Acts 17:10-21 Paul and Silas in Berea and Athens

Paul and Silas escaped the mob in Thessalonica moving into Berea. Unfortunately, it was not far enough. The Thessalonians pursued Paul into Berea forcing him to leave. He was taken all the way to Athens. Interestingly enough, Silas and Timothy remain in Berea without Paul. Since Paul was the main teacher of the team, he was the target of the persecution and not so much the others. Preaching and teaching the Word of God has a cost. At times, people will not like me for it. Am I willing to remain faithful to the calling? Am I willing to pay the cost?

The Jews in Berea were "more noble" than the Jews in Thessalonica. This speaks of the character of the people differing from place to place. It is also tied in with the levels of receptivity to the Word of God. The Bereans received the word with all eagerness. There was a hunger for the Scriptures. This eagerness moved the Bereans not only to listen to the word, but to examine the Scriptures daily. They took upon themselves to check everything that Paul was teaching making sure they were indeed written. What a display of eagerness to learn! I want to be as eager as the Bereans to examine God's Word daily.

While Paul waits in Athens for Silas and Timothy, he was "provoked within him" when he saw the idolatry in the city. After all that had happened, he probably wanted to lay low and cool it off, but he could not do so. The sinful condition of the people moved him to continue to preach the Gospel in the synagogue and the marketplace. Do I have this passion for unbelievers? Am I moved within to share the Gospel with those who have not heard? This provocation within is definitely part of the kingdom of God. I desire that fire within.

Athens was not without philosophies of its own. The Epicureans believed that happiness was the pursuit of modest pleasures to achieve tranquility and freedom from fear. The highest pleasure was achieved by knowledge, friendship, and a temperate lifestyle. Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcoming destructive emotions despite of the circumstances. But the Gospel stands against these philosophies. Happiness is in the pursuit of God and dependence upon him. Life is in receiving and believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Virtue is in following the teachings of Christ in this world.

Father, teach me to be faithful to the calling to preach the Gospel. Make me eager for your Word every day. Grant me a passion for those who are lost and fill me with your Spirit to follow your commands. Amen.