III. Paul's Second Tour (continued) 15:36 - 18:22
H. Preaching and Persecution in Thessalonica (vv. 1-9)
v.1 Philippi to Amphipolis- 33 miles, then an additional 30 miles to Apollonia and finally 37 miles from Apollonia to Thessalonica. The structure of this sentence leads us to believe that there were no synagogues in either Amphipolis or Apollonia.
v.2,3 Rom. 1:16 expounds on Paul's custom of approaching the Jew first. What did Paul and Silas do between Sabbath days? I Thess. 2:9. What scriptures were being used? The scriptures showed that it was necessary for Christ to suffer, be crucified, buried and rise from the grave to fulfill the prophets.
v.4 A few of the Jews were convinced, but the majority of converts came from among the Greeks. These Greeks could be divided into two categories: 1) proselytes and 2) heathens (idolaters). Chief women- refers to our previous discussion. I Thess. 1:9
v.5 The unbelieving Jews did not want their ranks broken by Paul and Silas. These Jews incited the "rabble" to riot and directed the attack on the house of Jason.
v.6,7 Paul and Silas were not to be found. Infuriated, the mob takes Jason and certain of the brethren into custody, dragging them before the rulers of the city. Charges are levied against Jason, namely harboring Paul and Silas. Charges against Paul and Silas were: disturbing the peace and treason against Caesar. Reminds us of Mk. 12:14 and Lu. 23:2.
v.8,9 The Jews had done what they set out to do, that is , turn the city against Paul and Silas. They let Jason and the others out on bail.
I. Success in Berea (vv. 10-15)
v.10 Thessalonica to Berea- 50 miles. They left under cover of night but we know that their labors at Thessalonica were not in vain. In Berea, Paul enters the synagogue and begins to teach.
v.11 The Jews at Berea were of stronger character than those of Thessalonica. They examined the scriptures daily to determine if Paul's preaching was true.
v.12 The result of fair-mindedness, honesty of heart, and searching the scriptures is always conversion. The work at Berea spilled out of the synagogue and into the Gentile community.
v.13 The Jews of Thessalonica were not long in finding out where Paul and Silas were and what they were up to. They came to Berea and stirred up the multitude there.
v.14 We see that Timothy had now joined Paul at Berea after having been left at Philippi with Luke. Paul was sent out of the city.
v.15 Paul's escorts took him to Athens and from there he sent for Silas and Timothy. Berea to Athens- 250 land miles. Paul probably went by sea, a three-day journey. We will see that Silas and Timothy do not catch up to Paul until Corinth. Acts 18:5
Paul has thus far established 3 churches in Greece (Macedonia): 1) Philippi, 2) Thessalonica, and 3) Berea.
J. Paul in Athens (vv. 16-21)
v.16 Athens was the Greek center of learning and philosophy, The extent of idol worship stirred Paul's spirit so that he could not wait for Silas and Timothy to arrive.
v.17 Wherever Paul could find someone to listen, he would speak, whether to the Jews in the synagogue or the heathens in the marketplace.
v.18 The Epicureans- lived for pleasure. The Stoics- denied the immortality of the soul and denied themselves all earthly pleasures. See Boles p. 277. These philosophers had no conception of Jesus and the resurrection.
v.19,20 Paul is escorted to Mar's Hill where he is presented to the philosophers and professors of Athens. They were starved for any new knowledge, wanting to master it just for the sake of mastering it. Not for the fruits that mastery would bring.
v.21 The leisure time of the Athenians was spent telling or listening to something new. This explains their fascination with Paul. The importance of Paul's teaching would have little effect on these particular listeners.