Acts 17 Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled from Philippi around the coast, through Amphipolis and Apollonia, to Thessalonica.  Paul spent three Sabbaths at the Jewish synagogue there "explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying 'This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.' "  Some of the Jews, along with some Greek men and women, became believers.  But.. jealous Jews stirred up trouble and started a riot.. dragging Jason, a man who had welcomed Paul into his home, in front of the city authorities.  After this, the "brethren" sent Paul and Silas away by night. 

Paul and Silas end up in Berea.. "now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men,"  Once again trouble comes and Paul is sent away, leaving Silas and Timothy behind this time. Paul is "conducted" to Athens where he waits for Silas and Timothy to join him. 

Several things come to my attention through this passage.  First, I notice again how Paul is moved from place to place... not by his own will.. but as the Lord uses his circumstances to move him.  In these two cities Paul is moved because of troubles caused by the Jews. This seems to be common to Paul's life and ministry.. and he just goes where he is led.. finding people everywhere who will listen and believe the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The second thing I notice is how the Lord reaches "leading" and "prominent" women, as well as men,  bringing them into the Church.  God was building a church throughout  Macedonia, the country which we now call Greece, choosing and calling women and men, Jews and Greeks, rich and poor.. revealing His impartiality and grace to all! 

Paul writes 2 letters to Thessalonica, but Berea is not really mentioned again.  A man from Berea does accompany Paul during his third missionary journey, but that is the last that is mentioned. The first letter to Thessalonica is thought to be Paul's first letter ever written to a church.  Paul opens that letter with these encouraging words, "We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love,  and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father." ( 1st Thessalonians 1:2-3)

Father in heaven, we thank You for the way You move us.. like Paul.. from place to place according to Your plan and purpose.  It's not always comfortable to be moved or conducted.. or led away from where we want to be.. but we know that You are good and You have good plans for us!  Help us to also be willing to go where You send us. We are also thankful for the way You build Your church .. calling men and women of many nations, regardless of status or influence.. regardless of wealth or poverty.. You fit us together into one body where Your Holy Spirit lives. Father, bless Your church around the world today.. deliver us from evil and from the evil one we pray.. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in us! In Jesus' name. Amen,