by Pastor Rich Carlson

Paul, Silas, and Timothy left Philippi and traveled southwest to Thessalonica, about 100 miles by the route they took, but still in northern Greece (then called Macedonia). Later, from the Roman prison, Paul will write two letters back to the Thessalonians. This city had a synagogue, so on this initial visit Paul went to “church” rather than out to the river—as he had in Philippi—for worship on Sabbath morning.

I wonder if there is something to that: No church? Find a quiet place and grow quietly with God. If there is a church, go there and grow with the family of God in fellowship. Paul was there three weeks, reasoning with and teaching the brothers and sisters. His main points: Jesus is the Christ, He had to suffer, He did rise from the grave. Basic, simple, yet profound and complete.

Many believed Paul’s message, but many more were violently jealous of his growing following. So, at nightfall, Paul’s sympathizers snuck the men out of town and sent them on their way to Berea, 50 miles to the southwest.

According to the text, the Bereans:

• Were of a more noble character than the Thessalonians.
• Received the message with great eagerness.
• Examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true.
• Believed.

Before long, some in Thessalonica heard about Berea, got jealous again, and sent the motley bunch of trouble makers to stir up the same kind of trouble they did back home. As a result, the trio of Paul, Silas, and Timothy split up—Paul heading for Athens.

Here are some things I learned from Paul’s journey to help me stay focused on God’s mission in my life:

• Make it a custom to go to church when I can. It feeds the Christian journey.
• Study God’s word. It’s the greatest source of direction in this confused world.
• Keep it simple: Jesus is Lord; His life, death and resurrected life are the essentials of salvation.
• Do what it takes to establish and retain a noble character. It’s worth more than anything else.
• Don’t just take anyone’s word for something. Check it out personally.
• Take advantage of every opportunity God gives to share Him.
• Don’t panic when it doesn’t work out; just move on.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.