Chapter 23—Berea and Athens
This chapter is based on
Acts 17:11-34
.
At Berea Paul found Jews who were willing to investigate the
truths he taught. Luke’s record declares of them: “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. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable
women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.”
The minds of the Bereans were not narrowed by prejudice. They
were willing to investigate the truthfulness of the doctrines preached
by the apostles. They studied the Bible, not from curiosity, but in
order that they might learn what had been written concerning the
promised Messiah. Daily they searched the inspired records, and as
they compared scripture with scripture, heavenly angels were beside
them, enlightening their minds and impressing their hearts.
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Wherever the truths of the gospel are proclaimed, those who hon-
estly desire to do right are led to a diligent searching of the Scriptures.
If, in the closing scenes of this earth’s history, those to whom test-
ing truths are proclaimed would follow the example of the Bereans,
searching the Scriptures daily, and comparing with God’s word the
messages brought them, there would today be a large number loyal
to the precepts of God’s law, where now there are comparatively few.
But when unpopular Bible truths are presented, many refuse to make
this investigation. Though unable to controvert the plain teachings
of Scripture, they yet manifest the utmost reluctance to study the evi-
dences offered. Some assume that even if these doctrines are indeed
true, it matters little whether or not they accept the new light, and they
cling to pleasing fables which the enemy uses to lead souls astray.
Thus their minds are blinded by error, and they become separated from
heaven.
All will be judged according to the light that has been given. The
Lord sends forth His ambassadors with a message of salvation, and
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