The book of Acts tells the story of a handful of men and women who did not leave the world the same way they found it. These were ordinary people, empowered by the Holy Spirit to faithfully proclaim the gospel near and far, even amid strong opposition. So when Paul and Silas are mistreated at Philippi—beaten and imprisoned, then given a police escort out of town—this does not prevent them from pursuing the mission Jesus had given them. The team travels a hundred miles southwest, a three-day journey, to the city of Thessalonica. They go straight to the synagogue of the Jews, as was their custom. Here Paul engages in gospel conversations, helping people familiar with the Scriptures to see that Jesus was the promised Messiah of Israel. We might assume that everyone would be happy to hear this Good News. But as always, when God’s Word is proclaimed without compromise, the response is mixed. Everywhere Paul and Silas went, it seems they experienced revivals and riots at the same time! A new church is formed, but some of its members are dragged by a mob before the city authorities, where they are accused of treason for promoting the worship of a King higher than Caesar (v 1-9). That night, Paul and Silas are sent on a fifty-mile trip to Berea, where they again share God’s Word at the synagogue. Thankfully, these Jews show themselves to be reasonable, open-minded people, eager to hear the gospel and search the Scriptures for themselves to check on the accuracy of Paul’s preaching. Many come to personal faith in Christ. Unfortunately, when the Thessalonian troublemakers hear what’s happening in Berea, they come to agitate the crowd. Paul’s life must have been especially at risk, because his companions decide it’s time for him to take a cruise! While Silas and Timothy stay behind to shepherd the flock in Berea, Paul is put on a ship which sails the Greek coastline for 25 miles, to the great city of Athens (v 10-15). In Athens, Paul encounters the challenge of sharing the good news of Jesus with people who know nothing at all about the Jewish faith or the Hebrew Scriptures. But they were well-educated. Athens was regarded as the premier intellectual center of the world—the city of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. The people in this city loved to have deep conversations and discuss new ideas! And they accepted all religions—that is, of course, any religion that did not claim to be the only way. Paul’s approach? He notices their awareness of an “unknown God,” then introduces them to the one true God, who has made Himself generally known in creation, and supremely knowable in His Son. Once again, some believe, but most don’t (v 16-34). What is your response? For further meditation: