Acts 17:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 17:13
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.
Chapter Context
Acts 17 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, creation, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 17:13
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.
Analysis
When the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge (ἐγνώσαν, egnōsan)—The hostile Jewish opposition did not remain localized but actively pursued Paul's ministry. The verb indicates they "came to know" or "learned" that Paul was preaching in Berea, approximately 50 miles southwest of Thessalonica. This demonstrates the intensity of their opposition to the gospel.
They came thither also, and stirred up the people (ἐταράσσοντες, etarassontes)—The verb means "to agitate, trouble, stir into commotion." The Thessalonian Jews left their own city to sabotage Paul's work in Berea, revealing religious persecution's relentless nature. Unlike Thessalonica (17:5) where they incited the marketplace mob, here they targeted the general populace. This forced Paul's departure (v.14) but reveals how the noble Bereans (v.11) were vulnerable to outside agitators despite their initial receptivity to Scripture.
Historical Context
This occurred around AD 50-51 during Paul's second missionary journey. Thessalonica and Berea were both Macedonian cities along the Via Egnatia, Rome's major east-west highway. The Thessalonian synagogue had previously expelled Paul after only three weeks (17:2), and their pursuit to Berea shows how the early church faced organized opposition that crossed city boundaries.
Reflection
- How does persistent opposition to the gospel in one location sometimes follow faithful ministers to new fields, and how should this shape expectations for ministry?
- What does the contrast between the noble Bereans (17:11) and the agitated crowds (17:13) reveal about the difference between genuine truth-seeking and mob mentality?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God