“When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.”
Acts 17:13-15
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MARCH 14, 2025
Paul’s boldness in proclaiming the gospel made him a lightning rod for opposition. As it happened to Paul, it can happen to us when we open our mouths and speak of Jesus as the only way to the living God. Talking about God is usually not met with hard feelings, but identifying Jesus as Savior and Lord who asks us to follow Him in tangible, life-changing ways may expose the speaker to disagreement and even resentment.
Paul and his companions made the transition from Thessalonica to Berea where they encountered people who were willing to listen to their preaching and examine their claim that Jesus was the Messiah. But as soon as their enemies in Thessalonica heard what was happening in Berea, they arrived to stir up discord. The belligerent trouble-makers fomented unrest amongst some of the Bereans against Paul.
No one likes the experience of dismissal or opposition. All of us desire to be received and appreciated by others. However, Scripture repeatedly illustrates that seeking the affirmation of humans is incompatible with seeking the affirmation of God. What can be learned from the situation in Berea where Paul was immediately spirited away to the coast in response to the arrival of strife from Thessalonica?
People are not won to Christ through argument. There are times to speak the gospel, and times to listen and learn. We have the truth, but we are essentially beggars telling others where to find bread. A quality that should be evident in us when sharing the gospel is humility. Phrases such as, “I became aware of” or “I learned” are more appropriate than, “I know” or “You should.”
Paul left unfinished work in Berea for Silas and Timothy to complete. We are not alone in our witness for the Lord. We have brothers or sisters who can and should come alongside and share their stories when appropriate. Building the kingdom of God in not on the shoulders of any one of us; rather we are all to be engaged as fellow workers, each uniquely gifted to complement one another in our witness and service for the Lord.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- When sharing your story, how do you talk about Jesus?
- How could the phraseology utilized in telling your story be altered to communicate genuine humility?
- When have you heard the words or seen the actions of a brother or sister in Christ take the gospel beyond where your story left off?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, March 16: Exodus 25; John 4
- Saturday, March 15: Exodus 26; John 5
- Sunday, March 16: Exodus 27; John 6