Discernment

Acts 17 – Series 02/Episode 01 - Acts 17:10-15 – Matthew 10:16-17 Acts 17:10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Jason and the believers had to pay the security that they would not cause any further unrest in the city of Thessalonica. This would have been a substantial amount of money, ensuring that Jason and the brethren would comply with the requirements of the rulers. They had to also ensure that Paul and Silas would not be seen in Thessalonica. That same night, Paul and Silas were sent to Berea. The believers decided that, under the prevailing circumstances, Paul and Silas's presence in Thessalonica was a threat to all their lives. Thessalonica was the capital city of Roman Macedonia. The authorities of the city did not want an issue on their hands that sedition, ‘another king—Jesus’, was tolerated. They had to remove this threat immediately. Jason and the believers were responsible and respectable citizens of the city, so they were not imprisoned or mistreated. They were protected from the mob and, at the same time, made to be legally responsible for the riot that had happened. This seemed a good solution for all concerned. In Philippi, the authorities considered that releasing Paul and Silas from prison was a good solution, after they had been mistreated. Acts 16:35-36 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go." (36) So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.". Paul was not the one to accept simplified solutions. Acts 16:37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out." Paul ensured that the magistrates of the city of Philippi were confronted with their poor, inefficient and unfair administration. They had to come personally, apologise and then release Paul and Silas from prison. Acts 16:38-39 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. (39) Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. Paul decided that they ought not to remain there after their release, but move on in their missionary journey. All of these experiences did not silence Paul and the team. I Thessalonians 2:1-2 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. (2) But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. Paul had experienced how the Lord protected him by the help of believers. Acts 9:23-25 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. (24) But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. (25) Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. / Acts 14:5-7 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, (6) they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. (7) And they were preaching the gospel there. These incidents tell us that our decisions need to be led by the Lord. There is no standard and fixed way in which we handle these challenges of persecution as the church. We are being made conscious that the Lord is sovereign and He leads us in His wonderful ways. The church, all over the world, is going through tumultuous times. We are facing challenges almost on an everyday basis. We are being compelled to take quick and wise decisions. Matthew 10:16-17 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (17) But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. We must be bold. Acts 4:29-30 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, (30) by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." We also need to be wise. Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, (16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (17) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Paul prayed that the churches would be full of the wisdom of God. Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be *filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Learning: We need discernment on how to face our challenges. valentinedavidar@gmail.com