Acts 17:13-15 Meaning: Pursued by Hatred
13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Beroea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes.
14Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.
15But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.
13But 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.
14And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
15And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed of Paul at Beroea also, they came thither likewise, stirring up and troubling the multitudes.
14And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: and Silas and Timothy abode there still.
15But they that conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy that they should come to him with all speed, they departed.
13And when the Jews from Thessalonica knew that also in Berea was the word of God declared by Paul, they came thither also, agitating the multitudes;
14and then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul, to go on as it were to the sea, but both Silas and Timothy were remaining there.
15And those conducting Paul, brought him unto Athens, and having received a command unto Silas and Timotheus that with all speed they may come unto him, they departed;
13But when the Jews from Thessalonica knew that the word of God was announced in Berea also by Paul, they came there also, stirring up the crowds.
14And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as to the sea; but Silas and Timotheus abode there.
15But they that conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and, having received a commandment to Silas and Timotheus, that they should come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.
Meaning in one sentence
The Thessalonian Jews chased Paul to Berea to stop the gospel. This passage shows how opposition persists, but God keeps His mission moving forward.
Context
Paul and Silas had just planted a church in Thessalonica, but a riot forced them out. They traveled forty miles west to Berea, where the Jews were more open, they examined the Scriptures daily and many believed. But news of Paul’s success traveled back to Thessalonica. The same Jewish leaders who had stirred up a mob there now came to Berea to do it again. They did not just disagree; they provoked the crowds, the same Greek word used for shaking a ship in a storm. So the believers quickly sent Paul to the coast, away from danger, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind. Paul was escorted as far as Athens, a city famous for its learning and idols. He sent word for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
Key Words
The Greek behind “stirring up” and “agitating” is vivid. The first word, saleuō, means to shake or rock, like wind tossing the sea. The second, tarassō, means to disturb or trouble. Together they picture a crowd whipped into chaos, as if a storm had hit dry land. The same words appear in Acts 17:8 and 17:5, showing that these enemies applied the same tactic city after city.
The word for “sent away” is stronger than our English suggests. Exapostellō means to send out with urgency, like a rescue launch. And the phrase “as far as to the sea” in better manuscripts is simply “to the sea”, no trick, just the natural route toward Athens. Paul’s escape was not a retreat; it was a redirection.
How Christians Read This Verse
Reformer John Calvin saw more than human anger at work in this passage. He wrote that the Jews were driven by the malice of Satan, who uses every weapon, open war or secret plots, to weary Christ’s servants. Anglican commentator Cambridge Bible notes that the Jews would not even call Paul’s message “the word of God,” so blinded were they by prejudice. Matthew Henry, writing from a Reformed perspective, highlighted how the Berean believers acted quickly to protect Paul, showing that safeguarding a messenger is part of spreading the message. Across these traditions, Christians agree: the opposition was fierce and personal, but God’s purpose kept moving.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Paul was sent away in secret to fool his pursuers, as if the believers pretended he would go by sea when he really went by land. The old translation “as it were to the sea” suggests a feint. But better manuscripts read “to the sea” without that phrase. The believers simply brought Paul to the coast, the quickest route to Athens, and let Silas and Timothy cover for him later. There was no trick; just a fast, practical escape.
Living This Out
If you have ever shared your faith only to face more trouble than before, this passage is for you. Paul moved to Berea thinking he had found a safe place. Then the same enemies showed up. You may feel that way at work, in your family, or even in your church, the same conflicts follow you. But notice: the believers did not despair. They acted. They sent Paul away not in defeat but in wisdom. This week, when opposition repeats itself, ask God where He is directing your path instead of asking why the storm keeps coming. Sometimes moving on is the faithful thing.
Main takeaway: Opposition may chase the gospel from place to place, but it cannot stop the mission God is steering.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Bad men tried to stop Paul from telling people about Jesus. But Paul’s friends helped him get away safely. God always has a plan, even when people are mean.
For ages 9, 12
Paul thought he was safe in Berea, but the same people who caused trouble in Thessalonica followed him there. They stirred up the crowds just like they had before. The believers didn’t give up; they helped Paul escape to Athens while Silas and Timothy stayed to keep teaching. This shows that even when opposition follows you, God never runs out of ways to protect His work.
Questions People Ask
Why did the Jews from Thessalonica travel all the way to Berea just to stop Paul?
They were determined to stop the gospel from spreading. They saw Paul’s success in Berea as a threat to their authority and their traditions. Their hatred of the message drove them to pursue Paul from city to city, as they had done before from Iconium to Lystra.
Did Paul actually go by sea to Athens, or did he walk?
The text says the brothers sent him “to go as far as to the sea.” It probably means they traveled with him to the coast of the Aegean Sea. From there he could either sail or take the coastal road south to Athens. The exact route is not specified.
Why did Silas and Timothy stay behind in Berea?
Paul was the main target of the Jews’ anger. Sending him away removed the immediate threat. Silas and Timothy were less well known, so they could safely remain to strengthen the new believers and continue teaching. Paul later called for them to join him in Athens as soon as possible.
What does it mean that the Jews ‘stirred up the people’?
The Greek words picture shaking and troubling like a storm at sea. They did not just disagree with Paul; they actively agitated the crowds, turning public opinion against him and provoking a mob. This matches their tactics in Thessalonica.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study