This morning while reading through Acts 17, I was reminded of the wonderful account of Paul's ministry in Berea. Luke records that "(The Bereans) received (Paul's) message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). Below I have mentioned three points from this passage, which prove that the Bereans had a high view of Scripture.
First, we are told that they studied God's Word daily. In verse 11, Luke says that the Bereans were of "more noble character than the Thessalonians" because they valued the Scriptures to such an extent that they were meeting once a day, instead of once a week as was custom, to study God's Word.
Second, the Bereans spent their days discussing God's Word. When this group gathered, it wasn't for small talk, but to "examine the Scriptures." In most areas of the world, people possess a holistic belief system meaning they integrate their spiritual beliefs into every facet of life. In the west, however, people compartmentalize life separating the spiritual from the secular. This is why you can be reading from Scripture and listening to a sermon being preached one minute and discussing what happened in sports the day before and where to eat lunch the next. Like the Bereans, we should spend more time discussing matters of eternal significance.
Lastly, the Bereans tested the message that was heard. They showed that the Bible was their authority by comparing what Paul had said with the Scriptures. During the Protestant Reformation, one of the major debates between Protestants and Catholics was over the issue of authority. For Protestants, Scripture was the only form of authority they recognized.
Though both sides acknowledged the infallible authority of the Bible, Roman Catholics also taught that the tradition of the church was infallible. They did not permit any person to interpret the Bible in a way that was contrary to tradition. Martin Luther was severely criticized for teaching that the Pope and the church councils had erred according to Scripture.
Although Paul was at one time well respected in the Jewish community and was presently esteemed among Christians, the Bereans did accept his message without first examining the Scriptures. According to John Stott, "The Bereans 'examined' (the Scriptures) to see if his arguments were convincing. And we may be sure that Paul welcomed and encouraged this thoughtful response” (275).
As shown, there is an important message in this small passage of Scripture. As believers, may we spend ample time studying and discussing God’s Word and may our conscience, like that of Martin Luther’s, be “held captive by the Word of God.”
Stott, John. Acts. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press. 1990. 274-275
First, we are told that they studied God's Word daily. In verse 11, Luke says that the Bereans were of "more noble character than the Thessalonians" because they valued the Scriptures to such an extent that they were meeting once a day, instead of once a week as was custom, to study God's Word.
Second, the Bereans spent their days discussing God's Word. When this group gathered, it wasn't for small talk, but to "examine the Scriptures." In most areas of the world, people possess a holistic belief system meaning they integrate their spiritual beliefs into every facet of life. In the west, however, people compartmentalize life separating the spiritual from the secular. This is why you can be reading from Scripture and listening to a sermon being preached one minute and discussing what happened in sports the day before and where to eat lunch the next. Like the Bereans, we should spend more time discussing matters of eternal significance.
Lastly, the Bereans tested the message that was heard. They showed that the Bible was their authority by comparing what Paul had said with the Scriptures. During the Protestant Reformation, one of the major debates between Protestants and Catholics was over the issue of authority. For Protestants, Scripture was the only form of authority they recognized.
Though both sides acknowledged the infallible authority of the Bible, Roman Catholics also taught that the tradition of the church was infallible. They did not permit any person to interpret the Bible in a way that was contrary to tradition. Martin Luther was severely criticized for teaching that the Pope and the church councils had erred according to Scripture.
Although Paul was at one time well respected in the Jewish community and was presently esteemed among Christians, the Bereans did accept his message without first examining the Scriptures. According to John Stott, "The Bereans 'examined' (the Scriptures) to see if his arguments were convincing. And we may be sure that Paul welcomed and encouraged this thoughtful response” (275).
As shown, there is an important message in this small passage of Scripture. As believers, may we spend ample time studying and discussing God’s Word and may our conscience, like that of Martin Luther’s, be “held captive by the Word of God.”
Stott, John. Acts. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press. 1990. 274-275
