The Bereans were a group of Jews living in Berea mentioned in Acts 17 in the New Testament. They were commended by the apostle Paul for their eagerness to study the Scriptures and confirm the truth of his teachings about Jesus Christ.
Background on Berea
Berea (modern Veria) was a city located in Macedonia about 45 miles southwest of Thessalonica. In Paul’s time, it was part of the Roman province of Macedonia. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a sizable Jewish community living in Berea during the 1st century AD. Many Jews fled to Berea and other cities in Macedonia after the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem in 63 BC.
Paul’s Ministry in Berea
The Book of Acts records that Paul and Silas came to Berea after facing persecution from hostile Jews in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-10). In Thessalonica, Paul had reasoned in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, explaining and proving from the Scriptures that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Though some Jews and many devout Greeks were persuaded, other Jews became jealous and incited a mob. The believers sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.
When Paul and Silas arrived in Berea, they again went into the Jewish synagogue (Acts 17:10). This time, the Berean Jews were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica. Acts 17:11 says, “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
The Berean Jews demonstrated exemplary behavior in studying the Scriptures and testing Paul’s message against God’s word. They did not just blindly accept or reject what Paul said, but investigated for themselves to confirm the truth. As a result, many Jews, as well as several prominent Greek women and men, believed the gospel (Acts 17:12).
However, trouble arose again when Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul was preaching in Berea. They traveled there to agitate crowds against him, making it necessary for Paul to leave the city (Acts 17:13-14). While Silas and Timothy stayed behind, the believers sent Paul to the coast. Paul ultimately ended up in Athens, where he continued his missionary work.
Key Lessons from the Bereans
The example of the Bereans teaches us valuable lessons about studying God’s word and testing teachings:
1. They were open-minded and willing to listen. Unlike those in Thessalonica, the Bereans did not immediately reject Paul’s message about Jesus but listened attentively to what he had to say.
2. They had a hunger for the truth. The Bereans “received the message with great eagerness,” indicating their enthusiasm for learning more about Jesus as the promised Messiah. They saw value in gaining spiritual wisdom, insight, and knowledge from the Scriptures.
3. They carefully examined the Scriptures. Instead of blindly believing Paul, the Bereans studied the Tanakh (Old Testament) to evaluate the accuracy of his teaching. They wanted to see the textual support for his claims that Jesus was the foretold Messiah.
4. They tested teachings against Scripture. By comparing Paul’s words to God’s written revelation, the Bereans demonstrated that the final authority for doctrine and instruction must be the word of God itself. This guards against false teaching.
5. They came to their own conclusions. The Bereans did not rely solely on what Paul or the Thessalonians said but used wise spiritual discernment to determine the truth for themselves direct from Scripture.
6. They responded when they knew it was true. Once the Bereans verified Paul’s teaching from the Scriptures, many believed his message about salvation through Jesus Christ. They embraced the gospel themselves instead of stubbornly rejecting the truth.
Significance of the Bereans
The Bereans occupy just a few verses, but their example has timeless relevance for Christians today. J.C. Ryle said of them, “Happy are those churches where Scripture-reading is always encouraged among the members, and the grand test of preaching is the Word of God. Happier still are those members of churches who, like the Bereans, search the Scriptures daily to see whether the things they hear from the minister’s lips are true.”
Here are some reasons the Bereans’ response is significant:
– It shows that a person’s spiritual hunger and openness to truth are more important than background. Although the Bereans were steeped in Judaism, they were willing to fairly consider new teaching about the Messiah.
– They received apostolic teaching humbly but not credulously. The Bereans show that healthy skepticism and careful investigation of what any preacher or teacher says is wise.
– Their example promotes individual study of Scripture, not blind acceptance of doctrine. They call us to learn God’s word for ourselves to discern truth from error.
– They modeled a noble, mature faith that withstands persecution. Despite opposition, the Berean Christians persisted in studying Scripture and clung to truth.
– They understood that our devotion should be to Christ and the Word, not just a dynamic speaker. The Bereans made sure Paul’s gospel lined up with Scripture.
– Their discernment led many to salvation yet also instigated persecution. This demonstrates that godly wisdom often has a cost in an unbelieving world.
Ultimately, the Bereans exemplify the attitude that earnestly seeks to know and obey God. Their humble willingness to learn, enthusiasm for Scripture, and spiritual discernment make them heroes of the faith worth emulating.
Paul’s Commendation of the Bereans
The significance Luke places on the Bereans is evident in how he contrasts them with the Jews of Thessalonica in Acts 17:11. Whereas the Thessalonians stubbornly rejected Paul’s preaching, the Bereans eagerly received the Word and examined it carefully. In this verse, Luke explicitly states that the Berean Jews were “more noble” than those in Thessalonica.
The Greek word translated as “noble” in Acts 17:11 is eugenesteros. This word indicates moral excellence and can be translated as “open-minded,” “generous,” or “liberal.” It means they possessed admirable traits worthy of honor.
Some key reasons Paul likely considered the Bereans noble:
– They demonstrated spiritual hunger rather than apathy or cynicism. The Thessalonians seem obstinate, while the Bereans sincerely wanted to grow in knowledge of the truth.
– They showed humility and openness to reevaluate their theology if Scripture warranted it. This takes maturity and wisdom.
– They made effort to test Paul’s words rather than dismissing them out of hand. This shows discernment and diligence.
– They welcomed outsiders and truth-seekers to study Scripture alongside them. There was no elitism.
– They exemplified the ideal attitude toward God’s word. The Old Testament commands repeatedly that we should revere, meditate on, and diligently obey Scripture.
– They provide a positive example of how to respond to new teachings while avoiding gullibility.
Paul called listeners to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Cor 11:1). The Bereans modeled how to eagerly receive the Word while prudently examining it against other Scriptures. Their humble yet incisive approach glorified God and led many to salvation. For these reasons, they earned the honorable distinction of being “more noble” than their peers.
Other Biblical Examples of those Commended for Checking Teaching
The Bereans were not the only people commended in Scripture for carefully evaluating spiritual teachings against God’s word. Other positive examples include:
**The Jews of Jerusalem:** When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his first missionary journey, the local church leaders encouraged him to participate in ceremonial rituals to prove he still followed the Mosaic Law. However, the Jerusalem Jews showed spiritual discernment when they accepted Paul’s report of how God was working among the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-29).
**Crispus and Sosthenes:** These synagogue leaders in Corinth “believed in the Lord” after hearing Paul’s gospel presentation. They wisely judged his message consistent with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Acts 18:8,17).
**Apollos:** Though fervent and eloquent, this preacher from Alexandria had limited knowledge of Jesus until Priscilla and Aquila “explained the Way of God more adequately” according to Scripture. Once Apollos learned the full gospel, he became a powerful apologist for the faith (Acts 18:24-28).
**The Ephesians:** They rejected false teachings and magician practices after hearing the gospel: “They rejected Paul’s teaching no longer, but believed what was said about the Lord, the God of Jesus Christ” (Acts 19:17-20).
These examples reinforce the importance of carefully examining spiritual teachings against Scripture. The more we know God’s word, the better we can reject counterfeits and discern truth from error.
Characteristics of False Teachers Contrasted with the Bereans
The careful discernment of the Bereans contrasts sharply with destructive false teachers described in the Bible:
– **Motivated by greed/manipulation vs. pure motives:** False teachers exploit believers for money and manipulate emotions (2 Pet 2:1-3). The Bereans were truth-seekers.
– **Arrogant/authoritarian vs. humble/teachable:** False teachers demand submission and speak with arrogance. The Bereans were humble enough to reconsider long-held beliefs.
– **Emphasis on novelty vs. measuring against Scripture:** False teachers traffic in “myths,” “legends,” and “new insights.” The Bereans relied on Scripture as the standard.
– **Divisive/cliquish vs. welcoming truth-seekers:** False teachers cause divisions and strife between insiders and outsiders. The Bereans studied alongside both Jews and Greeks interested in truth.
– **Appeal to emotions vs. rational investigation:** False teachers use stories, dreams, visions, and ecstatic experiences that cannot be verified. The Bereans appealed strictly to Scripture’s propositions.
– **Unverifiable claims vs. citing Scripture:** False teachers expect people to accept ambiguous spiritual teachings without evidence. The Bereans only believed what Scripture verified as true.
– **Hidden agendas vs. transparency:** False teachers conceal their true aims and hide anything that exposes their errors. Paul was willing to have his message compared to Scripture.
The Bereans avoided these dangers by eagerly yet carefully judging Paul’s teachings against the word of God.
Applying the Example of the Bereans to Evaluating Teachings Today
Just as the Bereans tested Paul’s teaching against Scripture, Christians today need to be like the Bereans when we hear spiritual teachings from today’s pastors, authors, and televangelists. Paul himself warned of wolves in the church who would arise, speaking twisted things to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29-30). John similarly cautioned against believing every spirit but testing them to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1).
The following are some ways we can apply the Bereans’ example when assessing Christian teachings today:
– Approach teachings with an open but discerning mindset. Have humility and hunger for truth like the Bereans, not stubborn close-mindedness.
– Study the context and full meaning of any Bible passages cited. Make sure teachers handle Scripture accurately and truthfully.
– Avoid blindly trusting charismatic speakers; focus on their message, not delivery.
– Beware of teachers who claim “new revelations” or insights contrary to the Bible.
– Be cautious of anyone who discourages comparing their words to Scripture.
– Reject teachings that contradict other Scripture or core doctrines like Christ’s deity, humanity, and atoning sacrifice.
– Investigate the author or speaker’s credentials, character, and possible motives before accepting their teaching.
– Discuss questionable teachings with mature believers and pastors to get feedback.
– Pray for discernment and study Scripture diligently yourself so you can better distinguish truth from error.
Checking today’s spiritual teachings against Scripture is an essential practice to avoid deception and follow the example of the noble Bereans.
How Those in the Early Church Continued the Example of the Bereans
The Bereans set a pattern of eagerly receiving the word of God while also carefully confirming that teachings aligned with Scripture. This became an important practice in the early church as Christianity spread rapidly in a world filled with competing ideas and religions:
– **Paul’s ministry:** The apostle continued to appeal to the Old Testament as the measuring rod for truth, including when he returned to Jerusalem to share about his missionary journeys (Acts 15; Galatians).
– **Apologetics:** Early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian argued vigorously against heresies using Scripture as their authoritative foundation.
– **Preaching:** Pastors and preachers in local congregations dedicated themselves to biblical exposition in their teaching and grounded their theology in Scripture.
– **Councils:** When disputes arose over core doctrines, church leaders held councils (like Nicaea and Chalcedon) to evaluate different teachings against Scripture in order to define orthodoxy.
– **Canonization of the Bible:** The early church recognized the inspiration of the Old and New Testament books and canonized the Bible as God’s Word and the ultimate doctrinal authority.
– **Creeds/confessions:** Creeds like the Apostles’ Creed and doctrinal statements adopted by different church councils distilled biblical truths on issues where Scripture had been tested and confirmed.
– **Christian education:** Early Christian parents, schools and catechisms focused on teaching the Bible systematically to equip new believers with biblical knowledge as a foundation for discernment.
This emphasis on Scripture persisted for centuries as the bedrock of spiritual authority, as seen in the Reformation motto of sola scriptura. The legacy of the noble Bereans endured as the church grew and faced new challenges.
Encouraging Others to Study Scripture Like the Bereans
In our age of confusion and biblical illiteracy, the example of the Bereans is more needed than ever. Here are some tips for encouraging others to develop the same passion for God’s Word and spiritual discernment the Bereans had:
– Set an example yourself by studying Scripture daily and discussing what you’re learning. Let your own excitement about the Bible rub off on others.
– Emphasize that Scripture reading should not just be an academic exercise but a spiritual conversation with God. We read to understand Him better and hear His voice through the text.
– Explain that the Bible contains treasures of wisdom and is profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). Time in Scripture is always rewarding.
– Recommend helpful Bible reading plans and resources to get people started reading consistently. Help them find a systematic approach that works for them.
– Teach basic principles of biblical interpretation and application so people have tools to get the most out of their study.
– Remind others that God commends those who test teachings against Scripture as the Bereans did. Studying the Bible leads to spiritual maturity.
– Organize a small group Bible study focusing on a particular book. Discussion and accountability can motivate consistent study.
– Share how God has spoken to you through your own Bible reading. Give specific examples of how Scripture has changed your beliefs and behavior for the better.
– Pray that the Holy Spirit will instill in others the same hunger for God’s Word that the Bereans exemplified. Only God can open eyes to the truth and value of Scripture.
Warnings About Failure to Follow the Bereans’ Example
Tragically, church history furnishes sobering examples of what happens when Christians fail to emulate the Bereans by not studying and submitting to God’s word:
– Many false teachings and movements lead multitudes astray (Judaizers, Arianism, Gnosticism, Montanism, Catholicism, Mormonism, etc.). Ignoring Scripture opens the church to deception.
– Authoritarian and spiritually abusive church leaders manipulate people for power, fame, or money. Knowledge of Scripture empowers the oppressed.
– Shallow, ear-tickling preaching fails to feed believers deep biblical truth. Congregations lack discernment and drift from orthodoxy.
– Leaders justify sinful practices by twisting Scripture (crusades, inquisitions, slavery, colonization, etc.). Sound interpretation is abandoned.
– Essential doctrines are compromised under cultural pressure because people lost touch with biblical foundations (divorce, homosexuality, etc).
– Personal Bible reading and study decreases. People rely only on priests or pastors instead of acquiring firsthand knowledge.
– Biblical literacy declines and society drifts from Judeo-Christian morality. The Bible’s influence dims.
For these reasons, the stark contrast between careful students of Scripture like the Bereans and those who neglect the word of God is literally a matter of eternal life or death. Nothing less than orthodoxy and the health of the church is at stake.
Concluding Thoughts
The Bereans continue to be commended for their eager yet prudent response to the gospel. Their example calls us to rediscover for ourselves the inexhaustible riches of studying Scripture, our sole authority and basis for discernment.
As Charles Spurgeon said of them, “They were not content with merely hearing, they wished to test the apostle’s teaching. They turned to their Bibles and compared what they heard with the written word…This was honest and noble on their part.”
When we imitate their sincere desire for the truth, humility toward God, and diligence in studying the Bible, we can avoid deception and come to a full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Although persecution may result from clinging to the Word, the eternal reward for hearing and obeying Scripture far outweighs any earthly cost. May we all aspire to the spiritual nobility of these early Christian heroes.