Before we digest what is happening today, we need a little back-story. Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica preaching and teaching, but there was an element there who wanted to destroy the message these two were bringing. They wanted to kill the messengers too, and a mob was formed to try and do that. As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. (Acts 17:10)
The Bereans are described as having a more noble character then the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day..." (Acts 17:11)
Paul and Silas were still not out of danger. The Thessalonians learned of Paul's continued preaching and Berea and sent their agitators there to work up the crowds and endanger Paul. Again Paul left the town and moved on to the next. It would seem that evil was working overtime, but so was the Holy Spirit.
What is the point being made today? Neither Paul and Silas nor any of the Believers who had been commissioned by Jesus' Words in Matthew 28:19, "go therefore and make disciples of all nations," were willing to stop their work when their lives were threatened. No, they simply moved on to the next town.
We would do well to take this example to heart. We are only called to share the Good News, to build relationships with those who don't know the story of Jesus. It is not our responsibility to change the hearts of the people, only to prepare them to hear the truth. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.
Acts 17:10-15
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