Acts 17:10

KJV

¶ And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the brethren {G80} immediately {G2112} sent away {G1599}{G5037} Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Silas {G4609} by {G1223} night {G3571} unto {G1519} Berea {G960}: who {G3748} coming {G3854} thither went {G549} into {G1519} the synagogue {G4864} of the Jews {G2453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as soon as night fell, the brothers sent Sha’ul and Sila off to Berea.

As soon as they arrived, they went to the synagogue.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

American Standard Version

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Beroea: who when they were come thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:10 details the urgent, clandestine departure of Paul and Silas from Thessalonica, facilitated by the local believers, and their immediate journey to Berea, where, upon arrival, they continued their established missionary practice of entering the Jewish synagogue to proclaim the Gospel. This verse marks a pivotal transition in their second missionary journey, highlighting both the persistent opposition they faced and their unwavering commitment to spreading the Christian message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct continuation and consequence of the events described in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul and Silas in Thessalonica"). In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas had preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, reasoning from the Scriptures that Christ must suffer and rise from the dead, and that Jesus was this Christ. While some Jews and a large number of devout Greeks and prominent women believed, a group of unbelieving Jews became jealous. They incited a mob, assaulted Jason's house (where Paul and Silas were staying), and dragged Jason and some other believers before the city authorities, accusing them of treason against Caesar by proclaiming another king, Jesus. The authorities, after taking security from Jason and the others, released them. It is in this volatile and dangerous atmosphere that the Thessalonian "brethren" (the newly formed Christian community) recognized the necessity of immediately and secretly sending Paul and Silas away to ensure their safety and the continued propagation of the Gospel. The narrative flow emphasizes the rapid escalation of opposition and the swift, decisive action taken by the early church to protect its leaders and mission.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Thessalonica was a significant Roman provincial capital in Macedonia, a free city with its own assembly and magistrates, which explains the specific legal accusations leveled against Paul and Silas. Its strategic location on the Egnatian Way, a major Roman road, made it an important center for trade and communication, and thus a crucial target for early Christian evangelism. Berea (modern Veria), located about 50 miles southwest of Thessalonica, was another Macedonian city, though perhaps less prominent. The "night" departure underscores the urgency and danger of the situation, a common tactic for evading arrest or mob violence in the ancient world. The consistent practice of Paul and Silas entering the "synagogue of the Jews" upon arriving in a new city reflects a well-established missionary strategy. Synagogues served not only as places of worship for Jewish communities but also as centers for learning, community gathering, and often, for Gentile "God-fearers" who were attracted to monotheism and Jewish ethics. This provided a natural entry point for the apostles to present the Gospel, as the audience already possessed a foundational understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 17:10 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Missionary Perseverance and Resilience** in the face of intense persecution. Despite being violently driven out of Thessalonica, Paul and Silas did not falter but immediately pressed on to a new city to continue their work, embodying the apostolic mandate to preach the Gospel "to the ends of the earth" [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, the actions of "the brethren" highlight the vital theme of **Christian Community and Solidarity**. The nascent church in Thessalonica demonstrated practical love and protective care for their spiritual leaders, underscoring the importance of mutual support within the body of Christ, especially during times of adversity. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Divine Providence and Guidance**, as God orchestrates events, even persecution, to direct His servants to new mission fields, ensuring the Gospel's spread. This aligns with the broader narrative of Acts where the Holy Spirit continually guides the apostles' movements, as seen earlier in [Acts 16:6-10](/acts/16-6-10 "Acts 16:6-10 - The Macedonian Call"). Finally, Paul's consistent **Missionary Strategy** of first engaging with the Jewish community in the synagogue is reiterated here, reflecting his conviction that the Gospel was "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb signifies a swift, direct, and instantaneous action. Its inclusion emphasizes the urgency and lack of delay in the brethren's decision to send Paul and Silas away, likely due to the immediate danger posed by the mob in Thessalonica. It also highlights the apostles' readiness to continue their mission without hesitation.
* **Sent away (Greek, _ekpémpō'_):** Derived from `ek` (out of) and `pempō` (to send), this verb means "to despatch" or "to send forth." It conveys the deliberate act of the Thessalonian believers in arranging and executing the departure of Paul and Silas. It suggests not merely a passive leaving but an active, protective escort or arrangement for their journey, underscoring the community's care.
* **Synagogue (Greek, _synagōgḗ'_):** This term refers to an "assemblage of persons," specifically a Jewish "synagogue," which served as the primary place of worship, study, and community gathering for Jews in the diaspora. Paul's consistent practice of entering the synagogue first upon arriving in a new city demonstrates his strategic approach to evangelism, leveraging existing religious frameworks and audiences familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea":** This clause reveals the immediate and protective action taken by the newly formed Christian community in Thessalonica. The term "brethren" (Greek: _adelphoi_) denotes the fellow believers, highlighting the solidarity and mutual care within the early church. The urgency ("immediately") and the timing ("by night") underscore the peril Paul and Silas faced, necessitating a discreet and swift departure to evade the hostile mob. Their destination, Berea, signifies the continued forward movement of the Gospel despite opposition.
* **"who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews":** This second clause describes Paul and Silas's actions upon arrival in Berea. The phrase "who coming thither" confirms their successful and safe arrival. Their immediate action of going "into the synagogue of the Jews" demonstrates their consistent missionary strategy. Regardless of the persecution faced in Thessalonica, they returned to their established method of engaging with Jewish communities first, using the Old Testament as a foundation to present Jesus as the Messiah. This highlights their unwavering commitment to their calling and their strategic approach to evangelism.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Narrative Pacing** is evident in the use of "immediately" (_euthéōs_), which accelerates the narrative, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the swift transition from conflict to continued mission. This creates a sense of continuous, dynamic movement characteristic of the book of Acts. **Contrast** is present between the hostile environment of Thessalonica, from which they are forced to flee, and the new, albeit temporary, opportunity for ministry in Berea. The "night" departure itself serves as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the danger and secrecy required for their escape, yet paradoxically leading to the light of the Gospel being brought to a new city. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of Paul's missionary pattern—entering the synagogue—reinforces his consistent methodology and commitment to reaching his own people first, even in the face of previous negative experiences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:10 powerfully illustrates the divine sovereignty that governs the spread of the Gospel, even through adverse circumstances. What appears to be a setback—being driven out of Thessalonica—is, in God's providence, a strategic redirection, opening a new door for ministry in Berea. This reflects a recurring pattern in Acts where persecution inadvertently serves to scatter believers and the message, leading to wider evangelization. The steadfastness of Paul and Silas, combined with the protective care of the Thessalonian believers, underscores the resilience of the early church and the vital role of Christian community in sustaining ministry. It teaches that the mission of God is unstoppable, finding new avenues even when old ones are closed, and that faithful obedience involves both courage in proclamation and wisdom in knowing when to withdraw and regroup.

* [Acts 8:1-4](/acts/8-1-4 "Acts 8:1-4 - The Persecution and Scattering of Believers")
* [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Fleeing Persecution")
* [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. The immediate and decisive action of the Thessalonian "brethren" reminds us of the critical importance of Christian community in supporting and protecting those engaged in ministry, especially when they face opposition. It calls us to consider how we, as a church body, can actively care for and facilitate the work of those on the front lines, whether locally or globally. Furthermore, Paul and Silas's unwavering commitment to their mission, even after being forced to flee under duress, serves as a powerful example of perseverance. It challenges us to examine our own resilience in the face of difficulties, reminding us that setbacks in ministry or personal faith journeys are often opportunities for God to redirect us to new fields of service or to deepen our trust in His guidance. Their consistent strategy of engaging with those already familiar with God's word, even amidst hostility, also encourages us to be strategic and adaptable in our evangelism, meeting people where they are while remaining faithful to the core message of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "immediate" action of the Thessalonian believers challenge my understanding of Christian solidarity and support for those in ministry?**
* **In what ways might God be redirecting my efforts or opening new doors for service, even through unexpected difficulties or "forced departures" in my own life?**
* **What does Paul and Silas's continued practice of going to the synagogue teach me about strategic evangelism and meeting people where they are?**
* **How can my local church better embody the protective and facilitating role of the "brethren" in Acts 17:10 for those serving Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did the brethren send Paul and Silas away "by night"?**

Answer: The phrase "by night" (Greek: _dia nyktos_) indicates that the departure was urgent, secretive, and intended to avoid detection by the hostile mob that had been stirred up in Thessalonica. Following the uproar described in [Acts 17:5-9](/acts/17-5-9 "Acts 17:5-9 - The Mob in Thessalonica"), Paul and Silas were in immediate danger of arrest or further violence. Sending them away under the cover of darkness was a practical and necessary measure to ensure their safety and allow them to escape unnoticed, demonstrating the Thessalonian believers' wisdom and protective care for the apostles.

**What was the significance of Paul and Silas going "into the synagogue of the Jews" in Berea?**

Answer: Paul's consistent practice of first going to the Jewish synagogue in each new city was a strategic missionary approach. The synagogue served as a natural point of entry for the Gospel because it gathered people who already believed in the one true God and were familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures. This allowed Paul to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, reasoning from the very texts his audience held sacred. While his message often met with opposition from some Jews, it also provided a platform to reach both Jews and Gentile "God-fearers" who attended the synagogue, as seen in [Acts 17:4](/acts/17-4 "Acts 17:4 - Some Believe in Thessalonica") in Thessalonica and later in [Acts 17:11-12](/acts/17-11-12 "Acts 17:11-12 - The Noble Bereans"). This method reflects Paul's commitment to the principle that the Gospel was "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:10, though seemingly a simple narrative detail of travel, profoundly reflects Christ's ongoing mission and His sovereign care for His church. Just as Christ Himself faced relentless opposition and was ultimately "sent away" from this world through His crucifixion, only to rise and send His disciples forth [John 20:21](/john/20-21 "John 20:21 - Jesus Sends His Disciples"), so too are His servants continually propelled forward in the face of adversity. The "brethren" acting to protect Paul and Silas mirrors the communal love and self-sacrifice exemplified by Christ, who laid down His life for His sheep [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). Furthermore, Paul and Silas's unwavering commitment to continue preaching the Gospel, even after being driven out, is a direct fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") and His promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church"). Their journey to Berea, facilitated by the community, demonstrates the living Christ actively guiding and preserving His witnesses, ensuring that His word continues to spread, ultimately building His kingdom until His glorious return [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 2:2

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

Acts 17:13

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

Acts 17:14

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

Acts 17:2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Acts 20:4

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

Acts 9:25

Then the disciples took him by night, and let [him] down by the wall in a basket.

Joshua 2:15

Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house [was] upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.