The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Acts 17:10-11 (NASB)
Who were the Bereans in the Bible? They were residents of the city of Berea in Macedonia. Paul and Silas preached to them during Paul’s second missionary journey. The Bereans were commended because they exhibited several positive characteristics:
- They were called noble-minded/open to seeking truth/teachable/not prejudiced.
- They received the Word with great eagerness.
- They examined the Scriptures daily.
The Bereans wanted to know the Truth. They did not settle for sermons that were based on shoddy exegesis or emotionalism. Scripture was their accurate and effective filter for receiving truth and rejecting error. There is no mention of the Bereans consulting with any sources other than Scripture. Their belief in the sufficiency of Scripture is evident by their use of it as the sole, necessary plumb line of truth. Modern wolves now roam among God’s flock in sophisticated sheepskins. The seriousness of such a threat demands that we be present-day Bereans. Do not just take what your favourite preacher or speaker or author or blogger says at face value. Make sure it lines up with the Scriptures. The Word of God is the only absolute we have; all teaching must be checked against this absolute standard. Paul tells us to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good”. Jesus tell us:
If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 (NKJV)
Let us commit to examining the Scriptures daily and embracing the truth.