After being run out of town in Thessalonica, Paul was sent to Berea. Here he continued doing the very thing that had previously stirred up opposition against him – teaching the gospel (Acts 17:1-5, 10). Fortunately, these individuals in Berea were “more noble-minded” than the ones Paul encountered in the last city. What was it that made them noble-minded? It had to do with their reception of the gospel.
“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).
This verse shows us three reasons why the Bereans were called “noble-minded.” In addition, we can see how we should receive preaching and teaching today.
They received the word with great eagerness – These people wanted to know the truth. This is vital, for if we do not love the truth, we will not be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Many people view personal Bible study and listening to Bible teaching as an obligation they are not particularly excited about. We must view these times of study as opportunities to learn more about God and His will for us, which will ultimately allow us to grow closer to Him.
They did not blindly accept Paul’s message – We are each individually responsible for our salvation (Philippians 2:12). Therefore, it is foolish for one to believe something to be true simply because he has heard it from the pulpit. The Bereans eagerly received the word, but this does not mean they blindly accepted Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures and found out for themselves what was the truth. Those who teach the truth should not fear this type of examination, but rather should appreciate and encourage it.
They studied the Scriptures daily – Paul’s custom was to go to the synagogue and preach on the Sabbath (Acts 17:1-3). We know that in Berea he also came and preached in the synagogue (Acts 17:10). We are not told what other teaching Paul did during the other six days of the week. But we do know that the Bereans continued to study throughout the remainder of the week. We should not limit our study and examination of the word to the assembly times, or to the times when there is someone there to teach us. We must study on our own, and do so daily, so that we can learn the truth for ourselves.
The result of this noble-minded reception of the gospel was that “many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men” (Acts 17:12). God’s word is able to accomplish what He intends for it to do (Isaiah 55:11) – to bring salvation to us (Romans 1:16). However, it is up to us to study, learn, believe, and obey the gospel. It all begins with having the proper approach to the Scriptures. If we can receive the word as the Bereans did – with eagerness, carefully examining the Scriptures for ourselves before believing what someone else teaches – we will learn how to please God.
