Paul in Thessalonica & Berea

After spending some time with Lydia, Paul & Silas travel to Thessalonica. (v. 1-4)

There is a synagogue there, and Paul teaches to them for three weeks (v. 2).

It says he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. This means he used the Word of God to teach them.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to sit under his teaching, listening to him take the verses of the OT and put them together prophetically. It must have been amazing.

He explained and demonstrated - in other words, he made his case so clear, it was almost undeniable. He left little to chance by using every Scripture to the fullest and showing without any doubt that his message was true.

He started by explaining that the Christ, whoever it might be, had to suffer and rise again from the dead in order to fulfill the Word of God.

He then moves on to explaining that Christ fulfilled all of these prophecies, reasoning that He must be the Christ.

A great multitude of the devout Greeks, including many women, were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas (v. 4).

But the Jews....(v. 5-9)

Some of the Jews who knew Paul’s message were there watching and listening to what he had to say. They were envious of Paul

What does this mean?

The took some of the evil men from the marketplace, created a mob, and set the city in an uproar.

Why would the “evil” men help the religious leaders? They were no doubt normally at odds with one another....

What does the religious leaders actions teach us about who they really were?

They attacked the house of Jason (v. 5)

They dragged Jason and some others out of the house and to the rulers of the city (v. 6)

“They have turned the world upside down”

They accused Jason of harboring these men (v. 7)

They accused them of mutiny against Caesar (v. 7)

They troubled the crowd (v. 8)

They took security (v. 9)

Either a pledge or posting bond???

Paul & Silas sent to Berea (v. 10-15)

Here they are back in another synagogue (v. 10)

This time it is with the Bereans, who were diligent in studying the Word of God. They received what was said, but then searched the Scriptures to make sure the things said were true. The tested everything said against the Word of God. We are called to be like the Bereans and compare everything with Scripture. (v. 11)

Because of their fair-mindedness, many of them believed and were converted (v. 12)

But then the Jews find out that Paul & Silas are there and here they come again and stir up the crowds (v. 13)

Why do you think Paul is sent away while Silas and Timothy stay behind?

He is the lead teacher?

He is the most direct?

He is the one who the Spirit seems to operate through the most?

He is the smartest and is able to debate and demonstrate better than the others?

God is working through him more than the others?

Because he is a former Pharisee turned Christian and the religious leaders have it out for him?