The Greek word Béroia, represented by G960, is the name for a place in Macedonia. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This location features in the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles as a significant destination for Paul and Silas during their missionary journeys.
In the biblical narrative, G960 is first mentioned as the place where Paul and Silas were sent by the brethren from Thessalonica. They were sent away "by night" and, upon arriving in Berea, they "went into the synagogue of the Jews" Acts 17:10. The location appears again when Jews from Thessalonica, having had knowledge that the word of God was preached by Paul in Berea, came there also and "stirred up the people" Acts 17:13.
Several related words provide context for the events in Berea:
- G2332 Thessaloníkē (Thessalonice, a place in Asia Minor): This city is the origin of the opposition that pursued Paul. It was the Jews of Thessalonica who came to Berea to incite the people Acts 17:13.
- G2605 katangéllō (to proclaim, promulgate): This word describes Paul's activity in Berea. The conflict arose because the "word of God was preached" by him there Acts 17:13.
- G4531 saleúō (to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy): This verb details the actions of the Thessalonian Jews, who came to Berea and "stirred up" the crowds against the apostles Acts 17:13.
The narrative significance of G960 is tied to its role as a setting for both ministry and conflict.
- A Place of Ministry: Upon arrival, Paul and Silas immediately began their work by going into the "synagogue of the Jews," establishing Berea as a new site for their mission Acts 17:10.
- A Center of Proclamation: Berea is specifically noted as a place where "the word of God was preached of Paul," marking it as a location where the gospel was actively being shared Acts 17:13.
- A Target for Opposition: The events in Berea illustrate how opposition to Paul's ministry followed him. The arrival of agitators from Thessalonica shows that his preaching in one city had repercussions in another Acts 17:13.
In summary, G960 is more than a geographical marker; it represents a key stage in the apostolic mission. It serves as the backdrop for Paul and Silas's continued ministry after facing hostility in Thessalonica and simultaneously highlights the persistent nature of the opposition they encountered. The account of Berea demonstrates the rapid spread of both the gospel message and the conflict that often accompanied it.
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