Topical Bible: Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night

◄ Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Apostle Paul's escape to Berea is a significant event in his missionary journeys, illustrating both the opposition he faced and the providential care of God over his ministry. This episode is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 17:10-15.

Context and Background

Paul's second missionary journey, as detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, was marked by both fruitful ministry and intense opposition. After leaving Philippi, Paul and his companions traveled to Thessalonica, where he preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, reasoning with the Jews from the Scriptures and proclaiming Jesus as the Christ (Acts 17:2-3). While some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks believed, others were incited to jealousy, leading to a hostile environment (Acts 17:4-5).

The Escape to Berea

The situation in Thessalonica escalated when the unbelieving Jews formed a mob and set the city in an uproar, attacking the house of Jason, where Paul and Silas were staying (Acts 17:5-6). Unable to find Paul and Silas, the mob dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, accusing them of defying Caesar's decrees by proclaiming Jesus as king (Acts 17:7).

In response to the growing danger, the brothers in Thessalonica acted swiftly to protect Paul and Silas. Acts 17:10 states, "As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea." This nocturnal escape underscores the urgency and peril of the situation, as well as the solidarity and courage of the early Christian community in safeguarding their leaders.

Ministry in Berea

Upon arriving in Berea, Paul and Silas continued their ministry with characteristic zeal. They went to the Jewish synagogue, where they encountered a more noble-minded audience than in Thessalonica. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans, stating, "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." This openness and diligence in searching the Scriptures led many Bereans, including prominent Greek women and men, to believe in the gospel (Acts 17:12).

Continued Opposition

Despite the initial receptivity in Berea, opposition soon followed. The Jews from Thessalonica, upon learning of Paul's activities in Berea, came there as well, agitating the crowds (Acts 17:13). Recognizing the threat, the Berean believers took immediate action to ensure Paul's safety. Acts 17:14-15 recounts, "The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea. Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible."

Significance

Paul's escape to Berea by night highlights several key themes in his ministry. It demonstrates the persistent opposition faced by early Christians, the strategic and protective measures taken by the Christian community, and the importance of a receptive and discerning audience, as exemplified by the Bereans. This episode also underscores the Apostle's unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, regardless of the challenges and dangers encountered along the way.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 17:10-12
And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Nave's Topical Index