Acts 16:38-17:15

I grew up listening to country music.  In 1978, Kenny Rogers released a song, “The Gambler.” It raised questions that a gambler needs wisdom to answer.  Paul’s story reminded me of those questions.  Paul needed wisdom to know when to stay, when to go and when leaving, whether to walk or run.

When the magistrates at Philippi, released Paul and Silas from jail to avoid more riots, they asked them to leave town.  Paul and Silas did not run; they went to Lydia’s house and met with the church.  While there at the house, they encouraged them to remain faithful, and then they left by walking away.

At Thessalonica the Jews who were in opposition to the gospel formed a mob and started a riot in the city.  The city officials did not physically mistreat Paul or his companions, but they did require Jason and the others to post a bond.  The bond allowed the officials to hold the believers responsible for any damage or disturbance that took place because of Paul.  At the very least, they would have lost their homes, and in the worst case, they faced execution.  People considered it cowardly to run away in the middle of the night, but that is what Paul did.  He was willing to run and appear cowardly, because he wanted to protect Jason and the rest of the early church in Thessalonica.  Fellow Christians and the church were more important than his pride.

Paul had become a lightning rod; the opposition aimed their strikes at him. At Berea, once the opposition began to stir up and agitate the crowds, Paul immediately walked away.  By doing so, he gave his companions the freedom to continue preaching the gospel.

Like Paul, we must answer the questions wisdom asks.  Our answers will not be the world’s answers.  We may stay when the world runs away; we may run when worldly pride fights.  Our desire for righteousness determines when to stay, walk or run away.

PS (Righteousness always runs away from temptation.)