Be A Berean (Acts 17:10-15) FAITH

Now the Berean 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. – Acts 17:11

Paul and Silas arrived at Berea. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Paul, whenever he arrived at a place, had a practice of preaching the gospel in the synagogue three Sabbath days. He did the same at Thessalonica. While some of the Thessalonians received the gospel, some stirred up trouble, forcing Paul and Silas to leave by night to Berea. 

At Berea too, Paul went to the synagogue and preached. The Bereans were a much more welcoming people. Two characteristics are mentioned about them. They received the Word with eagerness. They also searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true.

The Bereans were eager for the Word. They had open hearts and clear minds. Often people have clear heads but closed hearts, and don’t receive the Word with readiness. It was both of these things that made the Bereans of more noble character than those in Thessalonica. 

Paul was the most famous apostle and theologian of the early church. He was also the human author of thirteen books of the New Testament. And yet, the Bereans did not simply accept Paul’s teaching without checking for themselves. 

They searched the Scriptures to see if Paul’s teaching was truly biblical. It was not a one time, passing look. They made it a point of diligent, extended study, every day. 

What is your attitude to what you hear preached?

Lord, give me a heart that is eager and a mind that is alert to your Word, I pray.

Extended Reading – Acts 17; Acts 18:1-18

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