Paul and Silas had many converts in Thessalonica but then were chased out of town by a riot instigated by the jealous Jews. They traveled onto the next town, Berea, where they were received well. But then….
Acts 17: 13 Reports got back to Thessalonica that Paul and Silas were now spreading God’s message in Berea; the Jewish people who had incited the riot in Thessalonica quickly came to Berea to do the same once again. 14-15 The believers sent Paul away. A small group escorted him, first to the coast, and then all the way to Athens. Silas and Timothy, however, remained in Berea. Later they received instructions from Paul to join him in Athens as soon as possible.[1]
It must have seemed like déjà vu. Success, then chased out of town by escaping with the help of friends. There was a determined opposition from the Thessalonian Jews. They would have had to travel to Berea with their own money. Even with this kind of fight, people came to faith in Berea.
Paul seems to be the lightning rod for the skirmish. He was a Jewish scholar, trained under one of the best Jewish teachers of the day. The opposition was determined to destroy Paul’s ministry. Again, friends help Paul escape, this time to Athens. But the mob doesn’t seem to mind Silas and Timothy, Paul’s teammates. They were allowed to stay, and I’m sure finished up the teaching to encourage the new believers.
The Lord was with the team even though there was opposition. Deut. 20: 4 For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’[2] This mission trip did probably not look like Paul and his team expected, but God was working. The same is true for us today. The opposition looks menacing, but God is still with us and will fight our battles. Be encouraged.
To hear how there is a harvest of souls in the battle, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/mission-trip-two-radio-show/harvest-in-the-battle
[1] The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
[2] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188