Acts 10: 10-11
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews/
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.
The Apostle Paul was known for starting riots everywhere that he went. It wasn't his intention, it seemed that trouble just seemed to follow him. In those days Christianity was in its infancy. There were many who wanted to snuff out this fledgling "religious movement" because they felt that it threatened their traditions. It hadn't been that long since Paul himself had changed sides. After his conversion he often found himself on the wrong side of the mob.
Thessalonica was no exception. When he came into Thessalonica he began to preach. It wasn't long before he had quite a group of believers. Acts 17:4 says that a great multitude of devout Greeks and many of the chief woman believed what he was saying. This naturally didn't sit well with the religious leaders who saw their control over the people slipping away. Before long another riot ensued and Paul and Silas had to flee by night unto Berea.
Here is where things get interesting. The Bible says of the Bereans that they were more "noble" than the people in Thessalonica and received the word with readiness of mind searching the scriptures to see the truth in the matter. When something new is preached to us there will always be one of at least two reactions. Either we can reject the truth that we hear or we can have an open mind to search the scriptures for the truth of the matter.
The Bible calls those who will search the scriptures and accept was is written therein "noble." To be noble means to be royalty. This tells us how God views us when we are willing to accept and do our best to live by his word. One can be a pauper but if he accepts the truths of scripture, in God's eyes he is a nobleman. I want it to be said of me that I was "more noble." I want the blessings of God on my life, don't you?
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews/
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.
The Apostle Paul was known for starting riots everywhere that he went. It wasn't his intention, it seemed that trouble just seemed to follow him. In those days Christianity was in its infancy. There were many who wanted to snuff out this fledgling "religious movement" because they felt that it threatened their traditions. It hadn't been that long since Paul himself had changed sides. After his conversion he often found himself on the wrong side of the mob.
Thessalonica was no exception. When he came into Thessalonica he began to preach. It wasn't long before he had quite a group of believers. Acts 17:4 says that a great multitude of devout Greeks and many of the chief woman believed what he was saying. This naturally didn't sit well with the religious leaders who saw their control over the people slipping away. Before long another riot ensued and Paul and Silas had to flee by night unto Berea.
Here is where things get interesting. The Bible says of the Bereans that they were more "noble" than the people in Thessalonica and received the word with readiness of mind searching the scriptures to see the truth in the matter. When something new is preached to us there will always be one of at least two reactions. Either we can reject the truth that we hear or we can have an open mind to search the scriptures for the truth of the matter.
The Bible calls those who will search the scriptures and accept was is written therein "noble." To be noble means to be royalty. This tells us how God views us when we are willing to accept and do our best to live by his word. One can be a pauper but if he accepts the truths of scripture, in God's eyes he is a nobleman. I want it to be said of me that I was "more noble." I want the blessings of God on my life, don't you?