Guiding Our Approach to Scripture Study Like the Bereans
Guiding Our Approach to Scripture Study Like the Bereans
The Bereans are commended in Acts 17:11 for their noble character, as they "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so". This approach to Scripture study is rooted in a deep respect for the authority of the Bible and a commitment to understanding its teachings.
To study Scripture like the Bereans, one must first recognize the importance of Scripture in Christian life. The apostle Paul emphasizes the role of Scripture in 1 Timothy 4:13, where he exhorts Timothy to "give attention to the public reading of Scripture" [4]. This practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church, and it remains a vital part of Christian worship and discipleship.
In studying Scripture, Christians are called to be like stewards of the mysteries of God, as Paul describes himself and his fellow ministers in 1 Corinthians 4:1 [1, 2]. This stewardship involves not only a deep understanding of Scripture but also a commitment to living out its teachings. As Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown note, the Christian's conformity to the image of Christ is to be begun here in our souls, in part, and shall be perfected at the resurrection [3].
The Bereans' approach to Scripture study is characterized by a willingness to search the Scriptures daily to understand God's truth. This involves a commitment to ongoing learning and growth, as well as a recognition of the importance of community in interpreting Scripture. As Calvin notes, the peace of the Church is disturbed by those who are restless and perpetually supply new materials for fomenting discords [6].
In guiding our approach to Scripture study like the Bereans, several key principles emerge. First, we must approach Scripture with a deep respect for its authority and a commitment to understanding its teachings. Second, we must be willing to search the Scriptures daily, recognizing that this is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Third, we must recognize the importance of community in interpreting Scripture, and be willing to engage with others in our understanding of God's truth.
As we study Scripture, we are also called to be mindful of our own spiritual growth and development. Paul's exhortation to the Philippians to "forget what lies behind and strain forward to what is ahead" (Philippians 3:13) is a reminder that our understanding of Scripture is not static, but rather is part of a dynamic process of growth and transformation [5].
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 4:1 (BBE) — Let us be judged as servants of Christ, and as those who are responsible for the secret things of God.”
- 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 4:1 (NASB) — Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:49: as--Greek, "even as" (see Gen 5:3). we shall also bear--or wear as a garment [BENGEL]. The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "We must also bear," or "let us also bear." It implies the divine appointment (compare "must," Co1 15:53) and faith assenting to it. An exhortation, and yet implying a promise (so Rom 8:29). The conformity to the image of the heavenly Representative man is to be begun here in our souls, in part, and shall be perfected at the resurrection in both bodies and souls.”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:13: I--whatever others count as to themselves. He who counts himself perfect, must deceive himself by calling sin infirmity (Jo1 1:8); at the same time, each must aim at perfection, to be a Christian at all (Mat 5:48). forgetting those things . . . behind--Looking back is sure to end in going back (Luk 9:62): So Lot's wife (Luk 17:32). If in stemming a current we cease pulling the oar against it, we are carried back. God's word to us is as it was to Israel, "Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward" (Exo 14:15). The Bible is our landma”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 3.8: who, by open violence, fall upon the pious to destroy them, and utterly to blot out their memory; but of certain morose professors of the Gospel, who not only perpetually supply new materials for fomenting discords, but by their restlessness disturb the peace which holy and learned men gladly cultivate. We see that with the Papists, although in some things they maintain deadly strife among themselves, 27 27 Combien qu’en tout le reste, ils s’entrebatent comme chiens et chats . — Though in everything else they quarrel together like ”