Saint Paul and the Bereans immediately committed themselves to a deep and meaningful connection, based in faith, love and mutual support. A powerful spiritual bond united Saint Paul and the Bereans from the start. The absence of a Saint Paul’s epistle to the Bereans speaks volumes about the enduring spiritual foundation he laid for the church there.

Saint Paul and the Bereans: Berea’s location

Berea, a city situated in the heart of ancient Macedonia, holds a unique place in the annals of early Christianity. Renowned for its intellectual vibrancy and receptiveness to new ideas, Berea became a pivotal stop on Saint Paul’s missionary journeys, earning it a distinctive place in early Christian history.

Veria or Berea is a city in Central Macedonia northern Greece, capital of the regional unit of Imathia. The city was built at the foothills of Vermion Mountain and was crossed by Tripotamos River and the Via Egnatia. It is located 511 kilometers (318 miles) north-northwest of Athens and 73 km (45 mi) west-southwest of Thessaloniki.

Saint Paul and the Bereans: Berea’s history

The history of Veria is lost to the ages. As first mentioned in the writings of Thucydides in 432 BC, there is evidence that it was already populated as early as 1000 BC. Even by the standards of Greece, Veria is actually an ancient city. The most important and perhaps glorious period in the past of the city was during the Hellenistic era, specifically during the reign of the last dynasty of Macedon, the Antigonids, whose origins were from Berea. This particular dynasty ruled the kingdom of Macedon from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC until the conquest of Macedonia by the Romans in 168 BC.

Saint Paul and the Bereans: the Jewish Synagogue

One of the oldest synagogues in Europe is located in the ancient Macedonian city of Veria. It was here that Saint Paul and his companions found refuge, persecuted by the Jews of Thessalonica. Armed with his deep and unwavering faith, and with the comparative advantages of a deep knowledge of Jewish law and a high level of education, he hoped to find a willing audience among his compatriots.

Acts 17

¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.

According to his usual practice in all his missionary journeys, Saint Paul preferred to first visit cities where Jews lived and synagogues operated. This explains why Saint Paul did not visit the glorious and more populous capitals of Macedonia: Pella, the birthplace of the greatest commander of all time, Alexander the Great and Vergina, where his father, King Philip, was brutally murdered.

Saint Paul and the Bereans: Saint Paul’s ministry

Arriving in the city, they sought refuge within the Jewish synagogue, located at the Jewish neighborhood, which still stands to this day. Saint Paul spent a lot of time in the Synagogue, preaching the word of Jesus. Surrounded by his compatriots and living in the familiar and safe environment of the Jewish quarter of Berea, Saint Paul dedicated himself to his missionary work. He preached the word of God to the Greeks as well, speaking in the central marketplace of the city. According to tradition, he also traveled to nearby cities and villages, proclaiming the word of God, thus leaving his legacy alive to this day.

In contrast to their counterparts in Thessalonica, the Jews of Veria exhibited a more receptive and open-minded disposition. They embraced Saint Paul’s message with enthusiasm, diligently scrutinizing the Scriptures daily to ascertain its veracity.

This receptiveness resulted in a significant number of conversions, including prominent both Jews and Greek women and men. Saint Paul’s visit to Berea is a testament to the open-mindedness and eagerness to learn displayed by the Bereans, Jews and Greeks. They were known for their noble character, being called “noble-minded” in the Bible, meaning they were eager to learn and examine the Scriptures for themselves.  This noble character and thirst for truth led many to believe in Jesus Christ.

Acts 17

¹¹ Now, the Bereans Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.  

Veria is renowned as the city boasting the greatest number of churches in all of Greece in regards to its population. A veritable treasure trove, this city beckons visitors to explore its rich tapestry of 80 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches.

Saint Paul and the Bereans: the Bema of Saint Paul

The exact location where Saint Paul delivered his divine message to the Bereans is marked by the Saint Paul’s altar. This Bema, a historical landmark of international renown, serves as a pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world. Year-round, visitors flock to Berea to experience the tangible remnants of the Apostle’s journey.

Just opposite the revered Bema of Saint Paul, a charming little shop awaits. Here, visitors can browse a delightful selection of souvenirs and local products. The friendly couple, Petros and Athena, own this family-run establishment. Reflecting the warm hospitality of Veria, they always greet customers with a welcoming smile and are more than happy to assist. Additionally, they offer convenient services tailored to large groups of pilgrims attending the Divine Liturgy at the nearby Bema.

Saint Paul and the Bereans: the Pavleia festival

Every June, the city of Veria in Greece comes alive with the vibrant spirit of Pavleia, a unique religious festival honoring Saint Paul, the Apostle.  This annual Christian event commemorates the significant role Saint Paul played in spreading Christianity throughout the Berea region. Pavleia seamlessly blends ancient traditions with contemporary celebrations. The festival kicks off with a procession through the city streets, where locals and visitors alike pay homage to Saint Paul. The highlight of the festivities is a theatrical performance depicting key moments from Saint Paul’s life and his missionary journeys.

Get to know more on Saint Paul and the Bereans on our amazing biblical Berea tour from Thessaloniki. We follow the footsteps of Saint Paul and his companions from Thessaloniki all the way to Berea. For more info (availability – rates) on our biblical day trips from Thessaloniki, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp available

Saint Paul and the Bereans: legacy and longtime standing history.

Berea stands as a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity and the importance of grounding faith in reason and scriptural examination. The city’s story continues to resonate with those seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, reminding them that true discipleship involves not only belief but also active engagement with the Word of God.

Saint Paul visited Berea two times, during 51 and 57 Ad. The city was already 1.000 years old and under Roman rule. The combination of Greek culture, Macedonian legacy and a thriving commercial center made Berea an ideal environment for the spread of the Gospel.

The city’s inhabitants, exposed to diverse ideas and philosophies, were more open to new religious perspectives. The Bereans’ reputation for being “noble-minded” and their eagerness to examine the Scriptures aligns with the city’s intellectual and cultural atmosphere.

However, this positive reception did not last long. Jealous Jews from Thessalonica arrived in Berea, stirring up trouble and persecution. Fearing for his life, Paul had to leave Berea, but Silas and Timothy remained to strengthen the newly founded church and its believers light of God’s Word.

Acts 17

¹³ But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. ¹⁴ The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

The Bereans’ example serves as a model for Christians around the world to this day. They remind us of the importance of studying the Scriptures for ourselves, not blindly accepting teachings but diligently examining them in the light of God’s Word. Their story also highlights the challenges faced by early Christians and the importance of perseverance in the face of persecution.

Saint Paul, ever the intrepid explorer of faith, set forth on another journey fraught with peril and the allure of the unknown. Leaving the comforting embrace of Berea, he and his loyal companions ventured forth, their path marked by treacherous mountain passes and the awe-inspiring chasm of the Aliakmon River.

Finally, they reached the ancient harbor of Methone, a gateway to the Aegean Sea. There, they found passage aboard a merchant vessel, its sails carrying them towards a destination of unparalleled grandeur – Athens, the crown jewel of the ancient world, a city whose splendor continues to resonate even in our own time, the beating heart of Greece.

Get to know more on Saint Paul and the Bereans on our amazing biblical Berea tour from Thessaloniki. We follow the footsteps of Saint Paul and his companions from Thessaloniki all the way to Berea..

Saint Paul and the Bereans: biblical tours

Our biblical private day trips can accommodate your small group in one of our minivans (max 6 guests), or Mercedes Sprinter minibus (max 12 guests). We may start your private tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki hotels or from Thessaloniki Port for our guests arriving via cruise ship. We also pick up from the SKG Thessaloniki International Airport or Airbnb Vacation Rental for a small fee.

Your chauffeur and Thessaloniki local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is both your driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available licensed tour guides for archaeological sites and museums upon request at an extra cost.

Limited availability

For more info (availability – rates) on our biblical day trips from Thessaloniki, please contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp available

SKG Thessaloniki Airport pickups & drop offs, also available upon request at extra cost..