Study the Word

Acts 17:10-15

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁰ The brothers^[a] immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ 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. ¹² Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. ¹³ But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. ¹⁴ Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. ¹⁵ Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A10-15&version=ESV)

I find it interesting the importance of mentioning the women again as ones who received the Word of God.  I find it also interesting that they are always referred to as women of high standing, which signifies to me that these were women who were leaders within their communities, they had some type of status there and people looked up to them.  But that is not the main focus of this passage today.

As we continue to read we learn how important it is to study the Word of God.  These people did not just let Paul and Silas teach, hey studied what they were saying.  As for us, we too should not sit and just listen to a Pastor or read a blog or a book and assume that they all know what they are talking about.  This is how we can become deceived and led astray.  We need to study the Word for ourselves, listen to what they say, and measure it with the Bible.  Then, we won’t only be grounded in the Word but will also know when the deceiver tries to come in.  Sometimes non-believers think that Christians are brainwashed or their children are brainwashed but this simply will never prove to be the case if we are studying the Word of God, have a relationship with Him, and allow Him to guide and direct our thoughts and actions.  These men were not easily swayed either way but rather studied and knew the truth.

Often time people believe by a feeling rather than having a firm foundation of God’s word.  We need both to be a solid, strong Christian.  When opposition came in to play these Thessalonians did not send everyone away and discount what they had been taught but rather stood their ground, as we can do as well.  They sent Paul for his own protection rather than running him off like other cities did.

As you seek Him remember that His word is where you find the answers.  Study it, listen to your leaders but measure their words against the Word of God.  Be strong and know that He is God.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila