Be a Berean
They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.
Acts 17:11–12
Be a Berean
It is a great blessing to read brother Luke’s report in his Gospel about the Son of Man who came to this earth. His second account, the Book of Acts, is an important addition to “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). Sometimes called the Acts of the Apostles, it describes what the Lord Jesus had been doing after He ascended to heaven, working through His servants. There was fierce opposition to what the apostle taught from the Scriptures, whereas others heartily accepted his teachings. Recorded for our learning and encouragement, these things about the Lord Jesus Christ are relevant to us today, even though they are often questioned and opposed.
What do we learn from the above passage? Paul’s ministry was rejected in Thessalonica, but despite this, he went to Berea and preached there as well. The people in the synagogue were more “fair-minded” (or “noble”), at least with respect to the Scriptures. Do we receive God’s Word with all readiness, eager to search it daily? Let us examine the inspired text, carefully and respectfully, because it is the written Word of God! Do we check out what we read, comparing Scripture with Scripture? The Word of God explains itself, for it is the best interpreter! Besides, we have the help of the Holy Spirit, as the Lord Jesus promised in John 14–16.
The people in Berea’s synagogue did not say, “This Rabbi came all the way from Jerusalem, so he must be right.” No, they checked the Scriptures to see whether he was right, a good example for us to follow. So let us keep reading and test everything by God’s Word, for we love His Word!
Alfred E. Bouter
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