Devotional: Responsibility to Know Acts 17:10-12

“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11, NASB).

The blue lights of the police car are flashing. I hear the sound of the siren. I am pulled over by the policeman. He asks to see my driver’s license and proof of insurance. He tells me that I am being stopped because I was clocked traveling at a speed of 50 M.P.H. in a 30 M.P.H. speed zone. I do not protest even though I am unaware that I am speeding. The last speed limit sign that I remember seeing was 55 M.P.H. The policeman takes by driver license and retreats to his car. He returns and gives me my license. Instead of writing a speeding ticket, he gives me a verbal precaution to slow down and drive safely. Was there a sign posted? I do not remember seeing one. I do not know if there is a sign posted for 30 M.P.H. This is what I know. I know that it is my responsibility to know what the speed limit is.

When it comes to the ways of God it is every believer’s responsibility to know the mind of Christ. The Christian’s morals, ethics, and behavior are to reflect our knowledge of God. We cannot live any kind of lifestyle on the grounds that we do not know better. We must pray, allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit. We must seek daily to know God’s truth about the circumstances in our life.

This truth is seen in our text today. In this passage of Scripture the apostle Paul is on his second missionary journey. Paul arrives in the city Thessalonica. Paul goes to the synagogue of the Jews. Using the Scriptures, Paul explains from the Scriptures that Christ had to suffer and rise again. Paul explains that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 17:3). Some of the people believe. Others did not believe. They formed a mob and forced Paul and Silas to leave the city.

Paul and Silas arrive in the city named Berea, and they go to the synagogue of the Jews. The people in Berea do not know whether or not what Paul is preaching is true or false. Instead of reacting to the message emotionally they seek to know the truth. These people take the responsibility to know the truth as recorded in the Scriptures. Regardless of what we think and believe, it is the responsibility of every Christian to search the scriptures in order to know God’s truth and apply the truth to our lives.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the scriptures that make your truth known to all that search them. We accept this responsibility. Amen.