In brief
The Bereans are the Jews of Beroea, a city of Macedonia, who welcomed Paul and Silas during Paul's second missionary journey. Luke says they were more noble than those in Thessalonica: they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). Many believed, along with Greek women and men of standing. We remember their openness joined to a serious examination of the Word.
What does the name The Bereans mean?
The name comes from the city of Beroea, where they lived. The text names none of them in this chapter; later, Luke mentions Sopater of Beroea, son of Pyrrhus, among Paul's companions (Acts 20:4). The Bible does not explain the meaning of the city's name.
The story of The Bereans
Leaving Thessalonica
Acts 17:1-9In Thessalonica, Paul explains in the synagogue for three Sabbaths that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and that Jesus is the Christ. Some believe, but jealous Jews stir up crowds and drag Jason and some brothers before the city rulers. The city is in an uproar, and Paul and Silas must leave.
Arriving in Beroea
Acts 17:10The brothers send Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. Despite the danger they have just lived through, the two missionaries immediately return to their usual practice: when they arrive, they go into the Jewish synagogue to proclaim the Gospel. There they meet a very different welcome.
Hearts that were ready
Acts 17:11Luke highlights the attitude of the Jews of Beroea: they “received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” They do not reject the message in advance, and they do not accept it without checking: they test it against the Scriptures, eagerly and regularly.
Many believe
Acts 17:12The fruit of this examination is faith. Many of them believe, along with prominent Greek women and not a few men. The serious study of the Scriptures did not draw the Bereans away from the Gospel: it led them to recognize in Jesus the Christ whom Paul proclaimed.
Opposition from Thessalonica
Acts 17:13-15When the Jews of Thessalonica learn that Paul is proclaiming the word of God at Beroea too, they come there and agitate the crowds. The brothers immediately send Paul off toward the sea, and those who escort him bring him as far as Athens. Silas and Timothy remain at Beroea, then receive orders to join him as soon as possible.
Sopater of Beroea
Acts 20:4Later in the book of Acts, the city appears again in the story. Among those who accompany Paul into Asia is Sopater of Beroea, son of Pyrrhus. The Bible says no more, but this mention shows that a believer from Beroea took part in the apostle's ministry.
Test your knowledge
What The Bereans teaches us
- Receiving the Word eagerly and examining it seriously go together.
- Every teaching, even an apostle's, is checked in the light of the Scriptures.
- Reading the Bible regularly, every day, nourishes a solid faith.
- An honest examination of the Scriptures leads to faith in Jesus, the Christ.
- Discernment is not distrust: it is a love of the truth.
Key verses
The verse that made the Bereans famous. They combine two attitudes rarely found together: an eager welcome of the word and a daily examination of the Scriptures to check what they were taught.
The examination of the Scriptures bears fruit: many Jews believe, along with Greek women of standing and men. Sincere checking leads to faith.
Paul asks the church in Thessalonica to do what the Bereans practiced: “Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.” Discernment is part of the life of the church.
Bible verses to meditate on
Sermons about The Bereans
- Acts 17: Having a Well-Disposed Heart Like the BereansThe preacher presents the Jews of Beroea as a model: neither naive nor closed, they received the Word eagerly, examined the Scriptures every day, and many believed. He draws four marks of a ready heart from it.
- What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?The article cites the believers of Beroea as an example within everyone's reach: without theological training, they examined the Scriptures daily with eagerness, which is the mindset of good Bible interpretation.
- How to Lead a Bible DiscussionThe article compares the role of a leader with the example of the Christians of Beroea: the goal of a Bible group is to form Bereans, people who examine the Scriptures for themselves.
- Psalm 119: Four Images to Love the Word AgainThe pastor wants his church to resemble the Jews of Beroea, who received the word eagerly and examined the Scriptures daily, because the darkness is thickening.
Frequently asked questions
Who were the Bereans in the Bible?
They are the Jews of the synagogue in Beroea, who heard the Gospel proclaimed by Paul and Silas (Acts 17:10-12). They received the word with all readiness and examined the Scriptures daily to check what was said to them. Many believed, along with Greek women of standing and men.
Why are the Bereans a model for Christians?
Because they combine openness and discernment. They did not reject Paul's message on principle, nor accept it without thinking. They tested it against the Scriptures, every day. Luke presents them as more noble than those in Thessalonica (Acts 17:11), which makes them an example for every reader of the Bible.
Where is the story of the Bereans found in the Bible?
Their story is found in Acts 17:10-15, right after the events in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9) and before Paul's stay in Athens. The city of Beroea is mentioned again in Acts 20:4, concerning Sopater, one of Paul's companions.