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Acts 16-18

11/6/2015

6 Comments

 
​Paul in Berea 17:10-15
10 About fifty miles from Thessalonica, Berea lay on the eastern slopes of Mt. Vermion in the Olympian mountain range. In a somewhat remote region, Berea was the most significant city of the area, having been capital of one of the four divisions of Macedonia from 167–148 b.c. It evidently had a sizable population in Paul’s day. The journey from Thessalonica began in the nighttime because of the hasty departure. By foot it would have taken about three days.
11–12 On arriving in the town, the witness began, as it had in Thessalonica, in the synagogue. The Jews of Berea, however, were of a different breed. Luke described them as being “more noble” than the Thessalonians. He used a word that originally meant high born but came to have a more general connotation of being open, tolerant, and generous. Nowhere was this more evident than in their willingness to take Paul’s scriptural exposition seriously. They did not accept his word uncritically but did their own examination of the Scriptures to see if they really did point to the death and resurrection of the Messiah as Paul claimed. This was no cursory investigation either, no weekly Sabbath service, as at Thessalonica. They met daily to search the Scriptures. No wonder so many contemporary Bible study groups name themselves “Bereans.” The Berean Jews were a “noble” example. And many of them found out for themselves that Paul’s claims were true and so believed. Many Greeks also believed, not just men but prominent Macedonian women as well. Some of these may have been worshipers of God attached to the synagogue. Some may not have been. One would assume that Paul would not neglect his witness to Gentiles of pagan background even in a situation like Berea, where the synagogue was so unusually open to his message.
13–14 This ideal situation did not last forever. It was soon broken by Jews from Thessalonica who heard of Paul’s successes in Berea. They stirred up “the crowds” in the city against Paul, evidently not the Jews of the city but the general Gentile populace, just as they had done at Thessalonica. Evidently this time the main attack was on Paul, the primary preacher of the word, since Silas and Timothy did not have to leave town with him.
15 Of more significance is the question of when Timothy and Silas joined Paul in Athens. First Thessalonians 3:1 indicates that Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica from Athens. Paul may have traveled to Athens alone, summoning Timothy and Silas to join him there as soon as possible. They did so, and then Paul dispatched both from Athens, Timothy to Thessalonica and Silas to parts unknown. In any event, Timothy and Silas did finally join Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5).
6 Comments
Bruce
11/6/2015 10:58:39 pm

I think it's interesting that the Pastor refers to them doing an "
investigation". Although I am certainly a believer, I find myself connecting the dots from the old testament to the new testament. I think to myself that is just evidence of the truth, which is what an investigation is. For me that just strengthens my belief and at times puts me in awe of how God works. It also shows me just how small I am compared to his big picture.

As I try with all my readings of the word, I find myself in Paul's place and how it must have been difficult to turn these people to Jesus. I try thinking of different ways and pray daily that I can show others they way to God through Jesus and at times it's difficult. And I don't have to worry about being stoned or thrown in prison. (At least not yet)... These guys not only faced these things but also had to walk everywhere to spread the word.

Reading 16:16-18, about the fortune-teller and how Paul became annoyed with her, helps me to realize that even these man who Jesus gave the ability to work miracles were just human. Not that it's okay when I get annoyed with people, but it makes me see that I can still be a believer and keep my faith, even when I fail. Amazing that I am working on this in my life and then I read about this story... God at work in life for sure!!!

Reply
Tammy
11/7/2015 04:24:11 am

Paul knew she had a demon in her. And demons know who has the Holy Spirit. I agree in that it is comforting to know that even when we aren't living in the moment as we should....our God can still use us. I find it amazing that sometimes even when I'm living for myself instead of God in the moment....He still Puts people in my path who need to hear something from Him, or who need to call me out and help me. So when He uses us despite our unworthiness at the time.....I am comforted.

I like how you put yourself in the situation of the readings. Gods word is powerful. A friend left today on a week long mission trip to the DR. 6 months ago he would have never thought of doing this, but God has restored him and touched him. He called him to go there and preach. He's got a small plan, but relaying on the Spirit to help him and give Him what the people need to hear. He told me that Gods Word is most powerful....like a sword as the Word says. That's all he's focused on. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Reply
Bruce
11/7/2015 08:30:19 am

Your words " i am comforted" are how i feel on mornings like today. I was driving home around daybreak and the sunrise was amazing. It was as though God put it there just for me. I thought to myself if anyone else is looking at it, they they must know that only God could have created something as beautiful as what i was seeing. I thanked him for let me see it. " I am comforted" is the exact feeling i had. I went to bed thinking about how great God is and what he is doing in life.

A good friend of mine, has mentioned missionary work after we both retire. He can retire the same day i can. I'm not sure that God is calling me in that direction, but maybe in time. I will pray for your friend and that he touches many lives in his undertaking.

It is so good to see how God is working with people that i talk to today, (your friend and you included), with all the bad that the world has to offer. I pray that each of us are able to bring the word and works of Jesus, to as many people as we can. I love doing God's work!! Again "i am comforted"...

Reply
tammy
11/9/2015 05:03:55 am

ch 16:4.....they delivered all the decisions made by the apostles and the elders.
Is this the 4 things they listed in ch 15? The rules they needed to follow in verse 29, so they wouldn't be a stumbling block to the others?

Reply
Jeff
11/9/2015 08:08:35 am

Yes

Reply
Tammy
11/9/2015 03:39:52 pm

Thanks....I'm getting there. :)




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