But we, brethren, being taken
from you for a short time in
presence, not ink heart, endeavoured
the more abundantly to see your face
with great desire. Wherefore we would
have come unto you even I Paul,
once again; but Satan hindered us.
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown
of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the
presence of our Lord Jesus Christ
at his coming? For ye are our
glory and joy.
1Thessalonians 2:17-20
Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica due to the rage of his persecutors. This unwillingness of Paul to leave Thessalonica but Satan as he does hindered him and even now had kept him from returning to the Thessalonian Church. In Acts chapter 17 we find the narrative of Paul journeying to Thessalonica and in Thessalonica there was a synagogue of the Jews and as was the custom of Paul he entered the synagogue to reason with the Jews from the Scriptures. Paul set forth that Jesus who had been crucified, who had suffered, did rise from the dead and it was this Christ that he was preaching and teaching. Some had converted to Christianity, others rejected, even many of the Greeks converted to Christianity. This dissatisfied some of the Jews, those Jews who had become lewd and debased in morality and life set the city upon Paul and Silas who was with him. They went to the house of Jason and carried him off to the city rulers complaining that they had turned the city upside down due to this preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ. The complaint was serious in nature because they spoke that this teaching was in opposition to the decrees of Caesar, that there was another king beside Caesar. Jason had to set out some security and when he did he was let go but for Paul they aided them to leave and this Paul did and went to Berea, and there Paul as was his custom went to the synagogue. The Bereans were called more noble than the Thessalonicans due to their searching the Scriptures daily as to whether or not what was being taught was correct according to Scripture. Many in Berea became followers of Jesus Christ. This knowledge came to the Thessalonicans Jews who opposed Paul and came to Berea and attempted to stir up the people against Paul. Paul then left to go to Athens.
The Berean legacy is one of great notice for they are known for the diligent study of God's word, that they checked all that was being taught and said to see if it was according to Scripture. They left nothing to chance, they searched the Scriptures. Christians must not do otherwise, they have a responsibility to ensure that what is being taught is according to Scripture, not man's word and speculation about what a verse or Scripture means, rather what actually does Scripture say. Then to meditate upon this, to take pains to consider what has been read, or said so that they may, and you, and I, will not rest upon superficial knowledge. All Authentic Christians, those who want to have God as the highest priority in their lives will receive the word of God with readiness of mind, searching them, studying them and applying then the truth of Scripture. This will infuriate those who are opposed to God as it did for Paul and those Christians in Thessalonica, and Berea, and other places not mentioned here.
Do you believe God? Did He not say that He will aid you in all things? Yes! Therefore put fear aside, lead the life that God has outlined and revealed for His Children and let the chips fall where they may, be obedient and let God handle the circumstances. Many people are so prejudiced to religion and especially against Christianity and we must not allow them to control our minds and actions, not to lead us into their corrupt passions. To be a Christian is hard! So be it! It is hard for put a moment then all hardness is turned into the softness of the love of God, not temporary, but eternal. What do we have to fear? Fear fear! Fear is an enemy and only by the help of God through the empowering of the Holy Spirit can we overcome this fear. God is not a liar and He will keep His word to you.
Be not afraid!--For your heart can hold
Riches far finer than any god,
Treasures more precious than costly gen,
Inheritance greater than diadem,
Faith you can have that is shining andclear,
Hope that is bright with the brightness of cheer;
Love you can have, uplifting and wise,
And Freindship's light in a clear one's eyes;
Truth you can have like a prayer in your heart--
Fountain of literature, music, and art:
The grace of the flowers, the solace of trees,
Be not afraid, for any of these
Are yours to gather and yours to hold,
Wealth that is greater than any gold.
With Faith and Love your heart is at ease;
count any man rich possessed of these.
Nora Carter
Become a Berean
Richard L. Crumb
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