Acts 17:10-15
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 Now these people were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
12 Therefore, many of them believed, along with a significant number of prominent Greek women and men.
13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
14 Then immediately the brothers sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.
Berean Evangelism (1)
Introduction
We are now following Paul’s missionary journey in the region of Macedonia. The itinerary includes Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Last time, we discussed his ministry in Thessalonica. In Thessalonica, the Jews incited the town’s scoundrel and started a riot. The mob attacked the house of Jason, who had newly come to faith. Paul and Silas escaped from Thessalonica during the night. In this section, we will focus on Paul’s ministry in Berea. This city is now known as Veria or Veroia. Berea was the final town in Paul’s mission in Macedonia.
From Thessalonica to Berea
“The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.” (1) The brothers in Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas away during the night. This was the second time Paul departed a city at night. The first instance is recorded in Acts 9:24-25 (the incident in Damascus). (2) Even after Paul left, the church in Thessalonica continued to grow healthily. This was because they had gained genuine faith. This church became one that grew amidst trials. (3) Paul and Silas traveled the Via Egnatia torward Berea (a journey of about 50 miles southwest, a town located on the route from Thessalonica to Athens). (a) Far from being discouraged, Paul was increasingly fueled by his zeal for evangelism. (b) Berea was an old town in Macedonia, and it had a significant Jewish population. (4) Paul’s evangelistic pattern was to first go to the synagogue and speak to the Jews when he arrived in a new town, and then reach out to the Gentiles. (5) Although Luke omits it, the same events that occurred in Thessalonica also took place in Berea. “And according to Paul’s custom, he visited them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.’” (Acts 17:2-3). In Berea as well, Paul discussed Messianic prophecies from the Old Testament and explained them. He presented the three elements of the gospel and provided evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. The gospel we share is the same as the one Paul proclaimed. Christianity is built upon the teachings of the apostles. The teachings of the apostles carry the power to bless those who learn from them. Let us receive that power through daily devotions.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, please help me through Your Spirit to learn and walk according to the teachings of the apostles. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.