Preaching In Thessalonica

Acts 17:1-10

When they were asked to leave Philippi, Paul and Silas left behind a small church, trusting God to bring it to where it needed to go. They passed through a couple of large cities, but the next significant activity was in Thessalonica.

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” (Acts 17:1-3)

In Philippi, there had been no synagogue, just a group meeting by the river for prayer. In Thessalonica there was a synagogue, and Paul went for three weeks, presenting the gospel to them. Sometimes we hesitate to talk to those of another religion, for fear of causing offense. The fact that they are involved implies that they have some sort of interest in God. Paul was able to target potential Christians, by speaking at the synagogue or prayer meetings. Those most interested in pleasing God would hear and consider his messages.

“And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.” (Acts 17:4)

Many of the Jews were steeped in Jewish tradition and had no interest in anything more, but some listened and realized that what Paul was preaching was just the next step from where they were. The Greek proselytes were less steeped in tradition and more readily looked beyond it to the word of God. Many of the leading women were also more receptive, having less investment in the status quo, and seeing deficiencies most ignored.

“But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.” (Acts 15:5)

Unspiritual people focus on earthly things like money and prestige. They work to maintain or improve what they have because that is all they have. They naturally try to destroy anything that might lessen the value of what they have in any way they can. The Jews who didn’t believe looked for a the people who were already upset and looking for some excitement to cause trouble.

People who are not doing anything they see of particular value, and get no sense of accomplishment from what they are doing are easily convinced to get involved in things that sound exciting, without thinking about what they are doing. It is why teenagers and the unemployed are so easily involved in riots, political protests and gangs. People who wish to stir up trouble take advantage of their feelings of worthlessness to accomplish their goals, implying that it will in some way improve their state.

The people who have a sense of accomplishment do not want anything to destroy their sense of worth, and will do whatever tey can to protect it. If they can be convinced that it will go away if they do certain things, they will usually do them even if they do not think it is a good thing to do. That the approach works can be seen in the takeover of Germany by Hitler, the revolutions, the homosexual movement and many other examples. It worked in Thessalonica as well.

“And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.” (Acts 17:6-8)

Unfortunately, once people begin to run on emotion rather than facts and logic, the truth ceases to be important. Both Democrats and Republicans have an element who cannot logically discus what is taking place because they are so emotionally involved they will not accept the facts. They do not recognize any other possibility.

Though the charges were false, fear of losing their current wealth and acceptance in the Roman Empire caused people to ignore the truth and penalize the innocent. The real culprits were the Jewish leaders who stirred up the conflict.

“And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.” (Acts 17:9)

Jason and the other man were required to post bond that they’d not cause any more trouble before they were released. To relieve the pressure, the church was led of the Spirit to send Paul and Silas to Berea.

“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.” (Acts 17:10)

While we don’t know how long Paul and Silas spent in Thessalonica, we know that the Jews had forced the church to separate from the synagogue and that it was strong enough to continue on it’s own. It is probable that they were there for several months. Somewhat later, the epistles of I and II Thessalonians were written to remind them of how they had received the gospel, encourage them to walk in the Spirit, and warn of false teachers and doctrines that were becoming popular. Paul and Silas leaving deprived their opponents of much of their excuses and allowed the church to grow.