By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read Acts 17:1-15

The Rev. Ron Purkey

“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.” (Acts 17:11)

The People Of Thessalonica Opposed The Word Of God (Acts 17:1-9): The Jewish people in Thessalonica were not interested in the new faith or the “new king” that Paul preached, but the Gentile “God seekers” accepted the gospel and were saved.

Some of the people used “the mob” from the marketplace to oppose Paul. He told them of the coming kingdom of Christ, the rise of the man of sin, and many other important matters.

We must never feel that new believers are too immature to receive the whole counsel of God. Paul’s ministry must have been very effective, for the enemy accused him of turning the world upside down! (Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 to see the change they experienced.)

The People Of Berea Received The Word of God (Acts 17:10-15): That night, Paul, Silas, and Timothy (verse 14) set off for Berea, 40 miles away. They left behind a local church that continued to witness for Christ.

In fact, Paul congratulated them for getting the Gospel out so effectively (1 Thessalonians 1:6-10). This is the true New Testament pattern: (1) win converts, (2) teach them (1 Thessalonians chapter 2), and (3) challenge them to win others to Christ.

Berea was “on the byway” instead of the highway, but it was where God wanted the missionaries to go. How refreshing it must have been to meet Jewish people such as those in Berea! God knew that Paul and his company needed encouragement and refreshment, and they found both at Berea.

We today should follow the example of the Bereans: (1) They received the word; (2) they were of ready mind, prepared for the word; (3) they searched the Scriptures and tested what the preacher said; (4) they studied the word daily. Notice the “therefore” in Acts 17:12. When people have the attitude spoken of in verse 11, they cannot help but believe the word! This is the attitude we should always have.

While the Thessalonian Christians were busy sending out the Gospel, Satan was busy stirring up trouble; and he sent some of his own “missionaries” to Berea. How Satan hates the simple preaching of the word of God! Paul departed for Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy behind to strengthen the brethren. The two men did not come to minister with him at Athens as planned, but joined him later at Corinth (see Acts 18:5). Paul’s leaving at this time was not cowardice. Silas and Timothy could teach the church there while Paul carried the message on ahead.

Insight: Our job today is to (1) hear the word of God, (2) receive the word of God, (3) search the word of God ourselves, and (4) tell others about the Christ found in the Bible. That’s the first part of the Great Commission!

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.