Approximately half-way on their 2nd missionary journey through Asia Minor, Paul and the team left Philippi and went through Amphipolis and Apollonia before reaching Thessalonica. In the city of Thessalonica, there was a Jewish synagogue and Paul as his custom was, went there and on three Sabbath days reasoned with the congregation, explaining and expounding that Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah".


Some of the Jews in this synagogue were persuaded and joined Paul and
Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent
women of the city. But the other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad
characters in the city from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in
the city as a result of the effects of the spirit of God in action through
Paul's preaching that Jesus Christ is the saviour.

The upheaval continued with this angry mob rushing to the home of the
keeper of the Jewish synagogue (Jason) in search of Paul and Silas, in order to
bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged
Jason and some of the believers in Jesus name before the city officials,
shouting "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come
here in Thessalonica to cause trouble, and Jason welcome them into his house".

In addition, these men (Paul and Silas) are defying Caesar's decrees,
saying there is another king, one called Jesus!

Dr. Luke recorded that they made Jason and the others post bond and let
Paul and Silas and the group of disciples go. This dramatic effect that the
name Jesus had on this ancient city in Asia Minor is still having the same
effect today. The preaching of the Gospel in the name of Jesus creates and is
still creating enemies for those who love idol worship and false religion. But
to those who believe, the Apostle Paul declares, "It is the power of God unto
salvation".

Readers of this blog, if you want to know more about this life changing
message that will get us right with God, please contact us at:

Meadowvale East Apostolic Church – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
telephone 416-385-1140