Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11)
“Truth seekers rarely take someone’s word for anything.” And what that means is that they have to find out things for themselves. That doesn’t mean they don’t trust people; it just means they have to do their own thinking and their own research, both of which are required in order to come to their own conclusions.
It’s always been a real boost to my belief in independent thinking that Paul commended the believers in Berea because they checked him out by the scriptures to see if what he was saying was true. In other words, they didn’t take even Paul’s word for it. And what’s even better about this is that the writer of the Book of Acts commended them for this and called them of noble character—more noble than the Thessalonians, who, by implication, didn’t check Paul out with the scriptures, but must have just taken his word as truth. Paul is basically saying here… “Don’t do that. Don’t just take anybody’s word for it, even if it’s my word.” How daring is that?
How contrary this is to so many today—myself included—who would love to have people eating out of our hands instead of constantly questioning us and measuring our words by the scriptures. So it’s more noble to think your own thoughts and to question things and to dig for answers that back up what someone says. Here, here, for the modern day Bereans who don’t care who you are, they only want to know what you are saying and how you are living it out in your own life, and how does what you say and do relate to the truth as it has been revealed in the scriptures and as God has revealed it so far to them.
I’m sorry, but this is revolutionary. This flies in the face of mass marketing, personality cults, and a follow-the-leader mentality that accompanies much of what goes on in our society today. You don’t really have anything to say until you are somebody, and once you are somebody, everything you say is golden. It’s the truth. It’s at least marketable. “Everybody line up and take notes. We’ve found the truth now. We’ve got it right here.”
Is that the way it’s supposed to be? I don’t think so. No, that sounds like what was probably going on among the less noble Thessalonians. Give me the Bereans. They’re scary. They’re not very good for my ego. But they are people who won’t be denied the truth. If you seek me with all your heart you will surely find me.
John Fischer The Catch 
My faith started with questions, and it is still defined by questions. As strange as it sounds, this is also why *I* envy the Thessalonians and not the Bereans. To have the drive to constantly ask questions is tiresome. The fact that many Christians do not take well to questions that question things they hold dear, makes it even worse. I cannot believe in a different way, but I would also like to caution people against asking for this path, because you better understand beforehand that choosing this path means that you are in for a rough ride. I guess it is worth it though, or at least that is what I hope.
I recall being terrified of the concept of defending a paper in college. As a freshman I was used to the high school level of research and almost-plagiarism that was practiced. Reaching my own conclusions (based upon my own research) and engaging in conversation with others to explain why I had reached my conclusions was anxiety-producing in the early going. It had been easier to mimic than to objectively research, challenge and change. When I now encounter the honest challenger (or even the dishonest one who has brought an audience) I have to guard against my ego. I do not like to admit that I may have been wrong all of these years. Ego seems to have been a problem for those from Thessalonica as well. Humanity keeps getting in the way of godliness. At least it does for me.
I’ve always told my students, “don’t take my word for it.” So I hear what you’re saying John. But then Jesus tells us to come to him like little children.
I don’t think it is as simple as saying that mass marketing etc. has led us to a culture which has led to mass following–the internet, with blogs etc. have led more and more people to express their opinions without necessarily having knowledge behind their thoughts! It is great to be a Berean and seek out the truth, but too many people are less concerned with seeking the truth than they are in expressing their opinion! (perhaps like me, since I’m leaving a reply!)
A point worthy of further discussion.
We raised our children on a strong diet of Scripture and discussion. We homeschooled all four of them through high school, but we never approached the scriptures as an academic subject. It was always God’s “living and active” word. We deliberately wanted them, especially as young adults, to come to Scripture to hear God speaking, and to interact with what he was saying to them as individuals, and to us as a family. Even in childhood, when they were learning the content of Scripture, we always also engaged with God’s word personally. Rather than feeling we needed to indoctrinate our children, we instructed them, engaged their questions, and believed by faith that a home environment rich in God’s word, the Spirit of God, and lively and open discussion would yield good souls.
Now, they are all considered different. They follow Christ wholeheartedly, defend their faith skillfully, and are students of the Word. They hold strong convictions, and they know why, but they do not fit in the prevailing American Christian culture. While their friends are content to accept without question the teaching and systems of celebrity pastors (for lack of a better term), our children have the confidence to challenge questionable teachings, not out of competition or pride, but out of conviction about what is true from Scripture. They are especially sensitive to doctrinal legalism that allows no dissent or discussion. They are, I hope, of the Berean spirit. Independent, faithshaped thinkers. And yet, that means they will be forever on the outside of popular Christianity looking in. I think that is the cost of joining the Berean church. It’s worth it.
Absolutely. Christianity is so cultural now that to be out is to be in. Maybe we should all be Outlaw Christians. Hey, I like that! I think I feel a Catch coming on!
This has always been my approach; but it can get lonely doctrine-wise; and opinion-wise. Everybody seems to strive to adhere to the dominant point of view without any questioning involved, to the point of turning this attitude into a requirement for team work.
Hi John
I say AMEN ! I asked the Lord to give me an appetite for what HE wanted me to study and from that time to this…He has led me by curiousity, which comes up as I read, listen , study or am confronted with a situation . It is ongoing and there is never a lack of “what next?”. In fact it is difficult to find the ‘cut off’ point for the learning of what is ‘so’ byway of searching scripture.
This life is indeed a FOUNTAIN!
Awesome exhortation my friend!