Even though Paul and Silas suffered shameful treatment at Philippi, they had renewed boldness in God to press on to Thessalonica to declare to them the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:2). They first passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, only stopping for lodging but seemingly finding no synagogue in either city. They then reached Thessalonica (about 100 miles from Philippi), and entered the Jewish synagogue found there, as was Paul’s custom. For 3 Sabbath days, Paul reasoned with the worshipers there from the Old Testament writings, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead. This long-awaited Messiah, Paul proclaimed to them in Acts 17:3 is Jesus!
Some of Paul’s hearers were persuaded by his Scriptural proofs and joined Paul and Silas. The Thessalonian believers included devout Greeks and prominent, affluent women of the city. Such success was met with jealousy by the unbelieving Jews of the synagogue, who formed an allegiance with some of the evil loafers of the marketplace. They formed a mob, started a riot in the city, and attacked the house of Jason, who apparently was hosting Paul and Silas in Thessalonica. They burst into his house but could not find Paul or Silas. Enraged, they forcibly dragged Jason and some other believers before the politarchs of the city and accused them (including Jason) of sedition and treason, particularly in their saying that there is another king: Jesus.
These allegations greatly disturbed the people and city authorities; but without Paul and Silas in custody, the politarchs only extracted bond money from Jason and the rest, with perhaps a pledge from Jason that he would ensure Paul and Silas’ “good behavior” and that they would quietly leave the city … not to return. Due to the severity and urgency of the situation, the Thessalonian believers whisked Paul and Silas away from Thessalonica under the cover of night, sending them to Berea. There in Berea and despite the often-hostile Jewish response they experienced, they again went into the synagogue to proclaim the same gospel message.
But in Berea, the Jews in the synagogue were far more noble in character than in Thessalonica. They eagerly received the word, engaging in careful study, asking questions, determined to see if these things Paul proclaimed were true. Many of the Jews there were persuaded and believed, with men and women of high standing joining the ranks of the Berean Christians! When the jealous Jews in Thessalonica heard of this wonderful response to the gospel in Berea, they quickly came to Berea and once again stirred up a venomous crowd against the missionaries. The situation became so dangerous that Paul had to be sent out of Berea immediately while Silas and Timothy remained behind. Paul was safely escorted to Athens and relayed a message back to Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
You can listen to this teaching on Acts 17:1-15 by clicking on the following link: The Message That Shook The World
