April 26, 2023 – Wednesday
Acts 17:6-7 NIV
11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.
Comments
Please recall from yesterday that Paul and Silas were sent from Thessalonica to Berea to avoid being arrested or worse. Of course, once there they went to the Jewish synagogue to share the Gospel of the risen Christ.
And then we have today’s verses, 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. Many versions have of more noble character in verse 11, but looking at other versions we find that noble character means fair-minded (NKJV), more honorable (CEV), and more open-minded (GW, LEB, Mounce, NET, +), among others.
Then in verse 12 we find out why those who opposed the Gospel were so determined to stop it being fairly and openly heard, 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. Simply because it was given a fair hearing with open minds, many believed. Not only Jews, but Gentiles, among them a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. Examining the scriptures is not a problem as pointed out in verse 11, the problem is getting a fair and open hearing.
Today that is virtually impossible in the mainstream secular culture in the USA and Canada, as well as Great Britain, Germany, and Ireland. We need to be aware of that and whenever the opportunity is provided, we need to be able to present the Gospel as well as we can and defend it. If you are unsure of your ability to defend the Gospel, read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis or The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. Better yet, read both and do so with a highlighter at hand.
Bottom Line: We, who are believers, are to be ready to defend the faith for those who will give it fair and open hearing. In those circumstances we may have as much success as Paul and Silas did in Berea.
Prayer: Almighty God, Help us to be able to always present the case for our faith and for the wonders You have done not just in the world, but in our individual lives as well. Thank You. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek