April 27, 2023 – Thursday
Acts 17:13-15 NIV
13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. 14 The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
Comments
Okay, it was just too good to last in Berea. It turned out it was too close to Thessalonica, only three days travel on foot. There was no public transportation, they had to travel on foot carrying whatever supplies they needed with them. It had to be miserable even for the fittest. Yet the Jews who hated the message of the Gospel made the journey to Berea, 13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up.
Word made it to the believers in Berea as well. Somehow, they learned the primary target was Paul hence, 14 The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. Silas and Timothy were able to stay with little risk compared to that of Paul. We are not told why Paul was such a target, but we may be able to ferret out a few possibilities. Number one, Paul was a ‘renegade’ Pharisee who was originally used by them to attack and pursue followers of Christ. Number two, Paul had great knowledge of the scriptures. He argued successfully that scripture said the Christ had to die and rise from the dead.
Whatever the reason or reasons, Paul was the primary target, and it was fellow believers who made sure he was protected, 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible. While Silas and Timothy remained behind, Paul wanted them to join him as soon as possible. This may have something to do with what Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Whatever the reason tomorrow we will find Paul in Athens with new believers.
Bottom Line: Once again believers protected a leader in the faith. We need to be ready to do the same if we are ever called upon to do so. And like Paul (and Silas and Timothy) never quit sharing the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help us to always see the truth in spite of all the opposition to the faith today. Let the opposition Paul and others faced encourage us as we face opposition to the faith in the world today. Thank You. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek