November 12

Acts 17:1-14

1 After Paul and Silas had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three sabbath days argued with them from the scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This is the Messiah, Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you." 4 Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews became jealous, and with the help of some ruffians in the marketplaces they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. While they were searching for Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly, they attacked Jason's house. 6 When they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some believers before the city authorities, shouting, "These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has entertained them as guests. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus." 8 The people and the city officials were disturbed when they heard this, 9 and after they had taken bail from Jason and the others, they let them go. 10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea; and when they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 These Jews were more receptive than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, including not a few Greek women and men of high standing. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Beroea as well, they came there too, to stir up and incite the crowds. 14 Then the believers immediately sent Paul away to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained behind.

Paul’s pattern is established. When he comes to a new town he goes first to the synagogue. There he proclaims the message of Jesus as Messiah. Some of the listeners are persuaded. Other listeners rise up in opposition to Paul’s message so that he is forced to leave the synagogue. In this case the opponents are able to stir up the mob. It is the mob that gets the attention of the authorities.

The underlying issue for the story in Acts is that the church, while related to the synagogue, will not be able to continue as a subsection of the synagogue. Christianity is become a religion related to but separate from Judaism. While we see this development Paul will continue the pattern. He will go to the synagogue in Thessalonica, in Beroea and in future communities. He will be opposed and will then turn to those who are God fearers or those who are outside the community.

Paul is the missionary. He starts with those he knows best. He does not limit himself to those who understand his background. He begins the process of connecting with who need to hear. The call to proclaim Jesus is not dependent upon a willing audience. Giving witness is what Paul does.

Reflection questions:
1. How do we hear the call to give witness? What are the limits to our witness?
2. Do we share our story with those whom we know best? How would we share our story with those we do not yet know?
3. What positive role might conflict and opposition serve in the Christian community?