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“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Having been let out of Thessalonica under the security of darkness because of the uproar caused by the unbelieving Jews, Paul and Silas found a more receptive audience in Berea. There they taught the truth from God and found people who not only would listen to them but also who would search the scriptures to determine whether they were being taught the truth. Having determined they were, they obeyed the teaching. Direction and attitude come out of this passage. Direction has to do with the teacher: he is to teach only what is authorized in the Word, as Paul and Silas did. Attitude comes from the recipients: those serious about going to heaven have an obligation to look seriously into the scriptures to learn the truth and to have a mind that is open enough and honest enough to act upon the truths learned. Love, Joe “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).
When Jews living in the first century left Judaism and obeyed the gospel, they evidently felt all of their problems would be over and they would have a life of perfect bliss. When that didn’t happen, some of them became discouraged and went back to Judaism; others were about to leave. The writer of Hebrews writes to encourage them, insisting they should practice endurance instead of giving up their new-found faith if they want to receive the reward God ultimately has for all the faithful. We today sometimes need this same kind of encouragement when life throws us “curve balls,” and we have difficulties and hurts to deal with. The message is the same for us: we should never give up Jesus and our faith because that is what will take us into eternity in good standing with God. Love, Joe |
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June 2023
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