Mar 12

Acts 17:10-12
Memorise 2 Timothy 3:13
“For many deceivers, are entered into the world.”

The people referred to in today’s passage are those from the church of Berea. The author of Acts, the apostle Paul, noted that the Bereans were nobler than the Thessalonians. This is not to say that the Thessalonians were not good people. When they saw the unrest and knew of the intentions of the Jews to kill Paul and Silas, they immediately sent them away to safety by night. Sending Paul and Silas away would not be something they would do willingly as they would have benefited much from the teachings of the two and their Christian fellowship would also have been dear to them. Sending them off would have been a sacrifice on their part. However, they did so for their sakes.

Yet, despite what has occurred, we are told that the Bereans were nobler. How so? Firstly, they received the Word with readiness of mind; meaning they were eager and willing to receive God’s Word from Paul and Silas. They did so readily, with humble hearts that were ready to submit to God’s teachings. This describes a people who had a deep love for God’s Word. They not only received the Word gladly, but they continued to search the Scriptures daily to determine whether what they were told was true. It was not that they looked upon Paul and Silas with distrust. They would have honoured them as faithful bearers of God’s Word. However, they were wise in the Lord and knew that it was necessary to “try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). They did not assume that Paul and Silas were always correct despite their good reputations. The Word of God was their standard, not the word of man. For this, they were commended by God as being nobler. Such an attribute is regarded highly in God’s sight.

What is your standard for determining the truth? Is it the words of other people or is it science or the wisdom of famous men found in books? Your standard should always be God’s Word and none other. If what is said is not in accordance to what God says in His Word, then it must be wrong. There is no comparison. God is holy and all-knowing and there is only truth in Him. Lies are the work of the devil. May we too be like the Bereans who did not automatically take the words of man as their standard but checked them against God’s Word to make sure they were true.

Thought: Do you believe God’s Word is absolutely true?
Prayer: Father, teach me to “try all spirits”.