Verify the truth

READ: ACTS 17:10-13 [The Bereans] examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. – v. 11

ADEADLY jungle spider has migrated to the US and is killing people.” This was the story sent to me and to others on my friend’s email list. The story sounded plausible – lots of scientific names and real-life situations. But when I checked it out on reliable websites, I found it was not true – it was an Internet hoax. Its truth could only be verified by consulting a trusted source.

A group of first-century believers living in Macedonia understood the importance of confirming what they were hearing. The folks in Berea “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (ACTS 17:11). They were listening to Paul, and wanted to make sure what he was saying lined up with the teachings of the Old Testament. Perhaps he was telling them that there was evidence in the Old Testament that the Messiah would suffer and die for sin. They needed to verify that with the source.

When we hear spiritual ideas that disturb us, we need to be cautious. We can search the Scriptures for ourselves, listen to trustworthy sources, and seek wisdom from Jesus, our Lord. — Dave Branon

Please give us discernment, Lord, to accept only truth that is rooted in Your Word. We praise You for preserving the inspired Scriptures for us – now help us to use them to seek You.

God’s truth stands any test.