region.
“10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.” (Acts 17:10)
To avoid further persecution, Paul and Silas left Thessalonica by night and traveled to Berea, a city 45-60 miles west of the Macedonian capital.
When they arrived at Berea, Paul and Silas followed custom and went to the Jewish synagogue where they leveraged scripture to preach the gospel of the risen Christ, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior.
“11 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.” (Acts 17:11)
The Jews in Berea were more open minded and receptive to the gospel than those in Thessalonica who took offense to Paul and Silas’ preaching of the truth about the Messiah.
“12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.” (Acts 17:12)
Because Paul’s teaching often referenced to Jewish scriptures, he received a fair amount of respect from those familiar with the word of God, and his mission field produced a harvest accordingly. On top of Jews, Paul and Silas led Greeks to Christ, notably high ranking men and women in Berea.
“13 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.” (Acts 17:13)
The enemy continued his offensive against Paul by sending Jewish haters from Thessalonica to Berea where once again, they would initiate an uproar among the crowd in an effort to discredit the Christian missionaries, and dilute the truth preached about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.
“14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 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.” (Acts 17:14-15)
Once again, Paul found himself amidst persecution by the enemy. To avoid conflict, possible arrest and torture, he set sail for Athens where he would later reunite with Silas, who stayed in Berea with Timothy to continue the work started by the missionary envoy until each man received word to move on their journey. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
