Acts 17:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:13 captures a pivotal moment in Paul's second missionary journey, illustrating the relentless and far-reaching opposition faced by the early Christian message. Having been forced out of Thessalonica due to a riot incited by hostile Jews, Paul found a more receptive audience in Berea, where many embraced the Gospel. However, the same adversaries from Thessalonica, upon learning of Paul's successful ministry in Berea, traveled a significant distance to continue their campaign of disruption, actively stirring up the local populace against the preaching of the Word of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 17:13 serves as a dramatic continuation of the narrative flow from Paul's tumultuous ministry in Thessalonica and his subsequent, more encouraging, reception in Berea. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul and Silas had arrived in Berea after being forced to leave Thessalonica due to a violent uproar (Acts 17:1-9). In Berea, the local Jewish community was commended as "more noble" because they "received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). This diligent examination led to many, both Jews and Greeks, believing (Acts 17:12). Verse 13 thus marks a direct escalation of the conflict, as the opposition from Thessalonica, unwilling to let Paul's ministry flourish elsewhere, actively pursues him to undermine the burgeoning faith in Berea. It highlights the persistent nature of spiritual warfare against the spread of the Gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey from Thessalonica to Berea was approximately 45-50 miles (70-80 kilometers), a significant undertaking in the ancient world, demonstrating the extreme dedication of the Thessalonian Jews to their cause. Both cities were important centers in the Roman province of Macedonia. Paul's customary practice, as seen throughout Acts, was to begin his evangelistic efforts in the local synagogue, leveraging existing Jewish communities and their familiarity with the Old Testament Scriptures. The opposition Paul faced was rooted in a combination of religious jealousy, a perceived threat to their established traditions and authority, and perhaps economic concerns (as seen in Philippi with the demon-possessed girl, Acts 16:19). Their actions in "stirring up the people" were typical of mob incitement, a common tactic in the Roman world to create civil unrest and pressure authorities to act against perceived threats, often without due process.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **persistent opposition to the Gospel**, demonstrating that the spread of God's Word will always encounter resistance from those who reject its truth, a theme echoed in [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred of Disciples"). Secondly, it highlights the **power and efficacy of the Word of God** itself; it was precisely the successful preaching and reception of "the word of God" that provoked such intense hostility. The adversaries recognized the transformative power of Paul's message, even if they opposed it. Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **divine providence**; despite the constant harassment, God continued to open doors for the Gospel, even using the very persecution to prompt Paul's movement to new fields. The contrast between the receptive Bereans and the hostile Thessalonians also emphasizes the theme of **spiritual discernment** and the importance of an open heart to God's truth, as described in [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Noble Bereans").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowledge (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This word, derived from a primary verb, signifies more than mere intellectual awareness; it implies a deep, experiential knowing or understanding. When the Jews of Thessalonica "had knowledge" that the word of God was being preached in Berea, it suggests they had received concrete, verified information, leading to a full apprehension of the situation and its implications for their own rejected message. This "knowledge" was sufficient to provoke them to action.
* **preached (Greek, _katangéllō'_):** This term means "to proclaim," "to promulgate," or "to declare." It emphasizes the public, authoritative, and widespread dissemination of the message. Paul was not merely discussing or debating privately; he was openly and widely proclaiming "the word of God." This public declaration, leading to conversions, was the direct cause of the Thessalonian Jews' alarm and subsequent action.
* **stirred up (Greek, _saleúō'_):** Meaning "to waver," "agitate," "rock," or "topple," this word vividly describes the deliberate instigation of commotion and unrest. It implies a forceful and disruptive action, aiming to destabilize the peaceful reception of the Gospel and incite a riot or public disturbance, much like they had done in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5). It's not just verbal disagreement but active, physical agitation of the populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge":** This opening clause immediately establishes the antagonists and their motivation. The "Jews of Thessalonica" are the same group who had previously caused a riot and forced Paul to leave their city. Their "knowledge" of Paul's continued ministry in Berea indicates a deliberate tracking of his movements and a keen awareness of the success of his preaching.
* **"that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea":** This specifies the content and location of the ministry that provoked their ire. It was not merely Paul's presence, but the effective proclamation of "the word of God"—the Gospel message—that was gaining traction in Berea, leading to conversions (Acts 17:12). This success was intolerable to those who had rejected the message.
* **"they came thither also":** This phrase highlights the extraordinary lengths to which the Thessalonian Jews went to oppose Paul. Traveling approximately 50 miles over ancient roads demonstrates their intense zeal and commitment to disrupting Paul's ministry, indicating a deep-seated animosity towards the Gospel.
* **"and stirred up the people":** This final clause describes their direct action. Using the term _saleúō_, it conveys their active instigation of a mob or an uproar among the Berean populace. Their aim was to incite hostility and create an environment of chaos and opposition, mirroring their previous tactics in Thessalonica, thereby forcing Paul to leave Berea as well.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the "more noble" Bereans who eagerly searched the Scriptures and the Thessalonian Jews who, despite their religious background, actively sought to suppress the truth. There is a strong element of **Irony** as those who claimed to uphold the law and traditions of God were actively opposing the very "word of God" being preached, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness. The persistent pursuit and agitation also serve as a form of **Foreshadowing**, indicating the ongoing and escalating persecution that Paul and the early church would face throughout their mission, a theme that pervades the book of Acts. The phrase "stirred up the people" uses **Vivid Imagery**, painting a picture of deliberate, forceful agitation, akin to shaking a settled body of water, emphasizing the disruptive and violent nature of their opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:13 profoundly illustrates the spiritual warfare inherent in the advancement of God's kingdom. The relentless opposition from the Thessalonian Jews is not merely a historical anecdote but a timeless reminder that the proclamation of divine truth will always provoke a reaction, often one of hostility, from those whose worldview or power structures are threatened by it. This verse underscores the reality that the "word of God" is living and active, capable of transforming lives and challenging established norms, which inevitably draws the ire of those who prefer darkness to light. Despite such determined resistance, the narrative of Acts consistently shows God's sovereign hand guiding His messengers and ensuring the spread of the Gospel, demonstrating that no human opposition can ultimately thwart His redemptive purposes. The zeal of the Thessalonian Jews, though misdirected, highlights the intensity of human resistance when confronted with a message that demands repentance and a reorientation of life around Christ.

* [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Persecution and Flight")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:13 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often resistant to the Gospel. Firstly, it prepares us for the reality of opposition. Just as Paul faced relentless harassment, those who faithfully proclaim or embody the Christian message should anticipate resistance, not as a sign of failure, but as an expected outcome when light confronts darkness. This verse challenges us to cultivate the discerning spirit of the Bereans, who diligently examined the Scriptures, rather than succumbing to the emotional manipulation of those who "stir up" discord. It calls us to be rooted in biblical truth, enabling us to stand firm amidst spiritual attacks and misrepresentations. Finally, it serves as a powerful encouragement to persevere in ministry and witness despite adversity. Paul's unwavering commitment to preaching the "word of God," even when hounded from city to city, exemplifies a resilience born of divine calling and trust. Our faithfulness is not measured by the absence of conflict, but by our steadfastness in the face of it, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the persistent opposition Paul faced encourage or challenge your own expectations about sharing your faith?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Thessalonian Jews, unknowingly or knowingly resist the "word of God" in our lives or communities?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate the Berean spirit of diligently searching the Scriptures in your own life?**
* **How can you demonstrate perseverance in your faith or ministry, even when faced with significant challenges or opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jews from Thessalonica so determined to follow Paul to Berea and stir up trouble?**

Answer: Their determination stemmed from a deep-seated opposition to Paul's message, which they perceived as a threat to their religious traditions, authority, and identity. In Thessalonica, Paul's preaching of Jesus as the Messiah had caused a significant number of Jews and prominent Greeks to believe (Acts 17:4), leading to jealousy and a violent riot (Acts 17:5-9). Upon learning that Paul's "word of God" was gaining traction in Berea, they were unwilling to tolerate its spread. Their actions were driven by a zealous, though misdirected, desire to suppress what they considered heresy and to maintain their established religious order, even if it meant traveling a considerable distance to instigate further unrest.

**What is the significance of the phrase "stirred up the people" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "stirred up the people" (Greek: _saleúō_) signifies a deliberate and forceful act of incitement, aiming to create public disorder and hostility. It goes beyond mere verbal disagreement, implying an active effort to agitate the populace, provoke a mob, or cause civil unrest. In the context of Acts, this was a common tactic used by opponents of the Gospel to disrupt Paul's ministry and pressure local authorities to expel him. It highlights the aggressive and disruptive nature of the opposition, demonstrating their intent to destabilize the peaceful reception of the "word of God" and undermine the nascent Christian community in Berea, mirroring their actions in [Acts 17:5](/acts/17-5 "Acts 17:5 - The Riot in Thessalonica").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:13, though detailing Paul's specific persecution, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The "word of God" that Paul preached and for which he suffered was none other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Paul faced relentless opposition for proclaiming truth, Jesus, the embodiment of truth, endured unparalleled hostility from religious authorities and the world. His ministry was consistently met with skepticism, rejection, and ultimately, violent persecution, culminating in His crucifixion ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")). The "stirring up of the people" against Paul in Berea echoes the crowds stirred up against Jesus in Jerusalem, leading to His unjust condemnation ([Matthew 27:20](/matthew/27-20 "Matthew 27:20 - Pilate and the Crowd")). Yet, it is precisely through Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection that the "word of God" gained its ultimate power and triumph. The continued spread of the Gospel despite fierce opposition, as seen in Paul's ministry, is a testament to Christ's victory over sin and death, and His ongoing work through His Spirit to build His church, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church on the Rock")). Thus, Paul's experience in Berea is a participation in the sufferings of Christ ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Sufferings for the Church")), demonstrating that the path of faithful witness to the Risen Lord often involves opposition, but always undergirded by His sovereign power and ultimate triumph.

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 2:14

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.