Many of Them Believed

by Bryan Gibson

“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men” (Acts 17:10-12).

The title for this article is taken from the beginning of verse 12: “therefore many of them believed.” Why did so many believe? The passage gives at least three reasons.

Because they kept open minds. They were “fair-minded” or “noble-minded” (NAS), and so they “received the word”—without the prejudice that so many in Thessalonica had (Acts 17:5-9). They didn’t have their minds made up already; they were determined to give Paul and Silas a fair hearing. Furthermore, they received the word “with all readiness”, or “with great eagerness” (NAS). They were not gullible, as we will observe in just a moment, but they were eager to hear the Scriptures. There is no doubt that these people had the “good and honest heart” that Jesus spoke of in the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:15).

Because they kept open Bibles. They “searched the Scriptures,” because they wanted to know if what they were hearing was “so”—if it was indeed the truth. They recognized the need to “prove all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), to test the teaching of Paul and Silas by the infallible word of God. Wouldn’t it be great if we still did that? Too many are satisfied to just take the word of the preacher, not realizing how easily they can be led astray. Even preachers with good intentions can still be wrong! Are we sure that what we believe and practice today is really the truth? The only way we can know for sure is to search the Scriptures.

Because they kept open schedules. They searched the Scriptures “daily.” Open minds and open Bibles are of little use when they’re not put to use. Can you think of a better way to “redeem the time” (Ephesians 5:16) than studying your Bible daily? If we’re too busy to study God’s word, then we’re just too busy—period! You’ve heard the expression, “ignorance is bliss.” That may be true about some things (Romans 16:19), but not when it comes to knowledge of God’s word. “Desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Note: The main points for this article were taken from an article by Dan Shipley in Plain Talk, January 1983.