“But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials shouting:

 ‘These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.’

 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.“
Acts 17:6-9

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MARCH 12, 2025

The mob blasted Paul and Silas, accusing them of causing trouble all over the world. Reports of Paul preaching in places like Antioch, Syria, Cyprus, Asia Minor, and most recently at Philippi in Macedonia—and seeing its impact upon people at Thessalonica in Greece—aroused jealousy in those who preferred to keep things are they have always been. Paul and Silas were charged with sedition, alleging their disloyalty to Caesar for recognizing Jesus as a king. These allegations incited the crowd, which quickly devolved into a dangerous unruly mob ready to vent their rage upon Paul and Silas.

Fortunately, the two were nowhere to be found.

There was an important element of truth in the crowd’s allegations. The gospel does establish Jesus as the king of kings, the ultimate authority over all things seen and unseen. No other relationship or governing figure can take precedence for the follower of Christ.

Effective ministry for Christ will be opposed by the Adversary. This reaction is uncomfortable and can be intimidating, yet we remember that a spiritual battle is being waged. Rejection hurts. Jesus told us it would happen, but He also promises reward:

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Notice that this great reward is in heaven. There was no resolution of the situation for Paul and Silas in Thessalonica. The animosity was so intense that the brothers thought it prudent to immediately send Paul and Silas away under cover of darkness. But listen to how Paul described his time in Thessalonica years later.

You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-4)

We too have been approved by God and entrusted with the gospel. Are we trying to please men or please God? How do we fare when God tests our hearts?

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How should we be living as people whose ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not any governing authority or human relationship?
  • Have you ever been reprimanded or ridiculed for bringing the gospel into a conversation? What was your response?
  • How could Paul say that his visit to Thessalonica was not a failure after having aroused such opposition that he and Silas had to be smuggled out of the city by night?

 

Church Reading Plan: Exodus 23; John 2