What Is The Standard?

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. [Acts 17.11]

There are several points worth considering from this verse from the Book of Acts.

The people of Berea were open-minded. This can be good or it can be bad. However, it is necessary for human existence and advancement. It is certainly necessary for spiritual advancement. But, therein lies the danger - what is the "standard" for truth when it comes to open-mindedness?

The people of Berea "listened eagerly" to Paul's preaching. As part of their open-mindedness, they were motivated (excited?) to hear what Paul had to say.

The people of Berea, though open-minded, had a "standard" however for what they heard to determine if it was right or wrong. That "standard" was the Scriptures.

But wait! much of what we call 'Scripture' today had not even been written! The Book of Acts itself was only just being played out at this time! So, what were the Bereans using for 'Scripture'?

In great assurance, the Bereans were using the Law and the Prophets (from what we know as the Old Testament) along with the Psalms written by David and others and possibly even the Proverbs as their 'standard' - their 'Scripture.'

With this 'standard' established, the Bereans compared what Paul was preaching to their 'standard' (measuring stick, if you will), and concluded that what Paul was preaching was indeed true.

Sadly, few today, given the same information available at that time, could arrive at any conclusion - because so few today have any idea what the Law and the Prophets, Psalms, etc. of the Old Testament teach!

How much more would the story of Jesus (the Gospel - Good News) mean to us if we had a more firm foundation of Scripture as the Bereans knew it? If we 'heard' the story of Jesus, knowing ONLY Old Testament Scripture, would we be able to conclude that Jesus is the fulfillment of ALL that Scripture? I dare say most of us would be hard-pressed.

The conclusion of my ranting here? We need to know the Bible as those of the New Testament stories knew the Bible. We need to have a solid understanding of what Jesus' Advent means based on all the prophecies preceding it!

Yes however, John 3.16 will get a person saved. I will not argue that. What I am suggesting is that, like any relationship, there must be ongoing learning between parties in the relationship! Otherwise the relationship grows stagnant and stale - dare I say, irrelevant.

Father, thank You for gently guiding me to further Truth today. Help me to feast on the Scriptures as John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, Silas, and the Bereans knew them!