Acts 17:8-10 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And they troubled the people and the rulers As the charge was formed in such a manner that their neglecting it might render them obnoxious to the Romans, both the multitude and the magistrates of the city were alarmed when they heard these things. They were not willing, however, to proceed to extremities against an inhabitant of the place, merely for harbouring persons who, whatever might be alleged against them, were in a manner strangers to him; and, therefore, when they had taken security of Jason, and the other Brethren who were brought before them, that they would behave as good subjects; they let them go Dismissed them for that time. This liberal conduct of the rulers of Thessalonica restrained the malice of the Jews for the present. But the brethren Fearing some new tumult might arise, thought it prudent to send Paul and Silas And probably Timothy also, Acts 17:15; away by night to Berea A populous city in the neighbourhood. Luke has not told us what time Paul and his assistants spent at Thessalonica. But there are circumstances mentioned in the apostle's epistles from which we may infer, that they spent some months in planting a church there; such as that, during his abode at Thessalonica, he received money twice from the Philippians, (Philippians 4:15,) and communicated the spiritual gifts to the brethren in plenty, (1 Thessalonians 5:19,) and appointed προισταμενους, presidents, or rulers, statedly to exercise the ministry among them, (1 Thessalonians 5:12,) having formed them into a regular church; all which implies that he abode a considerable time in this city.