ACTS: Uprising in Thessalonica

Uprising in Thessalonica  

The Passage: Acts 17:1-15

Structure:

a. 17:1, synagogue

 b. 17:2-4, discussion of the Scriptures

  c. 17:5-8, worthless men at public square

   d. 17:9-10a, Brothers sent them to Berea

a’. 17:10b, synagogue

 b’. 17:11-12, examination of Scriptures

  c’. 17:13, steering up the crowds

   d’. 17:14-15, brothers send him to seacoast.

  

Historical and geographical context: There is a need for two chronological comments:

First, in this one story we see that St. Paul escapes twice (to Berea and to Athens). Sometimes escape is the only way out – no shame in escape in the face of danger for life.

Second, we already saw in the previous passages how Luke introduces characters which will be important later. We read that Paul circumcises Timothy in Lystra (16:2). Luke notes that “Paul wanted Timothy to accompany them” (16:3). Turns out, Timothy was accompanying Paul and Silas (17:14). Which means that he witnessed Macedonian call, travels across the sea, Paul and Silas being imprisoned, realized, and baptizing Philippian jailer. Now he is with Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea. 

Theology:

We always need to remember that one, holy, Christian (lit. world-wide), and apostolic church grew out of OT community of believers: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David etc. (Heb. 11 – cloud of witnesses). Their way of life was based on institutions and regulations of Torah (5 Books of Moses). Sabbatical worship was an integral part of their religious life. Therefore, we should not be surprised to see it as a regular practice of the apostles, Peter and Paul etc.

Paul – preaching in the diaspora – adjusts (not changes) the message. Peter, preaching in Jerusalem, regularly reminds the authorities: “Jesus whom YOU crucified.” Paul rephrases this into “Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” It doesn’t change the substance (cp. 1 Cor. 1:23) but shows us how we can be sensitive to ministry contest.   

Going back to OT background of the Church. Paul reasons with Thessalonica Jews about suffering of Messiah, His death and resurrection (17:3). Not surprising. What is surprising to us is he did it reading the [Old Testament] Scriptures, constantly pointing to Jesus, both in Thessalonica and Berea (17:11). One more reminder for two valid points: (1) Bible should be read in unity (from Genesis to Revelation). (2) Bible should be read Christologically (1 Cor. 10:11; 2 Cor. 1:20). 

Noteworthy fact – it was not the theology of Paul that triggered the uprising in Thessalonica. Suffering, death, and resurrection of Messiah/Christ – these concepts were not foreign to synagogal community. The trigger was the conversion of many devout Greek – both men and women (in both cities).

Court of Jesus vs. court of Peter vs. court of Paul – worthless people, false accusation, another king (John 19:11?). Also, chasing Paul down from Thessalonica to Berea – apparently, there was an interconnectedness of the synagogues, some kind of synodical network.

The attempted accusations (17:6-8) against Paul and his companions and brothers in faith were simultaneously right and wrong. They did not preach a rebellious sermon that would lead to uprising against Ceasar. Nowhere in the New Testament do we see an example of that. On the contrary – Paul teaches a prayerful dedication toward the authorities God in His infinite wisdom placed over the believers (Rom. 13:2; 1 Tim. 2:1-2). At the same time, he and all the apostles would recognize Jesus as the King of kings and the LORD of lords. Why the idea of The King was so important to the Jews? YHWH was the King of Israel. Paul could’ve used following messianic psalms to prove the Jesus is the King – Ps. 2; 24:8; 99:1-5. Also, it was rejection of Jesus as the king that led to crucifixion (John 19:15-16). To sum up, they – accusers – bring up charges that are phrased “right,” but construed in a misleading way to remove Paul as a contester of influence among the Gentiles.