Acts 17:10-15 (NRSV)
The good news is shared
That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea; and when they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 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. Many of them therefore believed, including not a few Greek women and men of high standing. 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. Then the believers immediately sent Paul away to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained behind. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after receiving instructions to have Silas and Timothy join him as soon as possible, they left him.
That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea; and when they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 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. Many of them therefore believed, including not a few Greek women and men of high standing. 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. Then the believers immediately sent Paul away to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained behind. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after receiving instructions to have Silas and Timothy join him as soon as possible, they left him.
Reflection
We sure have a way of getting in the way of God. The people of Beroea were receptive to what Paul had to say. The people were checking it out for themselves. Then the influence of an outside group that has already made up their minds seems to crash in after many of Beroea now believed.
One group from Beroea was there to study what Paul had to say, examine the scriptures and came to believe. Their goal was to check out this new information and form a belief or unbelief. Another group from Thessalonica came to stir up and incite the crowds. Their goal was to confuse and anger the others.
We sure have a way of getting in the way of God. But the event did force a decision. The people of Beroea did get to hear Silas and Timothy. And the Word spread just the same, even in the midst of confusion and anger. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, as we spread your Word, teach us ways to incite love and compassion and healing, not hate and confusion. Your Word takes priority over our need to control. You lead and we follow...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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