Acts 17:11 - The Importance of Bible Study.
Acts 17:11 (NIRV) The Bereans were very glad
to receive Pauls message. They studied the
Scriptures carefully every day. They wanted to see if
what Paul said was true.
INTRODUCTION
The people in Berea opened the Scriptures
for themselves and searched for truths to verify
or disprove the message they heard. Always
compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A
preacher or teacher who gives God's true message will
never contradict or explain away anything that is
found in God's Word. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
When you dig into the Bible, you can be
confident of what you'll find: the truth.
God's Word is active, alive, and
powerful. Daniel B. Wallace traveled the world to
study ancient biblical manuscripts. He taught at
Dallas Theological Seminary and is considered one
of the world's best authorities on God's Word.
Wallace said, "The Bible deserves to be rigorously
investigated because the Bible claims to be a historical
document. We have to ask the Bible tough questions
because that's what Christ not only invites us to
do, but requires of us to do."
Don't be afraid to dig into the Bible.
For centuries archaeologists in the Holy Land
have dug up relics and other evidence that
support the Bible. Not only is God's Word
historically accurate, it truthfully tells us about God's
character and how he wants us to live.
The next time you pick up your Bible,
follow Wallace's advice and act like the Bereans.
The book of Acts says these people "studied the
Scriptures carefully every day." Carefully study the
Bible yourself to discover what it has to say. The
more you dig in, the more you'll understand its
truth. [Case For Christ For Kids by Les Strobel]
COMMENTARY
The nobility of the Jews in Berea was
displayed not by their willingness to hear Paul out,
but by their careful daily examination of the
Scripture to make sure what he said was true. It may
be hard to grasp, but the noble Christian
today listens to preachers skeptically. The
minister who insists, Trust me, whether from
the local pulpit or on the airwaves, doesnt
seem to realize that the Word of God, not his
teaching, is our ultimate authority. So be noble.
Listen, but then study the Bible to make sure what
you hear from the pulpit is true. [The 365-Day
Devotional Commentary]
We hear phrases like blind faith" and
get the impression that faith can require us to
hang our brains at the door. That's not the case,
however. It certainly wasn't with the Bereans as they
are described in Acts: "They listened eagerly to
Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day
after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching
the truth." The Bereans listened to Paul, then
they studied for themselves to see if what Paul
taught agreed with what the Scriptures said.
Discernment requires your brain and heart
to be in full cooperation. It means receiving
wisdom from God, remaining aware of logic and good
reason, and keeping your undying faith in plain
view. It means deciding for yourself what God
wants of you, even when it might be easier to let
someone else decide for you. Life is a process with
as many exceptions as there are rules.
Believing is a lifelong journey. Discernment is the
ability to keep the train on the tracks through all
the twists and turns of life. [The One Year
Bible for New Believers]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
2 Timothy 3:15-17: How To Use The Sword.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180903-0959.html
2 Timothy 3:15-17: How To Use The Sword.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191216-0923.html
1 Corinthians 2:14: Spiritual Wisdom!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20070910-1031.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657