Gospel Outreach International

How do different cities and their people respond to the Gospel message, and what can we learn from their reactions? In Acts 17:1-15, we explore a fascinating contrast between two cities - Thessalonica and Berea - and their distinct responses to Paul’s preaching. This study examines how the Gospel message can truly “turn the world upside down” and what it means to receive God’s Word with nobility and eagerness.

And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, Acts 17:6

Summary Bullet points

• Thessalonica was a strategically important city on the Ignatian Road, located about 100 miles from Philippi, and it later became a stronghold of Christianity known as the “orthodox city” (now called Saloniki/Salanka).
• Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica likely lasted around six months (December AD 50 to May 51), though he spent the first three weeks specifically preaching to the Jews in the synagogue.
• The Gospel message fundamentally changes people and communities, taking those from the “dunghill” and lifting them up, while bringing down those who are elevated - effectively turning the world “upside down.”
• The Berean Jews were considered more noble because they eagerly received the Word and examined the Scriptures daily to verify what they were being taught, demonstrating a passionate commitment to understanding truth.

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11

We see how Jesus’s message through Paul had different impacts in different cities, yet consistently challenged the status quo. The contrast between the resistant Jews of Thessalonica and the noble Bereans reminds us that it’s not just about hearing God’s Word, but receiving it with eagerness and examining it thoroughly. Jesus remains the central figure, working through His servants to bring both transformation and truth, calling us to move beyond mere religion into genuine relationship with Him.

Bible References

• Acts 17:1-15
• Luke 9
• John 1
• Exodus
• Acts 17:6
• Acts 17:11
• Acts 20:19