Acts 17:10

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

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}.

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.

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

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

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

Acts 17:10 describes the urgent departure of the apostles Paul and Silas from Thessalonica and their arrival in the city of Berea, continuing their missionary journey despite facing opposition.

Context

This verse follows the events in Thessalonica, where Paul and Silas had preached the gospel with some success, but also provoked intense jealousy and stirred up a mob against them (Acts 17:5-9). To protect the apostles and perhaps the nascent church there, the local believers, referred to as "the brethren," took immediate action to safely send Paul and Silas away under the cover of night to the nearby city of Berea.

Key Themes

  • Missionary Perseverance: Despite facing persecution and being forced out of Thessalonica, Paul and Silas did not abandon their mission but continued preaching the gospel in a new location.
  • Christian Brotherhood: The believers in Thessalonica demonstrated care and solidarity by ensuring the safety and escape of Paul and Silas.
  • Divine Guidance and Protection: This passage shows God's hand in preserving His servants and directing their steps to continue spreading the word.
  • Synagogue Ministry: Paul's consistent strategy of first preaching in the Jewish synagogue in each city is reiterated here, seeking out those who already had a foundation in the Scriptures.

Linguistic Insights

The term "synagogue" comes from the Greek word synagōgē, meaning "a gathering" or "assembly." It refers to the established place of worship and community for Jews in the diaspora. Paul's practice of going "into the synagogue of the Jews" reflects his priority to share the gospel first with his own people, as he often did throughout his journeys.

Reflection and Application

Acts 17:10 reminds us that the spread of the gospel often involves difficulty and requires resilience. The actions of the Thessalonian believers highlight the importance of Christian community in supporting and protecting one another, especially those on the front lines of ministry. Paul and Silas's immediate decision to continue their work in Berea, even after hardship, serves as an example of unwavering commitment to Christ's commission. It also shows the strategic approach of meeting people where they are, seeking out those already familiar with God's word before reaching a wider audience, a principle we can apply in sharing our faith today.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:2 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 20:4 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Joshua 2:15 (2 votes)

    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.