Acts 17:11, 12  And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. (NLT)

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There are at least two kinds of preachers: those who preach for fun and profit, and those who speak the truth in love so that others may become fully devoted followers of Jesus. 

There are at least two kinds of church members: those who let God’s words of truth and life enter one ear and escape the other, and those who prayerfully consider what God is saying to them with a disposition toward living on mission with Jesus.

Thessalonica and Berea presented Paul and his companions with different challenges. In Thessalonica, “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women,” (verse 4). 

So far, so good.

“But others were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city,” (verse 5). 

Talk about your tough crowds. 

In Berea, the people “were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.”

There are at least two kinds of open minds: those so open their brains fall out, and those who eagerly seek the truth. The Bereans were clearly the latter. 

1. They listened to Paul eagerly.
2. They searched the Scriptures daily.
3. They wanted to know God’s truth.

They listened and learned. They dug deeper. They found what they were looking for, and many believed.

There are many popular preachers today, making it challenging to know who to trust at times. The Bereans teach us how to listen to, evaluate, and apply teachings that sound different from what we have come to believe. 

1. Listen to new preachers and teachings with an eagerness to learn God’s words of truth and life.
2. As you add to what you already know, make sure it fits with what you know to be true from the Bible.
3. Attune your heart to God’s truth so deeply that you can easily discern any false notes. 

Know the truth that sets you free. Avoid what is called truth but is really a cleverly concealed lie. 

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I will eagerly search God’s words of truth and life so that I may live in the freedom of God’s amazing grace. 

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Our Father, please give me a discerning mind and a heart for truth. Please teach me your words of truth and life. Shape me by them and with them. Amen.