In Thessalonica
IN THESSALONICA
ACTS 17:1-9
Here’s the same pattern of ready response and outright opposition.
The apostolic band (minus Luke, who evidently stayed on at Philippi to consolidate the work there; the “we-narrative” abruptly breaks off at 16:17) moved southward, calling at Amphipolis (thirty miles from Philippi) and Apollonia (twenty-seven miles further on) en route to Thessalonica (another thirty-five miles). The excellent Roman roads—this one was the useful via Egnatia—made travel both safe and speedy, and both factors were of incalculable importance for the spread of the gospel message in the early days of the church.
At Thessalonica a three weeks’ ministry at the local Jewish meeting-place (17:2) gave Paul a chance to set out the scriptural basis of his message. Note the three chief emphases he made (17:3). The reaction was true to previous experience. Some were convinced and won over to faith in Jesus as Messiah and Lord; this response angered the Jews, who raised the rabble against the visiting missionaries on the handy charge that they preached a subversive message which called for disloyalty to Rome (17:6-7). The evidence for this accusation was the proclamation of the Kingship of Jesus, which the Jews interpreted in a malicious way to mean that the Christian preachers were political agitators, offering a rival emperor to Caesar. The authorities, however, were not easily taken in by this specious allegation, but did investigate the claim. Jason, at whose house the apostles were lodging, was required to give an assurance that his guests were not seditiously-minded (17:9); and to make sure, Jason agreed that the apostles should be “bound over” and prevented from speaking in Thessalonica. This explains their immediate departure for Beroea (17:10).
Notes 17:2: RSV margin gives “Sabbaths” as an alternative translation. On successive Sabbath days Paul was the invited preacher. Perhaps the three themes (of 17:3) were handled on these consecutive Sabbaths. 17:4: the adherence of some influential women reminds us that Christian ladies play a significant part in early church life. Which names come to mind? Priscilla, Phoebe, Lydia … turn up Romans 16 for many more. 17:5: the “loafers” (lit. those who hang about the market-place). 17:5: Paul was not there when Jason’s house was attacked.
Meditation “These men have turned the world upside down” (17:6). Christian preaching is not a sedative, but social and spiritual dynamite.