Acts 17 10

Acts 17:10 kjv

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Acts 17:10 nkjv

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Acts 17:10 niv

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.

Acts 17:10 esv

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.

Acts 17:10 nlt

That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.

Acts 17 10 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Acts 17:9And when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.Contextual preceding verse
Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their borders.Similar persecution of Paul
Acts 14:6When they became aware of it, they fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country.Fleeing persecution
Acts 18:5And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.Silas with Paul in Corinth
Acts 19:22So he sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.Paul sending helpers
Romans 15:23but now no longer have room for me in these regions, and since I have for many years had a great desire to come to youPaul’s desire to travel
2 Cor 1:16as I intended to pass through you to Macedonia, and from Macedonia to come to you, and to be sent on my way by you to Judea.Paul's travel plans
1 Thess 2:18For we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, more than once, but Satan hindered us.Satan hindering ministry
1 Thess 3:1-5Therefore when we could not bear it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and to exhort you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For indeed, when we were with you, we told you before that we would suffer tribulation, just as it also happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer wait, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor had been in vain.Paul sending Timothy
Galatians 1:6I marvel that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel.Warnings against false teachings
Phil 1:25Knowing this, that I shall continue and remain with you all for your progress and joy of faith.Paul's encouragement
Acts 20:23except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city to me, saying that chains and tribulations await me.Foreknowledge of suffering
Acts 9:29-30And he spoke boldly in the name of Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.Paul's early escape
Acts 17:14-15So the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away to Berea by night, who, when they arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews.Sending Paul to Berea
Acts 16:36-37Then the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart and go in peace." And Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned (Roman citizens), and have thrown us into prison. And now they dare to put us out secretly? No, but let them come and bring us out themselves!"Paul demanding proper release
Deut 18:21-22"And when you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?'— when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word and it will not happen or occur, that is the word which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."Discernment of prophets
Jer 29:7And seek the peace of the city, whether it is in exile, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.Praying for peace
John 15:18-20"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also."Persecution of believers

Acts 17 verses

Acts 17 10 Meaning

This verse marks a turning point in Paul's ministry, shifting from active preaching in public spaces to a more deliberate approach within a more restricted environment. The act of Paul and Silas being sent away by the brethren highlights a strategic retreat and regrouping, aimed at avoiding further persecution and continuing their mission elsewhere. It reflects a sober assessment of the situation in Thessalonica and a wise decision to move on, ensuring the preservation of the mission and the safety of the missionaries.

Acts 17 10 Context

Following the tumultuous events in Thessalonica, where Paul and Silas faced significant opposition and threats from the Jewish community, the local believers intervened to ensure the apostles' safety. The believers in Thessalonica, understanding the volatile situation and the potential for further violence, took proactive measures. They acted as a shield for Paul and Silas, essentially orchestrating their departure to avoid escalating the conflict. This action demonstrates the mature faith and practical concern of the Thessalonian believers for their spiritual leaders. Their decision to send Paul and Silas away under the cover of night signifies a desire to prevent more trouble for both the apostles and the nascent Christian community in the city. This incident occurs during Paul's second missionary journey, a period marked by the establishment of new churches in key Gentile cities throughout Macedonia and Achaia.

Acts 17 10 Word Analysis

  • "As tonight":
    • Implies immediate action.
    • Highlights the urgency due to ongoing threats.
    • Connects to the previous night's plot.
  • "the brethren":
    • Refers to the believers in Thessalonica, primarily Gentiles with some Jews.
    • Signifies their spiritual kinship in Christ.
    • Shows their protective and supportive role.
  • "immediately":
    • (Greek: parachrema) - Indicates no delay.
    • Shows prompt obedience and decisive action.
    • Underscores the severity of the perceived threat.
  • "sent forth":
    • (Greek: apellon) - To send away, to dismiss.
    • Suggests a deliberate act of dispatching them to a destination.
    • Implies providing for their safe passage.
  • "Paul and Silas":
    • The key missionaries at Thessalonica.
    • They were the target of the hostility.
  • "by night":
    • (Greek: diapantes) - By night, during the night.
    • Conveys secrecy and the need to avoid detection.
    • Protects them from further public confrontation or capture.
    • Also signifies operating under a veil of persecution.
  • "unto":
    • Indicates the direction of travel.
  • "Berea":
    • A nearby city in Macedonia, distinct from Thessalonica.
    • A location where they would find a potentially more receptive audience.
    • Implies a strategic move to continue the mission.

Acts 17 10 Bonus Section

The immediate dispatch of Paul and Silas to Berea reflects a principle often seen in the New Testament: when one door of ministry is closed or made dangerous by persecution, the apostles would seek another open door. This adaptability and reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit (implied by the context of their missionary journeys) were crucial for the expansion of Christianity. Furthermore, this event demonstrates the vulnerability of early missionaries, which was often contrasted with their spiritual power. Their flight was not cowardice, but strategic wisdom, a concept taught by Jesus Himself (Matthew 10:23: "But when they persecute you in this city, flee to another").

Acts 17 10 Commentary

This verse succinctly depicts the practical response of a young church to immediate danger. The "brethren" demonstrated maturity by understanding the strategic necessity of Paul and Silas's departure. It wasn't a rejection but a protection. The action taken "by night" underscores the hostile environment and the need for discretion. This act of sending forth the apostles reflects a deep care for their well-being and a commitment to the continuation of the Gospel's spread, even if it meant a temporary disruption of ministry in Thessalonica. It also showcases the supportive role the nascent church was meant to play in the apostolic mission.