Not a Failure

Paul and his new traveling companion Silas had a relatively brief stay at Thessalonica. While they were there, they went to the synagogue as they did in all the cities they visited. For three Sabbaths Paul taught from the Old Testament and encouraged discussion, all the while explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. (Acts 17:3 NIV)

It did not last. Some of the Jews, . . a large group of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women accepted Paul’s teaching. (v. 4) When that happened, leaders of the synagogue were both jealous and threatened, so they incited a riot by riling up ne’er-do-wells from the city marketplace.

According to most standards, the events of those few weeks were not a successful missionary effort. But Paul was not discouraged. He knew God could do great things even when it did not look good.

As a result of those few weeks, a church was established. And Paul could later write to the Thessalonians, You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. ( I Thess. 2:1)

Originally published July 15, 1983.