By John Buttrey II

As Paul and his company left the city of Thessalonica, they traveled to Berea. There, as was Paul’s custom, he went into the synagogue of the Jews (cf. Acts 17:2). Of the Jews present in the synagogue who listened to Paul’s presentation of the gospel, Luke tells us: 

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 17:11 

            What a wonderful testimony these Berean Jews obtained! Because they were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, because they searched the scriptures, Luke adds: 

Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.

Acts 17:12

             The Bereans set a great example for us today in regards to our own approach to the Scriptures. There are three points of interest I would like to bring to our attention. 

1.     Noble-Minded 

            The Bereans were noble-minded. To be noble-minded is to be open-minded—an often rare quality today among many Christians. The minute we hear something different, or something with which we disagree, the defense mechanism in our mind activates, and it closes. Instead, like the Bereans, we ought to at least listen to what is being presented; and then, honestly evaluate it in view of the scriptures.

In connection with this thought, to be noble-minded means the Bereans had what we might call, a teachable spirit; meaning: they were able and willing to learn. They were not of the opinion that they knew it all, “so there is nothing left for us learn.” If we are found lacking a teachable spirit, chances are we have a problem with the sin of pride. Maybe this is one reason why God is opposed to the proud, they refuse to learn because they think they know it all. 

2.     Received the Word with Great Eagerness 

            The Bereans were eager to learn. Study and application of the scriptures was something they found exciting and stimulating. It is my fear that many of us today have lost this sense of excitement in the study of God’s word. I know this is not true for everyone, but how about for you? Are you excited at the thought of attending Bible class? Are you eager to learn deeper truths in the scriptures? Does the thought of study encourage or discourage you? Is your lesson something you rush through (at the last minute) in an attempt to simply and quickly answer the questions? When was the last time you set aside some good quality time to eagerly and patiently do your lesson? 

3.     Examined the Scriptures Daily 

            That word daily says a lot. How many today can say they examine the scriptures daily? By the way, to examine daily is not simply reading the scriptures daily. Reading is good, but to examine means to investigate, scrutinize, and inquire. To examine is to dig deeper into the text. How many today set aside the time daily to do this?

            Upon hearing the words of Paul, the Bereans were eagerly digging deep into the scriptures to confirm the message. They did not assume that Paul was automatically right because he was one who was well-schooled in the Law or because he was an apostle of Jesus Christ. They examined the truths he presented. 

A Word of Encouragement 

            Good and effective Bible study can produce so many valuable and precious fruits (cf. 1 Cor. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 3:15). You will grow in the faith in ways you never thought possible. Seize and seek opportunities to learn. Let us all find and develop the noble-minded eagerness of the Bereans in our attitude towards Bible study. What a wonderful testimony we will obtain by so doing!