Acts 17:1-15

17:1 | In Paul’s day, Thessalonica was a major port and an important commercial center. There was no Jewish synagogue in Philippi, but there was in Thessalonica – and Paul made it his first stop upon arriving.

17:2-3 | Paul did not just preach in the synagogues – he reasoned from, explained, and proved. The Greek word for “reason” is dialegomai, from which comes the word dialogue. Paul’s style was to have a dialogue regarding the Scriptures – with questions and answers, give and take, back and forth, much as might be seen today in a seminar or classroom setting.

17:8-9 | The rulers of the city forced Jason to post a bond, probably to be forfeited if Paul and the others ever returned to Thessalonica. The officials used Silas and Paul’s friends as a form of manipulation to keep them out of the city (1 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:14-18).

17:11 | The Bereans received the word with all readiness, willing to hear out Paul rather than condemning him immediately for his doctrine. They then searched the Scriptures to find out for themselves if what the apostle taught was really true – an approach every Christian should take.

17:13-15 | Satan is never far from where the gospel is being received – not in Paul’s day or in ours; thus the Jews from Thessalonica were not content to have run Paul out of their town.