Acts 17:10 to 17:15 God honors those who eagerly receive his Word and diligently test everything by the truth of the Scriptures. Contrast the noble Bereans with the jealous mob in Thessalonica. Learn why examining the Scriptures daily builds solid faith and protects against error. Cultivate the habit of opening and reading the Bible every day. After being forced out of Thessalonica by an angry riot, Paul and Silas traveled southwest along the Roman road to the quieter city of Berea in Macedonia. Welcomed in the Berean Synagogue Paul and Silas were sent away by night to Berea. As soon as they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue. Unlike the people in Thessalonica who stirred up jealous mobs, the Bereans were of more noble character. They listened with open, eager minds to the message that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Examining the Scriptures Daily The Bereans did not blindly accept whatever was taught, nor were they cynical and suspicious. Instead, 'they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.' Every day, they unrolled the ancient parchment scrolls of Moses and the Prophets, checking every claim Paul made against God's written Word. Many Believe and Grow Strong Because they tested everything by the Word of God, many of them believed, including a large number of prominent Greek women and men. When God's Word is carefully studied and obeyed, solid faith takes root. The Berean attitude remains the golden standard for every Christian disciple: love the truth, test everything by Scripture, and follow Christ wholeheartedly. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11 Why were the believers in Berea described as more noble? Because they were very rich Because they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily Because they lived in palaces Because they were great soldiers Because they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily They eagerly listened to God's Word and tested everything by the Scriptures daily. How often did the Bereans examine the Scriptures? Once a month Daily Only on holidays Never Daily Scripture highlights that they searched the Scriptures daily. What happened because they searched the Scriptures carefully? They got bored Many of them believed, including prominent women and men They threw away their scrolls They stopped going to synagogue Many of them believed, including prominent women and men Through careful daily study of God's Word, many people put their faith in Jesus. Set up a daily Bible reading chart and read at least five verses every day this week, like a noble Berean. Lord God, thank you for the holy Bible. Make us noble like the Bereans, eager to learn your truth and faithful to read your Word every day. Build our faith upon the rock of your Scriptures. Amen. Why is it so important to check what pastors and teachers say against the Bible? What can help you build a habit of reading your Bible every day? Instill a love for personal, daily Bible study modeled after the noble Bereans. Show a magnifying glass over a Bible to illustrate examining the Scriptures carefully. Did kids read the scrolls too? Jewish children were taught to memorize and read the Old Testament scriptures from an early age. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes narrative, 10 minutes discussion, 10 minutes prayer.