PAUL THE APOSTLE ( PART 31 ) | THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY | LESSON FROM BEREA ( PART 2)
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3131
PAUL THE APOSTLE ( PART 31 )
THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY
LESSON FROM BEREA ( PART 2)
In the Book of Acts, Berea is briefly mentioned.
Acts 17:10-13 and Acts 20:4 are the only places that mention the city of Berea, and the latter reference merely associates Sopater, one of Paul's companions, with the city.
But, as any biblical student knows, it is the Berean's approach to the Scripture and their response to it that makes them an interesting study.
Why were the Bereans special?
1. We first see that they were more fair-minded (noble, KJV) than the Jews of Thessalonica. What does it mean to be fair-minded or noble? The Greek word used in Acts is Eugenesteroi, which comes from Eugenes, from which we derive the personal name "Eugene." Originally, it meant "wellborn" and implied nobility. Later, it described those of a generous spirit, who are open-minded toward truth, not prejudiced, hostile, or suspicious of others, but give others a fair hearing.
2.We also see that they received the Word with "readiness" or eagerness. The Greek word, Prothumos, suggests that they looked into the Scriptures with enthusiasm, eagerness, and zeal. The Greek paints a word-picture of a ravenously hungry man who devours the food set before him or an extremely thirsty man who is finally given something to drink. The Bereans were full of enthusiasm, readiness, and zeal for God's Word.
3. They could examine the words Paul and Silas spoke and determine if they were indeed in line with the Old Testament teaching. They could also observe the manner that these men conducted their lives. Once they became believers, they put their faith into action and helped Paul escape to Athens when a mob of unbelieving Jews descended on Berea from Thessalonica some 97 km away forcing Paul to flee once again!
Abba Father, there are many pertinent lessons we can learn from the Berean believers:
1) We need to make Your Word our sole basis for truth and error.
2) We need to diligently search the Scriptures daily - just as the children of Israel had to collect their heavenly manna as their daily sustenance except on the Sabbath.
The Bereans were ready for the truth of the Gospel of Christ because they kept searching Your Word for truth. As a result, when Paul and Silas came preaching the gospel to them, many of them were quick to see the reality of Jesus Christ and believed in Him.
