Acts 17:1-15 | Leaving the Results to Godಮಾದರಿ

Same Message, Different Response

Paul and Silas flee Thessalonica in the night and make their way to Berea.

Paul’s message seems the same in Thessalonica and Berea, but has a different outcome. Luke tells us these Bereans were of “more noble character (Acts 17:11, NIV).” They received the message with eagerness and examined for themselves what Paul was saying to see whether it was true.

Paul’s message was received by some in both places, but why did it seem more effective in Berea? What we see is that it didn’t have anything to do with Paul. It came down to them.

When we witness, so often we can get hung up on how effective we are, how winsome we are, whether we’ve mastered what we want to say perfectly and are prepared to answer any question or objection with cutting insight, patience, and poise. We, too often, carry the burden of how others respond.

It is a burden you are not meant to carry.

You cannot save anyone. Only God can save someone. You are simply called to be a witness.

The Berean people were more receptive to the gospel for reasons unique to them. Same message. Different responses. It came down to their receptivity and a host of unmentioned factors that led them to more readily open their hearts and allow the truth to change them.

Don’t take the responsibility for how someone responds. Simply witness. Leave the results to God and them.