Hostage Situations
Acts 17:13-15
But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
I could say any number of things about this situation here. But none of them would be very Godly or flattering. See, this is another one of those difficult, not-again situations with which Paul was all too familiar. 2 Corinthians 10:9-18 provides a little more insight into the matter. The text opens with the matter of Paul's presence versus his speech. See, some thought him a rather small man in both speech and looks. Yet his letters came with the full force of power and audacity. You might wonder then what made the difference. Paul did all with the authority of Christ upon him. Thus, the people's complaints of his presence were once spoken of Christ himself. See, you cannot assault the ministry, mission, and method of his servants without touching the Master also. This the Jews did by rejecting him the first time; not content with that, they come back again to cause more trouble. It really was quite a nasty situation. But fear not, little church. When you know who you serve, none can terrify you either by letter or by coming. Paul was quite right to look upon the situation with his usual humor and tact. Indeed, such a response is godlier than the one I might have given. Some of you in that position would be saying, 'I gave all to follow him; what has he ever done for me. I cannot even have any peace, home, ministry, or family. Now they want me to leave here too.' Oh, of all the things going through Paul's head, he blurted none of them out. Rather he makes a few choice jokes about his stature and quiet speech with terrifying writing, as was his habit. Nor is it the time to be calling 1-THE-PSY-CHDR because our esteemed apostle seems slightly insane. So, Paul agrees for he says whether in letter, word, or deed he will still preach Christ. No matter the hazards to his health, comfort, and life, he has chosen well. For such is a constant companion, one that will never be taken away.
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
See their difficult position here. I know, being left behind to face something for some is not easy. But know that God is with you in both the staying and the going. Paul is not more noble than the others for going on vacation; yet the others that stayed are equally not martyrs for the cause. In the discomfort and hard feelings, Paul jumps right back into his doctrinal teaching. Here he speaks of comparisons. For the apostles to compare themselves amongst each other would be quite silly and frankly laughable. Such a thing would also make them no different than their Jewish relatives. Nor would the apostles measure things inappropriately as after the manner of some. See, did they not all serve an immeasurable God. He has everything under his command and control. Even if the situation seems to be too hard for him, there is nothing he cannot handle. Such a thing ought to comfort the believer indeed. Thus, he gives his gifts to all men bountifully and in plenty. If it seems you are currently lacking, just ask God.
He can even send you an apostle to assist in your spiritual shortcomings. Nor have these apostles been found wanting in their ability to bring the gospel before the people. Indeed, God adds the supernatural onto the natural. For what the flesh could not do, God did. So, it is not by human effort but by his divine power. Speaking of boasting noises, the apostles could only thank God for his doings. It was his work that grew the church, fed the people, and kept the apostles. Some of you ought to have a little faith in him today. If not, then have some hope. Soon we will see the situation open into the large places of God. So also, will Christ, according to his bounty, invite us to rule with him in these spaces. Now, pull yourself together; get your mind out of the gutter. Whatever did you think we were talking about. Sure, the situation cannot be helped. Moreover, how good it is for God to make a way out of it for Paul. The text says the believers escorted him personally. So, we see that the moving, transporting, and safe keeping were all of God.
And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
Have you ever gotten somewhere and went, 'Lord, I am totally lost.' Honestly, I really did not see Athens coming. But then again neither did Paul. How many of you know that to God you are never lost. You as a believer are only found, begotten, and beloved by him. All your origins, your resting, and your ending places come from him. As such, he knows you intimately. So then, you can trust him with both the end of your story and your present situation for now. Now I know we are on the right track, however. See, the doctrine of comparisons was just interrupted by Paul's crow of triumph. He even says they went "to preach the gospel in" the "regions beyond you." For this made him very happy. So happy that he could not boast in the idols of that place but in God. The Athenians, as we will later come to understand, were very superstitious. As he would say, 'we came to this place where they had all these things made by man.' See how God is preparing the region for the gospel before his apostle even got there. These things, very much like the idols, could be used for the sake of the gospel. Now I know some might think me very sacrilegious. But see, it is not your approval that I require. All I need is just the Lord's. Here Paul also calls the other apostles to join him with haste; it seems there remained much to be done. Indeed, the fields of John 4:35 were white unto harvest and the sowers willing. But the laborers were few. Could it be some must look for the Lord of the harvest's approval as well as his help to get it done. So, we see that all the glory and the honor are God's alone. For only he could bring about such things as a safe passage and unharvested fields.