The term "Berean" originates from the inhabitants of the ancient city of Berea, a location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. Berea was a city in Macedonia, situated in what is now modern-day northern Greece. The Bereans are most notably referenced in the Book of Acts, where they are commended for their noble character and diligent study of the Scriptures.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical account of the Bereans is found in Acts 17:10-12. The Apostle Paul and his companion Silas visited Berea during Paul's second missionary journey after facing opposition in Thessalonica. The Bereans are described as being more noble than those in Thessalonica because they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows:

"As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men." (Acts 17:10-12)

Characteristics of the Bereans:

1. Noble-Mindedness: The Bereans are described as "noble-minded," indicating a commendable openness and readiness to receive new teachings. This term suggests a willingness to engage with the message of the Gospel thoughtfully and respectfully.

2. Eagerness to Learn: The Bereans received Paul's message with eagerness. Their enthusiasm for learning and understanding the Scriptures is highlighted as a positive trait, demonstrating their genuine interest in spiritual matters.

3. Diligent Examination of Scriptures: The Bereans are particularly noted for their practice of examining the Scriptures daily. This diligent study was not a casual or superficial engagement but a thorough investigation to verify the truth of Paul's teachings. Their approach serves as a model for believers to test teachings against the Word of God.

4. Resulting Faith: The Bereans' careful study led to many of them believing in the message of the Gospel. Their example shows that a sincere and thoughtful engagement with Scripture can lead to a deep and abiding faith.

Legacy and Influence:

The Bereans have left a lasting legacy within Christian thought and practice. Their example is often cited as a model for how believers should approach the study of Scripture. The term "Berean" has come to symbolize a commitment to biblical literacy and discernment. Many Christian groups and ministries have adopted the name "Berean" to reflect their dedication to these principles.

The Bereans' approach to Scripture underscores the importance of personal study and verification of teachings, encouraging believers to be proactive in their faith journey. Their account serves as a reminder of the value of Scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and doctrine.961. Beroiaios -- Berean, a native of Berea
... Berean, a native of Berea. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: Beroiaios
Phonetic Spelling: (ber-oy-ah'-yos) Short Definition: belonging to Berea, Berean ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/961.htm - 5k

961a. Beroiaios -- Berean, a native of Berea
... 961, 961a. Beroiaios. 961b . Berean, a native of Berea. Transliteration:
Beroiaios Short Definition: Berea. Word Origin from Beroia ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/961a.htm - 5k

Bereans.
... With regard to admission and exclusion of members, their method is very simple:
when any person, after hearing the Berean doctrines, professes his belief and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/bereans.htm

Book and Tract Catalogue.
... Neatly bound in Cloth, 460 pages. Price, [USD]1.25. Postpaid by Mail. THE
BEREAN'S CASKET AND REPOSITORY. By IC Wellcome. Cloth. ...
/.../moody/that gospel sermon on the blessed hope/book & tract catalogue.htm

Berea and Athens
... Thessalonica. On arriving at Athens, the apostle sent the Berean brethren back
with a message to Silas and Timothy to join him immediately. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 23 berea and athens.htm

Three Books of Testimonies against the Jews.
... I cannot but note repeatedly how absolutely the primitive Fathers relied on the
Holy Scriptures, and commended a Berean use of them. Acts 17:11.]. ...
/.../three books of testimonies against.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... the. divine authority of the gospel. The conduct of the Berean Jews must
be commended, and ought to be imitated, by us all. The ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

The Talking Book
... from the minister's lips. Oh, for the Berean spirit back again to search
the Scriptures whether these things be so. I would like ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the talking book.htm

The Talking Book
... from the minister's lips. Oh, for the Berean spirit back again, to search
the Scriptures whether these things be so. I would like ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the talking book.htm

Berean (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Berean (1 Occurrence). Acts 20:4 And there accompanied
him as far as Asia, Sopater son of Pyrrhus, a Berean...
/b/berean.htm - 6k

Bereave (10 Occurrences)

/b/bereave.htm - 11k

Berea (4 Occurrences)

/b/berea.htm - 8k

Thessalonica (8 Occurrences)
... The Berean Jews showed a greater readiness to examine the new teaching than those
of Thessalonica, and the work of the apostle was more fruitful there, both ...
/t/thessalonica.htm - 25k

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