Examining and Receiving the Scriptures

GETTING STARTED

Our plans do not always work the way we hope they will. Have you experienced this? I sure have! Today we are going to see two apostles experience something different than they expected. Previously, the apostles were in Thessalonica preaching to the Jews in the synagogue. A few of the Jews were receptive, but the apostles faced major persecution because the Jews were jealous, and so the apostles had to leave Thessalonica. Let’s see what happens next as Paul and Silas continue to spread the message of Christ across Macedonia.

  • Where do you turn when new information is presented to you that needs to be verified?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 17:10-12 (ESV)

10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Who was sent away in verse 10? When and where did they go? What was the first place they visited when they arrived at their destination?
  2. In verse 11, what does it say about the Jews? What did they receive? What was the result of what they received?
  3. Why do you think the Jews in Berea believed but the Jews in Thessalonica did not?
  4. Do you receive God’s Word with all eagerness? Do you examine the Scriptures daily? Why or why not?

RESPOND TO GOD

The Jews in Berea are a wonderful example to us of how we should view Scripture. Oh, how our lives would change if we daily examined the Scriptures and “received the word with all eagerness”! The result of the Jews in Berea being open to receiving God’s Word with eagerness and examining the Scriptures daily was that many of them believed. If we applied this passage to our lives, not only would we be changed by God’s Word, but we would also influence and encourage others to examine the Scriptures for themselves. Let’s watch in eager anticipation at what God can do when we receive his Word daily and with eagerness.

  • Ask God to help you be faithful to read his Word daily and with eagerness even when life is busy.