They then moved on to Thessalonica, and as usual went along to the synagogue. For three Sabbaths Paul reasoned with them from the scriptures. Note that although miracles and signs were a key part of the New Testament church, proclamation and explanation were still fundamental to the advancement of the gospel. Signs and wonders back up the word. The focus of their preaching was that Jesus was the messiah and had been raised from the dead. A significant number of people were convinced and became believers.
At the same time, jealousy was aroused among others. We should not be surprised that the same message can have radically different effects on different people. This group fermented dissent against Paul and started a riot. Failing to find Paul and Silas, they attacked Jason who was looking after them.
At night Paul and Silas slipped out of the city. Note that sometimes Paul faced opposition head on, at other times he fled from it. There is a time to stay and a time to go. They went to Berea, where the reception was much better. They received the message eagerly, and examined the Scripture to see if the message was true. Many became believers.
We should always check the message we hear against the Bible. This is particularly true with some charismatic preachers. A lot of it is good , but sometimes rubbish is preached.
The agitators from Jerusalem came after Paul and caused trouble in Berea as well. Paul left the city and went off to Athens.
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