Seeking the Truth

“They received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

The 17th chapter of the book of Acts portrays the stunning difference between two groups of people. One group was intent on maintaining their traditions, while the other group was intent on seeking the truth. There is a difference. Let me explain.

Acts chapter 17 describes two locations that Paul visited, following his stay in Philippi, where he saw the birth of the first church in Europe. After he left Philippi, his first stop was in Thessalonica. As was his custom, he entered the synagogue and “reasoned with them from the scriptures.” The text tells us that some became Christians, along with a great many Greeks and “leading women.” Shortly after that, we learn that “the Jews were jealous and formed a mob.”  As a result of the uproar they caused, Paul and Silas were forced to flee the city.

After fleeing from Thessalonica, they travelled to Berea where they repeated their pattern of attending the synagogue. The text tells us in verse 11 that “these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” What a contrast between how the Jews responded in Thessalonica compared to how they responded in Berea! Paul used the scriptures in Thessalonica, but was rejected. In Berea, they examined the scriptures daily to verify the truth of what Paul was saying.

Now you may be wondering how this applies to us in our day. Well, it should come as no surprise to you that we are just as tradition bound as were the Jews in Thessalonica. You see, they were more interested in maintaining tradition than in seeking the truth. I see examples of this all around.

Two weeks ago, I received a call from a person new to Wausau. They had several questions about the church and what our Sunday services include. This individual was quite direct and forthcoming in expressing their concern that we do not incorporate several things into our Sunday services that they had been accustomed to in their previous church. When I asked why they felt so strongly about the practices they were accustomed to, it became apparent that tradition was the driving force, tradition as opposed to examining the scriptures to determine if such practices were truly edifying or not. We had an interesting conversation to say the least. I concluded by suggesting that there are likely other churches in town that might be a better fit.

Was I wrong? I think not. You see no matter our preferences or the traditions we have become accustomed to, as followers of Christ we must always adopt the posture of the Berean Jews who “received the word with all eagerness, and examined the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Truth as opposed to tradition is always the safe path, would you agree?