The Authority of Scripture
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Apr 3, 2024
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BIBL360: Methodical Study of Scripture
Discussion Thread: The Authority of Scripture
The Thessalonian and the Berean approach to the word of God according to DeYoung “have a lot
in common…. But not similar in every way.” 1
Paul preached in both cities using the same methods of proclamation, scrutiny, and persuasion. Although Paul's methodology remained consistent with missions carried out in other cities the attitude and reception of Paul and God’s Word from Thessalonica and Berea were considerably different in some ways. According to Kevin DeYoung in Taking God at His Word: “
Why the Bible is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me
, “The Thessalonian attitude toward the truth of the gospel is destructive, bordering on delirious. For starters, their judgment is clouded by personal prejudice.” 2
When more value is placed on outside influences like the government, the popular opinions of others, and a skewed or distorted worldview the authority of scripture can be minimized with no effect and even hated as was the case with the Thessalonians. People are sometimes easily influenced by the attitudes and views of others. It seems easier for some to side with an angry mob instead of studying and getting the truth for themselves. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 reminds us “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 New International Version). The Thessalonians rejected the word of God and turned others against the man of God because of their inconsistencies, prejudice, and resistance to adhere to the authority of the word of God. The “Better Bereans” in contrast according to DeYoung, “were more noble than their counterparts in Thessalonica. They were eager to hear the word and persistent in studying the Scriptures. Daily they examined the Scriptures to see if Paul’s word could be supported by God’s
word. They were looking into things, testing what they heard, diligent to discern what was the truth.” 3
The Bereans accepted the word of God as authoritative and the truth. Although they received the word of God from Paul, they studied for themselves instead of siding with the opinions of others and they diligently examined if Paul's truth was supported by God’s truth.
Considering all of the ways, we encounter scriptural teaching daily if the Berean approach to the word of God was adapted. People would readily adhere to the teaching of scripture and not be easily fooled by false teachers, angry mobs, or prejudice because they study the word of God for themselves. The word of God reminds us in 1 John. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the
spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” If we were Berea today, there would be more followers of sound doctrine, and less judgment, prejudice, and hatred. The word of God would be, examined, searched, studied, and found to be what it is the authoritative word of God. 1
Kevin DeYoung, Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible is Knowable, Necessary, and enough, and what that Means for You and Me, 1st ed., (Wheaton: Crossway, 2014), 72, Logos Bible Software.
2
Ibid., 72.
3
Ibid.,
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