Q1. (Acts 17:1-10) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica? Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop?
According the Acts, the leaders were jealous of the attention that Paul's ministry was getting. If the people believed what Paul was saying, then the leaders felt that the people felt what the religious leaders of Thessalonica were teaching had been wrong. Many religious leaders of the times had become rich off of the people. As Thessalonica had become such a major city, being at the crossroads of the Egnation Way and the road from the Aegean to the Danube,these leaders had prospered. To lose the support of the people would have been devastating to them financially. To just refute what Paul was saying would be temporary--they had to discredit him by portraying him as a rabblerouser and troublemaker. So they staged a riot and blamed it on Paul. They tried to get Jason involved to show how association with Paul could be harmful, and they attempted to get Rome to show their might by showing him to be in violation of Cesarean decrree. Interestingly enough, religious leaders did the same to Jesus.
Paul keeps preaching because he recognized this. He knew there would be opposition because the leaders felt threatened, as they should have been. I believe he was surprised by the extent to which efforts were made, but he knew the importance of making sure the people of all lands were told about Jesus.
A violent reaction to our ministry does not mean we should stop. I think, though that most people would be afraid to continue--such is the mode of self-preservation. Many people have ended up martyred in the name of Jesus Christ. I can only hope, if ever pressed with the situation,I would be strong enough to stand behind my faith. I think though, that I would be concerned about other people being hurt in riots that were blamed on myself--even if others had caused them.
Sorry, I can't seem to get it off a bold font.
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