WE NEED MORE BEREANS

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Paul is on his second missionary journey and has traveled from Thessalonica to Berea. Luke, in this verse, commends the Bereans as more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica. Why?

First, they were good listeners. They received the word. One of the more difficult abilities to develop is that of being a good listener. Jesus warned of the danger of hearing while not hearing (Matthew 13:14). Good communication involves both good talking and good listening. If I do not listen well to what you are saying, how well you say it makes little difference. Sometimes people complain that they got little from the worship service. Sometimes it may be a true statement. However, the next time you start to make such a statement ask yourself, “How well was I listening?”

Second, they were open minded. They received the word with all readiness. They were honest enough to accept the truth when convinced it was the truth. Have you ever heard anyone say, “I know what the Bible says, but I just don’t believe it?” They lack an open mind. We should never close our minds, but always be willing to make an honest examination. We must be careful not to be so open minded that we accept anything without honest examination. You should never be so open minded that your brains fall out. Open mindedness and caution go together. The truth has nothing to fear from open, honest study and inquiry. We should look for the facts, face the facts, and then follow the facts.

Third, they examined what they were taught by the Scriptures. They searched the Scriptures daily. They did not just accept what they were taught. They checked it out with God’s word. The word “search” means to “examine up or through, from the bottom to the top.” The Greek word for “read” means to know exactly. That is why Jesus was able to ask the Pharisees in Matthew 12, “Have you not read?” They had looked at the Scriptures, but they had not read them. Do we read to know exactly what the Bible teaches or do we just look at it?
--Lamar