Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 10, 2022: SOAP #4452:  Leviticus 13-14; Acts 17

(Reworked SOAP from 2012)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 17:11 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. 12 Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

OBSERVATION: Some people in Thessalonica had become so angry at Paul’s teaching that they incited a riot in the city.  In the cover of night Paul was safely escorted out of the city and sent on to the city of Berea.  The Bereans listened and “examined the Scriptures every day.”

[The mention of the “prominent Greek women” stirs my curiosity.  The synagogue would have a scroll of the Torah and some of the writings, but most households probably did not.  Could it be that the prominent Greek women were able to have some portions of the scriptures in their homes and could check on Paul’s teachings. ???]  

Hearing the preaching of Paul brought conviction, but the study of the Scriptures—they had confidence in the scriptures.  Paul was new in town, but the scriptures had been with them since the prophets.  Their study led many Jews and Greeks to become believers. 

APPLICATION:  The Bible is my standard for checking what I hear and see.  When I hear something different, I should check it out with the Scriptures — with the Bible.  The better I know the Bible, the better I can make good judgments.  Like the Bereans, it is good for me to examine the Scriptures every day!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you knew what I would need to live a victorious life in today’s world.  So, you provided the scriptures.  How foolish I would be not to take advantage of what you have provided.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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