Unstoppable! 'Searching the Scriptures' — Acts 17:10-12

Sunday, September 1, 2024

That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea [because of the turmoil created by the opposition in Thessalonica]. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.

— Acts 17:10-12 NLT

Key Thought

People in ancient times were very much like us, at least in some ways: Many believers depended on others to tell them what God's Scriptures require of them and were reluctant to change from their traditions. Far too few took the time to study the Scriptures for themselves to see if what was told to them was consistent with God's inspired message. The Jewish synagogue worshipers in Berea were more open-minded, diligent, and committed than most. They not only "listened eagerly to Paul's message;" they also searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul and Silas were preaching was the truth. They should be examples to us as we pursue Jesus and listen to the Scriptures from both the Old and the New Testament.

Today's Prayer

Father, I know my soul hungers for a clear message from you. I ask, dear Father, that as I pursue you and your truth through the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit opens both my heart and my mind to receive, understand, love, and apply your truth to my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 1:3-7, 3:14-17
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, September 1, 2024

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 7:1-2
""Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.""
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Lovingly Paid'
"Dear Beloved, Today's verses are full of deeply significant words, but they are not hard to understand. Read them and let them fall into your..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Sing a New Song' (Ps. 96:1)
"Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!"
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Furthering the Faith' (Ti. 1:1-9)
"Dear Father, the God who never lies, Grant that my life will further the faith of your chosen people and increase their knowledge of the truth that....."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 17:10-12 NLT — That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea [because of the turmoil created by the opposition in Thessalonica]. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!