In this journey a more pointed distinction than before between the short period of synagogue work, and the longer period of general work, may be noticed. The
yvvaiK&v re rwj/ npwrau ouk 6\iyai, approximating to the Bezan Text, and to that of the inferior MSS. followed in the Authorised Version.
228 The Churches of Macedonia. Chap. X.
three Sabbaths of v. 2 must be taken as the entire period of work within the circle of the synagogue ; and the precise statement of time may also be taken as an indication that the usual quarrel with the Jews took place earlier at Thessalonica than in former cases.
That a considerable time was spent in the wider work is proved both by its success, and by the language of I Thess. I, II, which cannot reasonably refer only to work in the synagogue or to a short missionary work among the general population. Paul clearly refers to a long and very successful work in Thessalonica. His eagerness to return, and his chafing at the ingenious obstacle preventing him, are explained by his success : he was always eager to take advantage of a good opening. Further Paul mentions that the Philippians, IV 16, " sent once and again unto my need in Thes- salonica ". It is reasonable to think that some interval elapsed between the gifts (especially as Paul had to work to maintain himself, I Thess. II 9). Dec. 50 — May 51 seems a probable estimate of the residence in Thessalonica.
7. THE RIOT AT THESSALONICA. (XVII 5) AND THE JEWS BECAME JEALOUS; AND WITH SOME WORTHLESS ASSOCIATES OF THE LOWER ORDERS THEY GATHERED A MOB AND MADE A RIOT ; AND, ASSAULTING THE HOUSE OF JASON, THEY SOUGHT TO BRING Paul and Silas BEFORE A PUBLIC MEETING. (6) AND WHEN THEY FOUND THEM NOT, THEY BEGAN TO DRAG JASON AND CERTAIN BRETHREN BEFORE THE POLITARCHS, SHOUT- ING, " THESE THAT HAVE TURNED THE CIVILISED WORLD UPSIDE DOWN HAVE COME HITHER ALSO, (7) AND JASON HATH RECEIVED THEM ; AND THE WHOLE OF THEM ARE VIOLATING THE IMPERIAL LAWS, ASSERTING THAT
Sec. 7. The Riot at Thessalonica. 229
THERE IS ANOTHER EMPEROR, JESUS ". (8) AND THEY TROUBLED THE PEOPLE AND THE POLITARCHS, WHO HEARD THIS. (9) AND THE POLITARCHS TOOK SECURI- TIES FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR FROM JASON AND THE OTHERS, AND LET THEM GO.
The description of this riot is more detailed than any of the preceding. The lower classes, the least educated, and the most enslaved to paganism on its vulgarest and most superstitious side, were the most fanatical opponents of the new teaching ; while the politarchs were by no means inclined to take active measures against it, and the better educated people seem to have supplied most of the converts. Men of all classes were impressed by the preaching of Paul, but only women of the leading families ; and the difference is obviously due to the fact that the poorer women were most likely to be under the sway of superstition. A similar distinction is mentioned at Beroea (XVII 12), where not a few of the high-born Greek ladies and of the male population in general were attracted by the new teaching.
It would appear that this riot was more serious than the words of Luke would at first sight suggest. The language of Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians, II 14-16, shows that a powerful, dangerous, and lasting sentiment was roused among the classes which made the riot
The charge brought against Paul was subtly conceived and most dangerous. The very suggestion of treason against the Emperors often proved fatal to the accused ; and it compelled the politarchs to take steps, for, if they failed to do so, they became exposed to a charge of treason, as having taken too little care for the honour of
230 The Churches of Macedonia. Chap. X.
the Emperor. Many a man was ruined by such a charge under the earlier Emperors.