Acts: To The Ends Of The EarthSample

The gospel now comes to the seaport of Thessalonica. Ancient seaports were infamous for their prosperity and licentiousness.

Here, the Jewish opposition seems to have been especially tough and persistent (v. 13). The immorality of the city probably contributed to the toughness of these Jews—they had to be strong in order to maintain their separateness from the local community.

For three weeks, Paul reasoned, explained, and proved (vv. 2–3) the gospel—the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah.

It is important to note that in this especially difficult environment, it is the same gospel that is powerful. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, after conducting a university mission in Oxford in 1941, said, "There is no greater fallacy than to think that you need a gospel for special types of people."*

Jewish opposition is driven by jealousy (v. 5), though the reason they cite is loyalty to Caesar (v. 7). This is just like the opponents in Philippi who used concern for community as a cover for greed (Acts 16:20–21). In the King James Version of the Bible, verse 5 reads, the Jews gathered "certain lewd fellows of the baser sort" to cause uproar in the city.

The Bereans, forty miles away, nobly examine the Scriptures in the light of the gospel. They were eager to hear, and many came to believe (vv. 11–12).

The Jews from Thessalonica pursue the missionaries and oppose them in Berea before Paul leaves and is escorted to Athens.

In each of the five cities visited on this second missionary journey—Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth—there is gospel preaching, a response of faith from some, and opposition from others. God is sovereign. His purpose is not thwarted. He uses the bad reception as much as the glad reception to see His purposes fulfilled.

Reflection

To be forewarned is to be forearmed. We should not be surprised when we encounter opposition to the gospel. Why are we so taken aback by opposition to gospel work? The Bereans were of noble character (v. 11). Note the reason they are described this way. What do you learn from their example?

*D.M. Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1972), p.130.