Acts 17:10-15
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 Now these people 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.
12 Therefore, many of them believed, along with a significant number of prominent Greek women and men.
13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
14 Then immediately the brothers sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.
Berean Evangelism (2)
The result of evangelism
The Jews in Berea responded well to Paul’s message. “Now these people 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.” (1) Let’s look at the characteristics of the Jews in Berea. (a) They did not act out of jealousy, as “these people were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica.” (b) They had open hearts toward the Scriptures. (c) They were prepared to examine Paul’s claims without prejudice. (d) They searched the Scriptures daily to verify the truth of what Paul was saying. They had the ability to study the Scriptures systematically. “Therefore, many of them believed, along with a significant number of prominent Greek women and men.” (1) Consequently, many Jews came to faith, including Sopater. His name appears in Acts 20:4: “And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.” (2) Additionally, many Gentiles came to faith. Luke mentions (a) prominent Greek women and (b) men (likely from the aristocratic class). They were God-fearing Gentiles.
The importance of Bible study
(1) The Jews in Berea, as a result of their Bible study, had many come to faith. “Therefore, many of them believed, along with a significant number of prominent Greek women and men” (v 12). While NASB2020 translates the conjunction as “therefore,” NIV translates it as “as a result.” In either case, the conjunction expresses causality (sequential conjunction), that their Bible study led them to faith. Indeed, Bible study leads one to the truth. (2) The lessons to be learned from the Jews in Berea are as follows: (a) They received what Paul spoke. “They received the word with great eagerness.” (b) They examined whether Paul’s words aligned with Scripture. (c) They studied the Scriptures daily. (3) The key to victory in the battle against the devil is simple Bible study. (a) When encountering new teachings, it is essential to examine whether they align with Scripture. (b) The collapse of Scriptural view leads to the collapse of Christian faith. (c) The devil fears simple Bible study most of all.
Today's prayer
Holy God, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I will continue to walk according to Your word today. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.