Q1. Strong Opposition in Thessalonica

[Travis63]

Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica?

The opposition from the Jews was due to Paul's testimony of Jesus The Christ. It wasn't simply that Jesus was his lord, It was that Jesus is Lord. "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." Paul explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. Paul would take the Scriptures and open up the truth to those in the synagogue concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Jews (religious leaders) in ignorance did not believe likewise and considered those who promoted such as enemies and blasphemers.

As the seed fell on good soil it had the potential to cause some who assembled in the synagogue to disassociate themselves. Paul was promoting Christ, the Gospel of Christ he was not promoting Judaism therefore he was a threat.

Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him?

He believed, he had faith in, of, and through Christ. He received the strength that was given him even when he couldn't stand. He believed!

Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop?

No!

Additionally we mustn't misinterpret when He lead with our own agenda. We mustn't attempt to use the Gospel at our own accord whereby we misrepresent the message of the Gospel. I could present countless example were passion was misplaced however there would not be room to write. Recently after a horrific and heinous act was carried out in Connecticut a group of said Christian traveled to the area to promote their own agenda. I cannot say they shed too much light or if they were too salty, in my opinion they were out of order, who was edified, who was lift up. Instead of people being drawn near, there were more onlooker filled with ill.

[servantanna]

I believe there was opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica because the Jews there wanted to hold on to their traditions, and wanted the Greeks to be circumcised. Paul was against that.

Violent reactions come from people set in their ways who don't want to change, and suspect they should. The first reaction is to fight against the change. The fact that they reacted violently meant that Paul struck a chord with them. God could work through that chord to tear down defenses, and save the person. Where there is NO reaction, the person is just not interested; ie, doesn't care. He was getting through.

No, a violent reaction doe not mean we should stop. It does call for extra prayer, though because God is trying to break through defenses.

[sisj8]

Strong opposition almost puts it lightly! In any event, this type of reaction was a norm and I'm sure expected and surely wasn't a first for Paul and this team. Their presence and the word of God alone stirs up these types of things ya know. But politically, financially, socially, etc. caused some trouble for the area and bottom line, none of them liked seeing Paul and them coming preaching the word and winning over converts. It definitely went against the beliefs of their government and religious systems also.

No matter how violent the opposition, the Jesus states we are the stay the course and fight the good fight. The battle isn't ours, but the Lord. So many scriptures that uphold how we win"when the enemy comes in like a flood", "God will be our refuge", "He is a strong tower", "He is a rereward", etc. etc.

[RD35]

The strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonian was because a large number of people who were both Jews and non Jews converted to Christianity and followed Paul and Silas. This resulted in decreasing of both numerical and financial strength to the Jewish synagogue and hence jealousy and hatred arose. Paul was also teaching them that their lives were wrong and needed correction if they wanted to be saved which they did not like. They thought Paul was trying to introduce a new religion to them.

Paul keeps preaching the gospel even though there is often a violent reaction against him because, He was commissioned by the Lord Jesus to preach the Good news of salvation and he would do that at any cost. Paul was filled with God’s Holy Spirit and he wanted to share the joy which he got through Jesus to others also.

No. A violent reaction to our ministry does not mean we should stop. Whether people like the truth or not we have been told by Jesus to spread his good news and we have to do it fearlessly but when the opposition is too strong we have to pray about it and God will give us the wisdom to do it differently.

[Yong TS]

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?

Paul being so successful in converting Jews and non Jews into following Jesus Christ that it cause envy and jealousy among the Jews leader. There is also the loss of income and power. I believe, there was also the spiritual war that Satan is determine to stop Paul's work. Thus he uses these Jews to rise up against Paul.

Paul being so close to christ and the holy spirit living in him had enable him to see the sinful world that we are living in. He had also developed the same compassion to all the lost soul and had a real desire to see them saved. Thus Paul continued to preach the gospel even though there were strong violent reaction against him.

Learning from Paul we should not stop spreading the truth of good news when we face violent reaction. This only confirmed that satan has feeled threaten.

[gripofhisgrace]

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?

The people who have the most to lose fear change the most. The Jewish heirarchy had money, power and position. Anything that threatened that threatened them. Paul's continuation with ministry despite violence is a mystery to me. How do you do that day after day knowing your life is on the line. Paul was able to do that because his faith in God was total and his relationship with Him was personal. Violent reactions to our ministry doesn't mean we should stop, we should not act provacatively either. Continue what God set you out to do and He will protect you

[t-c]

With the power of Christ in us (the Holy Spirit) we can do all things, without Him we can do nothing. Paul was led into Macedonia and Thessalonica by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 16:9) And that church's success was a result of God's timing, Paul obedience, and Thessalonians readiness to receive the Truth.

It will be manpowered ministry, and may even accomplish some good works, but will never accomplish what it could have if the power of the Holy Spirit is not the driving force behind it. The Holy Spirit sends us out and equips us to be successful. Our efforts alone are domed to eventual failure.

The miracles were evidence that Paul's teachings of Christ, His suffering, crucifiction, and ressurection were indeed true. They led the people to believe that Paul was sent by God, with miraculus powers, to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them. They added tremendous weight and credibility to the message.

Here in the U.S., we generally don't feel we need Jesus to save us, because we have so much and are distracted by the fast pace, entertainment and prosperity of this culture. (the things of this world) When disaster and need come to us we are broken and are open to the Gospel Message. Miracles from God in evangelism would be a powerful witness of God's presence, but Jesus in His time, tired of showing the people signs and wonders. Faith comes by hearing the Word, and sooner or later we must go from being disinterested, to seeking, to believing. I think as believers, if we would step out in the power of the Holy Spirit and proclaim the gospel message with boldness to those around us, God would do great things. We need to confess and repent of our sins, get right with God, and do what we know He has called us to do.

Lack of prayer and time in God's word, sin in our lives, fear, being overly busy, worldliness and not believing that God has called each of us and will equip us to take His gospel message everywhere we go. We would see more miricacles if we all got right with God and truly believed what we read in the Bible!

[pickledilly]

Paul lived and taught the clear uncompromised gospel of Christ, and this gospel is provocative and controversial to both the secular and religious world. The authority structure of the Jewish establishment felt threatened at every turn by the message of grace and liberty. It makes sense, on a practical level, to reason that they would have great displeasure, jealousy, insecurity, and fear at losing people from the synagogue, especially the wealthy and powerful. Their influential control and financial resources were at risk of being destroyed.

Paul kept preaching the gospel because his eyes were not set on what people thought or how they reacted. Through a personal dramatic encounter with Christ the risen Messiah, he knew himself to be “an apostle – not from men or through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father” (Galatians 1:1). So nothing of man was his motivation. He was set on obedience to the will and commands of God. What an example and challenge to us!

Recently I heard someone say that PEOPLE WHO "BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS TRUE" BUT DO NOT ACTIVELY READ IT FIND THEMSELVES AT ODDS WITH THOSE WHO DO. Many have violent reactions when confronted with the truth that challenges tradition, ritual, comfort zones, personal interpretation or generalized belief without faith. Paul’s example is that when we know we are doing what God has called us to do we are to keep our focus set on Him and faithfully persevere [with a determined but loving mindset], no matter what the reaction is. This would apply to the general life of every Christian called to whole-heartedly love the LORD, to die to self in submitting to Him, and to rabidly follow Christ as our example. And it applies to the specific tasks and ministries He calls each individual believer into.

Encountering a violent reaction doesn’t automatically mean we should stop. It might be wise to pause for evaluation and for seeking the Spirit’s confirmation, but intense opposition can sometimes mean we’re absolutely on the right track!

[elizabeth kerr]

Maybe the Jews in Thessalonica responded so strongly in opposition to Paul because they feared that if the Romans heard that Paul, a Jew, was preaching that Jesus and not the Emperor was king, they would think that he was leading the Jews in another revolt against Rome and attack the synagogue and kill or exile the Jews living in the area. Then, they would lose everything.

Also they may have opposed Paul because they did not believe Jesus was God as Paul preached and considered his teaching to be blasphemy, which had to be strongly opposed to honor God.

Paul had to continue preaching the gospel no matter what because he knew the gospel was the truth of God and desperately needed by his listeners, even his opponents. Additionally, Jesus had given him this work to do.

Opposition should not cause us to stop ministering to others. Sometimes, God plans for us to endure much persecution serving him. Sometimes, He plans for us to move to another locale to serve Him there. But this is something we must pray about and wait, enduring the persecution as we continue the work he gave us until He answers.

[kateyes1019@yahoo.com]

Q1. (Acts 17:1-10) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica?

I think it was because Paul's preaching attracted people from all levels and to lose a "large number" of this group would have had a strong impact on the synagogue -- and its finances. Also because the Jews were jealous.

Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him?

I think Paul continues to preach because of the vision he saw, he believed it to be GOD's calling for him to preach the gospel.

Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop?

No, I don't think the gospel should stop being preached because of violent reactions.

[etheldma]

I think some of the people were afraid to trust paul,other trusting what he said

I think Paul know that preaching were the calling God had for him to do

I do not think that the Word of God should stop because a few people donot like to hear it because it is alway somebody waiting l to hear the word of God

[Lion of Grace]

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?

There was such strong opposition to Paul in Thessalonica because of the civil unrest going on at the time. Some related Paul and Silas with that unrest and rebellious messianic movement. There were also many prominent men and women being converted to Christianity. I believe money could have been involved in the motives to get rid of Paul. The Synagogue would have lost some funding if people (especially prominent wealthy ones) fell away. I think the jealousy came from fear of loss of position and power also. The big dogs didn't like Paul coming into their territory.

Paul always kept preaching because for him to live was Christ. The Gospel of Christ was Paul's number one motivation. He literally lived to spread the Gospel. He counted suffering as joy to share in the sufferings of Christ, so violence wasn't going to stop him anyway.

Violent reactions to our ministries can be hard and discouraging, but should not determine our quitting. If anything, we should mature when we come across suffering. What are we about? WHO are we about? We should gain strength in opposition, not fold.

[aakm1070]

I THINK THERE WAS ALOT OF OPPOISITION BECAUSE THEJEWS WANTED TO DISCOURAGE PAUL AND CAUSE HIM TO LOOSE SITE OF HIS MISSION OR CALLING.THE JEWS WERE RELIGOUS MEN WHO FELT SO STRONGLY THAT THEY WERE DOING THE WILL OF GOD,HOWEVER THE ENEMEY WAS AT WORK IN THEM. PAUL KEPT PREACHING BECAUSE HI KNEW HIS CALLING AND PURPOSE REGUARDLESS OF THE VIOLENT OPPOSITION HE ENCOUNTERED. WE CAN'T STOP OUR MINISTRIES BECAUSE OF THESE TYPES OF REACTIONS WE WILL ENCOUNTER. WE MUST COUNTINUE TO PRESS ON TOWARD OUR CALLING WE HAVE TO LEARN TO BE OVERCOMERS IN SPITE OF THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING OUR MINISTRIES.

[Guest gilbertj]

Q1. Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica?

The strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica was because of his preaching and teaching Christ and many did not want to believe in Christ. Christ faced the same opposition because of who He is and now Paul is facing that same oppostion because of Christ. Jesus told Paul that he will have to suffer many things because of Him.

Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? Paul keep preaching because he experienced the truth and Jesus told him that he will suffer many things because of Him. Paul knew the gospel had to be spread and He knew who call him and sent him. He knew what he was teaching the people was what they needed inorder to experience all that God has for them.

Does a violent reaction towards our ministry necessarily mean we should stop? No. Like Paul we must know the important of our ministry and who we are working for. The message of hope must go forward. We must know that Christ gave hope to all men and He love inspite of. So we has to follow Christ example, because no matter what happen to us we have an eternal home.

[Bondservantmccue]

The reason there was so much opposition to Brother Paul, in Thessalonica, is because the Jewish Synagogues didn't want to lose any of there finances, they had to get Paul out of there town before he got people to follow this person called Jesus. When you experience what Brother Paul experienced during his absence from everyone, nothing could change or deterr this man. I don't know what he experienced, but it was a change like nothing else. He has a mission to accomplish and nothing will stop him.

When you are really convinced that what you are doing is the only way, jail, beatings and everything that comes with getting the goal accomplished is worth it all. Praise God. What a man of God. Just like Paul, it is our mandate to carry this Gospel to this world. We will be held accountable for the life we live, no matter what reaction we may face. I don't want anyones blood on my hands, because I didn't tell them about Jesus Christ.

God Bless, Brother Mike McCue

[quilter]

When Paul preached he started with the known to the unknown which is the Lord Jesus . The Jewish leaders didnt' refute the theology

of Paul and Silas . The uproar was about being jealousy. Paul and Silas were getting more attention than they were.

Paul wanted everyone to know about the risen Savior. He face opposition every where he preach and would not back down. We all should be more like Paul and face all opposition when we talk about Jesus Christ.

We should never stop because until the end of time we will be persecuted for Jesus Christ and speaking his name.

[Thanking Joan]

The Jews were upset because Paul was attracting a large number of Jews as well as a non Jews and it would also mean less finanaces in their synagogues. Therefore they strongly opposed Paul's ministry in Thessalonica.

Paul has experienced the love of the Lord strongly and Christ has been the centre of his life. For him to live is Christ. Therefore he is a brave soldier for Christ and continues to preach the Gospel at the face of fierce opposition.

We should not stop when we face a violent reaction to our Ministry. If our goal is Christ and his Gospel we will gladly endure and move on with faith and trust as we know If God be with us none can be against us!

[Shawndee]

Q) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica?

A) There was such a strong opposition to Paul and his Ministry in Thessalonica because there was a transformation in the lives of the people there. High officals were coming to the belief system of Christ. There were countless people of all walks, especially those who were on the fence, being effected to the growth of Pauls Ministry; resulting in the loss of support both finacially and numerically to the religous leaders of the Jews. This caused jealousy amoung the Jewish Leaders.

Q) Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him?

A) Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there was often a violent reaction against him because he was determined to preach the Gosple by any means nessessary. He saw and knew that the Power of God was working amoung the people. The Holy Spirit was literally breaking down the walls of religion in that city, saving men and women alike directly from the paganistic ideology that had influenced their minds.

Q) Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop?

A) In some cases, I believe that a violent reaction is a physical representation of the actual battle in the spiritual relm. Unfortunently physical bodies are hurt in that process. Sometimes we may have to retool the process of the ministry(God inspired), but as long as we dont retool the Gosple, I believe souls will still be saved and God will still recieve all glory...

[cab0307]

People don't like change; especially when change challenges perceived 'societal norms.' When people see others changing their lifestyle drastically, it makes them question their own beliefs. God doesn't want chaos, but I believe that He likes a good duel (His duel with Satan in the book of Job). I don't proclaim to know God's motives, but by reading scripture you can pick up some insights. Possibly, God allows these things to occur for several reasons: continued growth in St. Paul, challenges to non-believers thinking, a call for others to step up, demonstrate His power (really,an earthquake amidst all this?) and because we all know that none of this could occur without the power of the Holy Spirit behind it with counseling, guiding, etc.

Paul said in Galatians that he was crucified with Christ. In Romans he stated, 'we are baptized into Chrst's death and buried with Him through this baptism.' There's so much more Paul said that demonstracted his convictions and committed relationship with Christ. Anyone continually proclaiming such strong visual words, has to have such a profound belief that they can't stop even when a little pressure assails them. I see some of Paul's protection actually coming from the people around him, looking out for his safety.

When I feel pressure from others, I know I am on God's plan. When I see doors open in unusual places, I know God's plan is at work. When I don't try to manipulate situations and something comes out of the blue, i know God wants me to do something. Do I trust all the time? I wish I could answer yes, but feeling discouraged and sorry for yourself is so much easier.

[Jwalane Mofokeng]

Q1. (Acts 17:1-10) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica?

People they were now following Paul's teachings. The Jews who did not put their trust in Christ became jealous.

Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him?

Paul was in Christ, he let Christ control his life.

Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop?

Not at all, we run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus that was Paul's goal

[wjcargile]

The Jews were jealous because some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and not a few (many) prominent women joined Paul and Silas.

Paul was convinced that Jesus had suffered and died, and had been risen from the dead. Paul remembered very clearly the encounter he had with JESUS on his way to Damascus.

We should not stop our ministry because of a violent reaction. Today, we should continue as our Christian brothers and sisters who are jailed and in prision in China, Iran and other places in the world. Lord please give us strength, courage and boldness to stand up for you (CHRIST) in all circumstances.

[charisbarak]

The opposition came from jealousy (thus having to get crowds upset & officials to take action against Paul) and the possible loss of money going into the temple's treasury.

God was leading paul to speak the truth no matter what. He could not have not preached!

No, a violent reaction is saying hearts are being touched by the Holy Spirit and Satan does not like that. Look at all our brothers and sisters in other countries daily facing this....

[Connieal]

1,The Jews in Thessalonica were upset that Paul was attracting a large following and sought to stop him.

Because some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women." according to (Acts 17:1-4).

Conversion from paganism was taking place. People were being moved into service of God. The high ranking became very angry and jealous because to many of their workers were getting saved to the glory of God.

1 B. Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him?

I believe Paul continued to preach because of a vision he had in Macedonia of a man asking him to come and help him. I believe that this was symbolic of God calling him into the ministry; and asking him to go everywhere and teach ‘all’ of the people about The Christ. Paul felt this call so strongly that there was nothing that could deter him.

1C. Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop?

No! I believe that a violent reaction to our ministry stands to confirm that God is truly speaking through it. I believe that we should be like Paul and be undeterred, continue the fight to reach the masses in whatever way the Lord is leading us. He will take care of us. Praise God.

[glory]

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?

They were jealous of Paul's ministry..the Bible says the godly in Christ shall suffer persecution..Paul was fulfilling the call God had placed on his life, even though it cost him everything,,we should never stop preaching the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation...many will oppose us because their minds are blinded by the god of this world.So they love money, power, fame, etc...instead of having to humble themselves beneath the Mighty Hand of a loving God..I pray the Lord will open up their spiritual eyes and ears so they can see and hear Truth.I grew up in Islam and remember hating the Name of Jesus..today it is the sweetest Name I know..praise God He opened my eyes just in time or I would have died.

[vmc]

There was much opposition to Paul's ministry because there were so many converts to Christianity, many jews believing and leaving the Temple. He kept preaching to reach as many as he could. He had a great zeal for the Gospel. He always had his eye on the prize not on the circumstances. We can learn much from Paul's example. No we shouldn't stop trying just because of opposition, but we need to step back and consult the Lord as to how He would have us proceed in His will and His way.