Berea

A friend wrote to me that people read everything I write to see if it is true. It is good to search the Bible to see if what is read is truth. Personal stories cannot be checked by the Bible, so they should be used only to illustrate a Bible truth. There is another group of people who want to find fault with or to condemn what you say. They sometimes say they are doing it for the sake of truth, but usually they are coming from pride or envy, to destroy and not to encourage. I respect those who see the good and encourage the good while helping to keep truth as taught in the Holy Scriptures.

 

Act 17:10  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Act 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Act 17:12  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Act 17:13  But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
Act 17:14  And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

Act 17:15  And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. 

The Bereans searched the scriptures to see if what they were hearing was true. They were more noble, with higher aspirations, well behaved, honorable. There was another group who followed Paul and Silas in order to silence them and to destroy them, because of envy and lack of faith. They stirred up the people against the true witnesses. Paul was sent away, but Silas and Timothy staid behind for a time. Are you called to witness in difficult places? Preach the word and be faithful to the word of God as the Spirit leads you.

 

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.