June 14, 2005
06/14 Greece Day Four - Berea
Please read Acts 17:10-15
Focus with me for a moment on v. 11: "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
We spent two nights in Thessalonica and didn't see any evidence of a Christian influence in the city. However, the moment we drove through downtown Berea we saw banners attached to city street lights announcing the July Festival of St. Paul's. There is a St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church and St. Paul's school that continue to occupy a prominent place in the city near the ancient site of the Roman agora or market place. 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul would have taught in both the synagogue and the market place while he was there. The Bible says he did so every day. Here's a church after all these years still very much alive and well.
Notice it says in Acts 17:11 "they were of ... noble character ..." "Noble character" and love for the scriptures must count for a lot. The legacy of Paul in Berea is a prosperous city of 35,000 today who are keeping the faith alive. As Les and I walked along the city streets, we could feel a refreshing vitality. It is one of the most pleasant cities we've ever visited.
Now, it may all just be a coincidence - noble character, love of scriptures - and present prosperity; but, remember Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) What things? Well, how about joy for living, being free from fear, love for life, food and clothing and enough to live long and prosper to name a few.
The point is the Bereans may still be a testimony to a people who have their priorities straight ... or, at least they are for me.
We love this trip and will try to send more pictures as soon as we are able. This country has not provided many internet cafes in the areas we have traveled as we had hoped.
Posted by roger at June 14, 2005 03:27 PM