13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.” Acts 17:10-15.
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“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11.
I include this verse in my “About Me” introduction about myself at my web site to exhort the readers to follow the example of the Bereans and examine the Scriptures to check out what I write as a layman – Click here: About me « Reformed Doctrine Blog But, we should follow the example of the Bereans whether we are reading the writings of a layman or a clergy, or whether we are reading or hearing preaching or teaching, “examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so“.
Although I believe the central message of today’s reference is to test preachings and teachings by examining Scriptures to see if they are true, there is also a second component of this Scripture, namely, that we should receive the word with “great eagerness”.
Regarding this “great eagerness”, consider the following verses:
Isaiah 26:8
“Indeed, while following the way of Your judgments, O LORD, We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire of our souls.”
“1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches,
7 For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:1-8.
Regarding “examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so”, consider the following verses:
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Joshua 1:8.
1 John 4:1
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
In conclusion, the follow Scripture seems to be the best “Berean” verse, combining both the eagerness element and the meditation element:
“2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 