Acts 17:1-15
From Philippi, Paul and his companions make their way to Thessalonica, another town in Macedonia. Some Jews and many Greeks, among them some distinguished women, receive the word which is preached to them (1 Thessalonians 1:5). But most of the Jews, themselves driven by Satan, stir the people up against the evangelists. They do not hesitate to make use, for this purpose, of some base people whom they would otherwise have despised, nor to bring up again before the magistrates the argument used formerly before Pilate, "We have no king but Caesar" (v. 7; John 19:15).
Paul’s stay in Thessalonica was therefore brief, about three weeks. But God allowed it thus for our benefit, because the apostle was obliged thereby to complete his teaching by two epistles so rich in instruction for all of us.
At Berea, the Jews are more noble and upright. Instead of being blinded by jealousy (see v. 5), they seek to confirm their faith by daily studying the Word, which they recognize as sovereign authority (see v. 11; cf. John 5:39). We cannot too strongly urge each of our readers to follow this example (in particular by referring to the other passages we quote). This is the purpose, as it is the title, of our short daily meditations.