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

Monday, September 1, 2025

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Hanging of Randal Batey
Article by Russ Lawson
How is your perception? A humorous account of a hanging leads to some observations on how frequently our perception is wrong.
Turmoil Leads to Travel
Devo: Unstoppable!
"The people of [Thessalonica], as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports [that Paul and Silas were disturbing the city..."
In the Center of My Will
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower of the Way, The growth of My Kingdom will not necessarily be an easy undertaking. Spreading the good news of the Father's grace is..."
Thanks for the Flame of Freedom
Article by Lynn Anderson
Will we let them search for themselves? We need to give our children and grandchildren the opportunity to believe for themselves.
See All 6 Related Resources about Acts 17:10-12

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, September 1, 2025

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'God's Greatest Message'
"Dear Friend, Ouch! You sent a text to someone, and he or she didn't understand your humor. You left a voicemail that was supposed to be cute, but..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 1 Corinthians 9:22
"Paul's great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have men..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Marked with His Seal' (Ep. 1:13)
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Our Dwelling Place for All Generations'
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from..."

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!