10-12 That night, under cover of darkness, their friends got Paul and Silas out of town as fast as they could. They sent them to Berea, where they again met with the Jewish community. They were treated a lot better there than in Thessalonica. The Jews received Paul’s message with enthusiasm and met with him daily, examining the Scriptures to see if they supported what he said. A lot of them became believers, including many Greeks who were prominent in the community, women and men of influence.
13-15 But it wasn’t long before reports got back to the Thessalonian hard-line Jews that Paul was at it again, preaching the Word of God, this time in Berea. They lost no time responding, and created a mob scene there, too. With the help of his friends, Paul gave them the slip—caught a boat and put out to sea. Silas and Timothy stayed behind. The men who helped Paul escape got him as far as Athens and left him there. Paul sent word back with them to Silas and Timothy: “Come as quickly as you can!”
The ministry of the apostle Paul and his teammates was totally in the hands of the Holy Spirit. They were expelled from Thessalonica to Berea, but the Holy Spirit prepared a group of Jews and Greeks who were enthusiastic to examine the Scriptures. Seeds of Gospel were sown in Berea, leading people to believe in Christ. Later, Paul was forced again to leave Berea to Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy behind to care for the new believers, which was a greater city that was full of idols and needing the Gospel of Jesus.
The paths of the servants of God are always not determined simply by men's planning but by the sovereign guidance of the Holy Spirit. God's leading through His words or other circumstances are to be experienced daily no matter the road seems smooth or rough. Dear Holy Spirit, lead me walk a path of faith, trusting you and following you closely to wherever You lead, preaching the Name of Jesus and fulfilling my destiny You have planned in God's good will.
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