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.

But {G1161} when {G5613} the Jews {G2453} of {G575} Thessalonica {G2332} had knowledge {G1097} that {G3754}{G2532} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} was preached {G2605} of {G5259} Paul {G3972} at {G1722} Berea {G960}, they came {G2064} thither also {G2546}, and stirred up {G4531} the people {G3793}.

But when the unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God had been proclaimed by Sha’ul in Berea as well, they went there too to make trouble and agitate the crowds.

But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, they went there themselves to incite and agitate the crowds.

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed of Paul at Beroea also, they came thither likewise, stirring up and troubling the multitudes.

Context

Acts 17:13 details the persistent opposition Paul faced during his second missionary journey. Previously, Paul and Silas had preached in Thessalonica, where their message of Christ's resurrection sparked jealousy among some Jewish leaders, leading to a riot and forcing Paul to leave (Acts 17:5-9). After this, Paul and Silas traveled to Berea, where the local Jewish community was notably more receptive, diligently examining the Scriptures daily to confirm Paul's teachings (Acts 17:11). This verse, Acts 17:13, marks the continuation of the hostility from Thessalonica, as those who rejected Paul's message followed him to Berea to disrupt his successful ministry there.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Opposition: The verse vividly illustrates the unyielding hostility of those who rejected the Gospel. The Jews from Thessalonica did not merely oppose Paul locally; they traveled a significant distance to continue their campaign against the preaching of the word of God, showing the depth of their animosity.
  • The Power of the Word: Despite persecution, the fact that Paul's preaching was gaining traction in Berea (Acts 17:12) is what provoked this continued opposition. The spread of the Gospel was undeniable, even to its adversaries.
  • Zeal, Misdirected: The energy and effort expended by the Thessalonian Jews highlight a zeal for their traditions, but one that was tragically misdirected against the truth of Christ, leading them to actively suppress spiritual revival in another city.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "stirred up the people" (Greek: saleuō - σαλεύω) implies causing a commotion, agitation, or even shaking. It paints a picture of deliberate instigation and disruption, not just verbal disagreement. This term emphasizes the active, forceful nature of their interference, aiming to destabilize the peaceful reception of the Gospel in Berea, similar to how they had caused an uproar in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5).

Practical Application

Acts 17:13 offers several enduring lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that the spread of the Gospel often invites opposition. Just as Paul faced relentless persecution, those who faithfully proclaim or live out the Christian message may encounter resistance. Secondly, it underscores the importance of discerning truth from falsehood, as the Bereans did. Unlike the Thessalonian Jews who reacted with anger, the Bereans were commended for their diligent search of the Scriptures. Finally, this verse encourages perseverance in ministry despite challenges. Paul did not abandon his mission but continued to preach, even when hounded by his enemies, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, a model for not growing weary in well doing.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:14

    For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16

    Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

  • Matthew 23:13

    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

  • Proverbs 28:25

    ¶ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

  • Acts 21:27

    ¶ And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

  • Acts 6:12

    And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,

  • Acts 17:5

    But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

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