Expressions of Faith. Acts Ch 17. Another Tale of Two Cities

When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue…⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd… ¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue…¹² As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

Acts 17:1, 5, 10, 12 

After their release from prison, Paul and Silas go to Thessalonica - City #1

As usual, Paul goes directly to the Synagogue and preaches Christ as the Messiah.

Some Jews, more Greek believers, and a few prominent women join Paul and Silas.

Unconvinced Jews are jealous. They 

• recruit criminals.
• form a mob.
• start a riot.

When they can’t find Paul and Silas, the bring Jason, who’s housing the missionaries, to the magistrates.

After presenting incomplete and inaccurate testimony, the Jews get Jason arrested.

• Jason posts bail. 
• Believers spirit Paul and Silas out of town. 
• They go to Berea – City #2.

Once again, Paul goes directly to the Synagogue and preaches his usual message.

¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (v11)

Jews and Greeks of both sexes believe.

What was Paul’s treatment in Thessalonica different that in Berea?

Fear and jealousy.

• Thessalonian Jews refused to accept God’s truth.
• They focused on losing the power they had instead of accepting the power God offers.

Look at Verse 11 again.

• Bereans examine God’s word and validate Paul’s message.
• They embrace God’s offer.

The difference in the tale of these two cities is magnified when Thessalonian Jews go to Berea and stir up the crowd there, too.

What’s your motivation for your actions?

If it’s fear and jealousy, ask God to change your heart.

If you’re motivated by Scriptural truth, thank God for his love and grace.

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