As was his custom, Paul entered the synagogue, and over three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. He declared, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Messiah.” Consequently, some were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a significant number of God-fearing Greeks and several prominent women.
Paul diligently engaged with the Jews, using the Scriptures—their ultimate source of truth—to reveal the necessity of the Messiah’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Through this faithful proclamation, many came to believe in Jesus as the promised Messiah.
But the Jews, consumed by jealousy, gathered some evil men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and incited a riot in the city.
Motivated by envy, the Jewish leaders sought to oppose Paul and Silas. They pursued them relentlessly, even arresting Jason, a local synagogue leader, in their attempt to suppress the message. Paul and Silas were forced to depart for Berea.
The people of Berea were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to determine if these things were true. As a result, many of them believed, including a number of prominent Greek women and men.
The Bereans exemplified a commendable pursuit of truth. Rather than accepting Paul’s message without scrutiny, they diligently searched the Scriptures to verify its accuracy. Their earnest desire for truth, untainted by self-serving motives, led them to the realization that the Messiah indeed had to suffer, die, and rise again. Consequently, many placed their faith in Jesus.
However, the Jewish leaders from Thessalonica followed Paul to Berea and incited another riot. Scripture reveals that their actions were driven by jealousy. As people turned to Paul’s message, these leaders feared the loss of their influence and authority. Rather than examining the truth for themselves, they rejected it outright, unwilling to consider that they might need to reconsider their beliefs about Jesus. In essence, they could not handle the truth.
This account resonates deeply with our present age. Many today hear the message of Jesus but fail to return to Scripture to discern its truthfulness. Instead, they dismiss it and even stir opposition against it, fearing the changes it might demand of them. They are not entirely mistaken in their apprehension, for embracing the truth often requires transformation. Our lives, priorities, and perspectives may need to be reordered in light of God’s Word. Pursuing truth carries inherent risks, yet Jesus Himself declared, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Let us reflect: Can we handle the truth? May we, like the Bereans, diligently examine the Scriptures to ensure that what we hear and believe aligns with God’s Word. And may we have the courage to live out that truth, regardless of the changes it may require of us.
