Acts 17:11-12 – These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that 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.

In Berea, Paul and Silas followed their familiar strategy, and found that their audience was more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica. Two things earned this compliment for the Bereans: first, they received the word with all readiness. Second, they searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. The Bereans heard the teaching of the most famous apostle and theologian of the early church. Yet, they searched the Scriptures when Paul taught, to see if his teaching was truly Biblical. The Bereans wanted to know, “Are these things so? Does this man teach the truth? We must search the Scriptures daily to find.” Notice first, they searched the Scriptures. It was worth it to them to work hard at it, and investigate what the Word of God said, and how Paul’s teaching matched up with it. They also searched daily. It wasn’t a one time look. They made a point of diligent study. Finally, they searched the Scriptures. They believed they could understand and find out truth from the Bible. For them, the Bible was a book of truth, and that truth was there to be found out. But with all their diligent searching and concern for the truth, the Bereans did not become skeptics. They received the word with all readiness. When Paul preached, they had open hearts and clear heads. It was all of these things that made the Bereans more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica and resulted in many of them believing.

Challenge:

I have always especially loved this area of scripture because it reveals this very simple and yet powerful truth, that if you diligently and consistently read the Bible, it will produce in you a strong faith. May we all seek to discover and understand truth by habitually scouring through the pages of God’s Word more often than any other book we will read. Do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with reading other books. In fact, I believe having a healthy reading discipline enhances your knowledge and equips you in many areas of life. However, having a strong comprehension of God and embracing biblical truth is mandatory for all who desire to conduct a godly lifestyle. Your challenge for the week is to be like the Berean’s and search the scripture daily to find truth for every situation you are up against. As you read, be aware of exactly how the Lord might be speaking to you and how He is preparing you for what may be coming up in your future. May God bless you.