Acts 17:13

But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Acts 17:13

In the previous verse, it said that many in Berea believed. Now the narrative continues, starting with, “But when the Jews from Thessalonica.” Berea is said to be 45 miles southwest of Thessalonica. Today, that would be a quick drive, but at the time of Acts, it would take a couple of days to travel the distance.

We are not told how the word got back to those at Thessalonica, but it is probable Paul and Silas stayed at Berea for some time once converts had been made. The word about the conversion of people would naturally be passed along and nothing sinister should be inferred. However, for the most part, the Jews in Thessalonica had rejected the gospel and caused the city to get stirred up. With this remembered, it next says they “learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea.”

The NKJV skips over a necessary conjunction. It more rightly says, “learned that the word of God was preached by Paul also in Berea.” This would have gotten their dander up. They probably thought that with Paul and Silas having been run out of town, that would be the end of their preaching. However, not only were there believers in Thessalonica because of them, but they were also now making converts in Berea.

The Jews’ sphere of influence was dwindling because of the evangelism of these men. And so, with apparently nothing better to do than to cause trouble elsewhere, it next says that “they came there also and stirred up the crowds.” Rather, the verb is a present participle. The clause reads, “they came there also, stirring up the crowds.”

The word translated as stirring up, saleuó, is found in the Greek translation of the Old Testament where it refers to the stirring up of the oceans. This is what these people were like. They went among the multitudes and were stirring them up and causing trouble because of their jealousy concerning the success of the gospel.

The irony of the matter is that they were working against the Messiah whom they said they were waiting for. But a Messiah who came to die for the sins of the people meant that they were sinful people. In their arrogance, they rejected this premise. Their idea of a Messiah is one that would welcome them in their state of supposed superiority and elevate them above the world of Gentiles among whom they dwelt.

Life application: Today, it is easier to cause trouble for others than ever before. If someone proclaims a message that offends others, he can be hounded by those who don’t like what they hear.

For example, if you are a preacher in a church who has made such enemies, they can hack your church website and fill it with vile material. They can give poor ratings or reviews on various sites that provide evaluations of companies, products, churches, restaurants, etc. They can say harmful things on YouTube videos. The inventiveness of people to harm others is almost limitless. One must be prepared to take such things in stride and continue to proclaim the truth of the gospel with proper theology and sound doctrine.

There is often little you can do about such people, so you must be consistent and demonstrate that they are the miscreants by your continued proper proclamation of the word of God. It was not easy for Paul and Silas, it was not easy for those who spoke against the abuses of the church throughout the past millennia, and it is not easy today. These things must be expected. But press on as best you can. The Lord is building his church despite such agitators.

Lord God, be with Your people through the many trials that arise. When sound pastors and preachers are attacked because of their proclamation of the gospel, reassure them in their hearts and lives. Bless the work of their hands because it is the work You have set forth for them to do. Be glorified in Your people, O God. Amen.