“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 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.” (Acts 17:10-12)

Once Paul arrived in Berea, as was his custom, he made his way to the local synagogue and preached Jesus Christ to the Jews. Contrary to negative reception by the Jews in Thessalonica, the Bereans welcomed him and the Word. We are told that the Bereans received Paul’s instruction with “readiness.” They did not receive God’s Word with an implicit faith. They devoted themselves to reading and searching the writings of the Old Testament, to see whether the things which he preached concerning the Messiah, His incarnation, sufferings, death and resurrection from the dead were true. They were ready to reject his teachings if it did not align with what God had spoken. This they did continually day after day. Their example to us is a powerful one. Every Christian has the responsibility to search and study God’s Word to ensure what is being taught is aligned with God’s truth. In our day, we can never assume that simply because someone says, “The Bible says ________” that they are being truthful. Investigation is the key to combating false teaching. Personal study of the Bible is a tremendous luxury that has been afforded to us. Let’s not waste it.

Reflection Questions:

What does it mean to you to receive the Word, “with all readiness?”

Upon their investigation of the Scriptures, many people in Berea trusted Jesus Christ for their salvation. Imagine for a moment that every copy of the Bible you own has been taken away from you. Do you know enough without it to lead someone to Christ?