If those things were so

These were more noble 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. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. – Acts 7.11-12

I have always liked the Bereans. They were a special group of folks that have always challenged me is a very powerful way. They stick out amongst the cities that Paul and Silas were visiting and ministering to. 

They had just come from Thessalonica where they had started a church, but where there was great oppostion. It was so bad in fact that they were forced out of the city by a mob and had to flee for their lives. 

But they came to Berea where the people were more noble or fair-minded than the people of Thessalonica. They received the preaching with readiness of mind. The Holy Spirit had prepared them and they listened. 

It is the next line that has always spoken to my heart where it says that ‘they searched the scriputres daily to make sure that what they were hearing were true. A lot of them were saved because they were receptive and because they checked out what they heard. 

Here is a great test for us. What do we do when we hear the word of God preach. It is great to receive it with open hearts, but do we balance that with checking out what we hear to make sure it is the word of God? Applying Bible teaching to our lives requires both reception and investigation. While we should have faith in Bible teachers we still need to compare what they say to make sure that stay true to the word of God. 

Like the old saying goes – ‘trust, but verify.’