August 10, 2021 - Acts 17:10-15

Preaching and teaching are a joy to accomplish especially when those being taught are receptive and eager to learn. I have taught both in the classroom and in individual settings where people are eager to learn and grow. What a joy to see those individuals seemingly soak up the teaching of God’s word.

Paul had been teaching and instructing people now for many years both in Antioch and throughout the region of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. He had traveled and spent his adult life teaching in synagogues and churches the truths of Jesus Christ as the Messiah for the Jews and the Savior for Gentiles. He was thrilled when he arrived in Berea and immediately saw the readiness of these people to study and do intense research concerning the fulfillment of prophecy that Christ’s life presented. Through the daily teaching and careful study many believed and a church began.

Through his ministry, Paul was concerned there would be adversity in the midst of faithful teaching as those who rejected Christ would become adversarial and seek to silence the message. As in other cities, after listening and rejecting Paul’s message, the Jewish community then began to persecute and enflame opposition. It appears that Paul and Silas had prepared the believers for this scenario and were ready for opposition at it arose. The church leadership escorted Paul to safety while Silas and Timothy remained to further disciple and mentor the new believers in the faith.

Faithful teaching of God’s word will always bring a response in some form. There will be those who like the Bereans desire to research and validate what is truth. Others will be content to accept the orthodoxy and tradition of their ancestor’s religion without careful consideration of God’s word. Like Paul, be prepared and steadfast in the truth you have received from the Scripture and the Spirit of God.

Paul encouraged Timothy as he approached the end of his life with these words, “… be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship…” (2 Timothy 2:1-3). Paul encourages us to faithfully teach and to expect adversity as we live in this world for the Lord Jesus Christ.