NOTE:  a trip that seemed to be cut short, would net one of the most powerful results of Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. In a mere three weeks, God would use His authentic message, spoken by His authentic messengers, to birth another part of His authentic Church. Even though a Jewish mob of rebel rousers would test the veracity of this church’s infancy by dragging Jason, Paul’s house host into the streets; they as well as Paul, Silas, and Timothy would receive the mark as God’s personal possessions; carrying the promise of His future, favor, and friendship eternally . . .  

I Thess 2:3-4 God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we’re not after crowd approval—only God approval. Since we’ve been put through that battery of tests, you’re guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas.  (MSG)

Deut 14:2   for you are a holy people [set apart] to the Lord your God; and the Lord has chosen you out of all the peoples who are on the earth to be a people for His own possession. (AMP)                 

We are God Tested as His Authentic Possessions; when we faithfully walk in the promise of a future that was started by God’s presence, that will be sustained by God’s power, and has been sealed with God’s permanence. It’s only those who are authentically His that are partners in His promised future . . .

We are God Tested as His Authentic Possessions; when we receive the merciful blessing of God’s divine favor. We who were constantly warring with God have become those who are continually walking with Him. We who were slaves to sin’s curse have been saved by God’s grace; a favor that will validate our authenticity in Him for all eternity. Praise God for His making and saving us . . .

We are God Tested as His Authentic Possessions; when our distant hatred was transformed into intimate friendship. Dwelling in the presence of our restored relationship in Christ, we have become His cherished confidants; chosen and commissioned to carry the supernatural fruit of His character into the world . . .