Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 17:13. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising part of early Christian history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, they were disappointed that Paul was preaching in Thessalonica. Let’s unpack that: “Acts 17:13” : This is the verse we’re focusing on. It’s a record of an event that happened in the early church. “But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge…” : This means the people in Thessalonica (a city in Greece) learned about Paul’s ministry. They understood he was preaching God's word. “…they came thither also…” : This is a key part – they travelled to Thessalonica. “…and stirred up the people.” : This is where it gets interesting. The Jews in Thessalonica, who were already skeptical of Paul’s message, began to argue and disagree about what to think of it. They wanted to disrupt or stir up the people – meaning to make things chaotic or upset. So, what's the big takeaway? The verse suggests that even though Paul was preaching, the Jewish community in Thessalonica wasn’t welcoming him and actively tried to stop his message. It implies a moment of tension and disagreement before Paul’s ministry truly began to take hold. Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a challenge to human pride and stubbornness. It's a reminder that it's not always easy to believe what others say, especially when they seem to be resisting the truth. It also highlights the importance of being open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives – even if those perspectives clash with our own. Does this mean Paul wasn’t doing a good job? Not necessarily. The verse doesn't say he failed. It simply describes a moment where people were disagreeing about his message. The story is about the potential for conflict, and it encourages us to be respectful of differing viewpoints. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Discuss its significance within the context of early Christian history? Connect it to a specific theme or idea (like faith, doubt, or persuasion)?