The concept of investigation, while not explicitly termed as such in the Bible, is a theme that can be discerned through various narratives and instructions that emphasize discernment, examination, and the pursuit of truth. The Berean Standard Bible provides several passages that reflect the principles of investigation as understood within a biblical context.

Biblical Instances of Investigation:

1. The Bereans' Examination of Scripture:
The Bereans are commended for their diligent investigation of the Scriptures. Acts 17:11 states, "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." This passage highlights the importance of verifying teachings against the Word of God, demonstrating a model of careful and thoughtful investigation.

2. Testing the Spirits:
In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This directive underscores the necessity of spiritual discernment and investigation to distinguish truth from falsehood, ensuring that one's faith is grounded in genuine revelation.

3. The Role of Wisdom and Understanding:
Proverbs frequently emphasizes the value of wisdom and understanding, which are essential components of investigation. Proverbs 2:3-5 encourages, "if you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." This pursuit of wisdom involves a diligent and investigative approach to learning and applying God's truth.

4. Paul's Defense and Examination:
The Apostle Paul often found himself under investigation by both Jewish and Roman authorities. In Acts 24:8 , the Roman governor Felix is informed, "By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him." Paul's experiences reflect the broader theme of investigation as a means to uncover truth and administer justice.

5. The Search for Truth:
Jesus Himself speaks to the importance of seeking truth. In John 8:32 , He declares, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This statement implies an active pursuit and investigation of truth, which leads to spiritual freedom and enlightenment.

Theological Implications:

The act of investigation in the biblical sense is closely tied to the pursuit of truth, wisdom, and understanding. It involves a careful and discerning approach to both spiritual and practical matters. The Bible encourages believers to engage in investigation not only to affirm their faith but also to protect against deception and false teachings. This investigative spirit is rooted in a desire to align one's life with God's will and to live in accordance with His revealed truth.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the principle of investigation can be applied in various aspects of life, including theological study, moral decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. By emulating the Bereans and adhering to the biblical exhortation to test all things, Christians are equipped to navigate the complexities of life with discernment and integrity.(imp. & p. p.) of Investigate.3877. parakoloutheo -- to follow closely, to investigate
... Word Origin from para and akoloutheo Definition to follow closely, to investigate
NASB Word Usage accompany (1), followed (1), following (1), investigated (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3877.htm - 7k1245. baqash -- to seek
... NASB Word Usage aim (1), beg (1), begging (1), concerned (1), consulted (1), demand
(1), desire (1), eager (1), hold* (1), inquired (2), investigated (1), look ...
/hebrew/1245.htm - 6k

1875. darash -- to resort to, seek
... the reckoning (1), consult (2), consulted by them at all (1), demand (1), inquire
(33), inquired (5), inquirer (1), investigate (3), investigated (1), looks (2 ...
/hebrew/1875.htm - 6k

2713. chaqar -- to search
... root Definition to search NASB Word Usage ascertained (1), examines (2), find (1),
found (2), investigated (2), make a search (1), pondered (1), probe (1 ...
/hebrew/2713.htm - 6k

Now, Would not any one who Investigated with Ordinary Care the ...
... Chapter XXX. Now, would not any one who investigated with ordinary care
the nature of these facts? Now, would not any one who ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxx now would not.htm

Introduction to First Edition.
... faith. Nothing has been published concerning which there is the least shadow
of doubt. All have been carefully investigated. Every ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/introduction to first edition.htm

Bibliography
... The Syriac, Armenian and Arabic versions have not been investigated. ... The Dionysian
Documents have been critically investigated by Hipler. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolt/dionysius the areopagite/x bibliography.htm

What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and ...
... at; that things, even though openly known, ought sometimes to be seasonably tolerated,
but sometimes, though hidden, be closely investigated; that they ought ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x what the rulers.htm

Book iii. Epistle i. To Peter, Subdeacon.
... subdeacon Epiphanius, who, together with the aforesaid judge, may be able to
investigate and ascertain by whom the sedition was raised or investigated, and to ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/book iii epistle i to.htm

The Close of the Synchronisms and of the Apocalypse.
... meaning of the Apocalyptical visions, the series and connexion in the chief of them
among each other, according to the events, being investigated by remarkable ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the close of the synchronisms.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... [670]. 3. But so that no one may think that this is an unreasonable and presumptuous
utterance, we ask that the charges against us be investigated. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

The Missing Factor in Current Theories
... But the more profoundly the Evolution of Man is investigated the more clearly is
it seen that the whole course of his development has been conducted on this ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/ii the missing factor in.htm

Letter cclx. To Optimus the Bishop.
... Thus I have investigated this point to the best of my ability, though I have passed
by matters therein that might be investigated, for fear of prolonging my ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cclx to optimus the.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely
investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

Investigated (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Investigate. Multi-Version
Concordance Investigated (6 Occurrences). Luke 1:3 it seemed ...
/i/investigated.htm - 8k

Investigate (11 Occurrences)

/i/investigate.htm - 10k

Nephthar
... exact meaning being doubtful). When the king of Persia investigated it,
he enclosed the spot as sacred. Nehemiah and his friends ...
/n/nephthar.htm - 8k

Nephthai
... exact meaning being doubtful). When the king of Persia investigated it,
he enclosed the spot as sacred. Nehemiah and his friends ...
/n/nephthai.htm - 8k

Gallows (8 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were
both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in ...
/g/gallows.htm - 10k

Investigating (2 Occurrences)

/i/investigating.htm - 7k

Tattenai (4 Occurrences)
... He was friendly to the Jews, and when he heard adverse reports from Jerusalem he
suspended judgment till he had investigated the matter on the ground, and then ...
/t/tattenai.htm - 8k

Avenger (18 Occurrences)
... premeditated. The case had to be investigated by the authorities of the city,
and the wilful murderer was on no account to be spared. ...
/a/avenger.htm - 17k

Plot (53 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were
both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in ...
/p/plot.htm - 22k

Hanged (36 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were
both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in ...
/h/hanged.htm - 18k

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