Paul at Thessalonica
1Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.
"2And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures"
Paul had a plan, he would go to the synagogue three sabbaths in a row and would use the Old Testament and teach of the coming Messiah, then teach the New Testament concerning Jesus.
3explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”
pro·claim
prəˈklām,prōˈklām/
verb
1. announce officially or publicly.
* declare something one considers important with due emphasis.
4And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.
More importantly they believed in Jesus Christ and joined the brother and sisterhood of heavenly saints!
5But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar;
Jealous; feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.
Jews, when we hear this term we think of them as religious but they took some wicked men, formed a mob and set the city in a uproar. Sounds like they started a riot! Similar to what we see in politics today, when people protest accusing a candidate of being a racist. Interesting concept isn't it? Become jealous, get some wicked men, protest, riot and accuse others as the source of the upheaval!
These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar,
The Jews hated Cesar but use him and his laws for their purpose! Jason became a Christian and possibly allowed Paul to stay with him so the jealous Jews tried to make an example of him, to turn others away from Christ.
Similar to the crowds protesting in politics today, throwing eggs at a woman because they disliked her choice of candidate and the tee shirt she was wearing. Onlookers were fearful of helping her and locked the doors. Eventually they unlocked the door and let her in. If they didn't, would she still be alive?
8They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.
They; Jews stirred up the crowd, but authorities required a pledge from Jason.
Has this happened to you when you came to Christ?
Right now as you read this Christians around the world are being murdered for their faith, by wicked men stirred up by religious fanatics.
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for the Christians and their families who are being murdered for their faith. We pray for the wicked men and the unruly mobs, that you turn them from their evil ways, just as you turned us. In Jesus name we pray.
Blessings David
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