Lexical Summary Beroiaios: Berean Original Word: Βεροιαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of Berea. From Beroia; a Beroeoean or native of Beroea -- of Berea. see GREEK Beroia Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 961: ΒεροιαῖοςΒεροιαῖος, Βεροιαια, Βεροιαιον, Beraean: Acts 20:4. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The term designates an individual who hails from the Macedonian city of Berea. In the New Testament it is used once, in Acts 20:4, to identify Sopater “the Berean.” Although the adjective itself appears only there, the narrative of Acts devotes considerable space to the people of Berea (Acts 17:10-15), making the name a doorway to a larger biblical theme: the exemplary reception of the gospel and diligent searching of Scripture. Geographical Setting of Berea • Location: Southwestern Macedonia, about 45 miles (72 km) west of Thessalonica, situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Bermius and watered by the Tripotamos River. The Bereans in Acts 17 Paul and Silas, having faced hostility in Thessalonica, were sent by night to Berea. Luke records: “Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). Key observations: 1. Noble-mindedness (eugenēs) speaks to generosity of spirit and fairness in evaluation. Sopater the Berean (Acts 20:4) The sole New Testament use of the adjective introduces Sopater, identified as “son of Pyrrhus.” His background in a Scripture-valuing community evidently equipped him to travel with Paul. As part of the delegation that accompanied the apostle toward Jerusalem with the Gentile collection (Romans 15:25-28; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4), Sopater embodied Berea’s fruit: tested faith maturing into trustworthy service. The diverse list of companions in Acts 20:4 demonstrates an international fellowship united around the gospel, underscoring Paul’s concern for transparency and accountability in handling church funds (2 Corinthians 8:18-21). Commended Characteristics of Bereans • Intellectual integrity: welcoming new teaching yet insisting on biblical confirmation. Historical Legacy in Church Tradition Early Christian writers, including Chrysostom, referenced the Bereans as models for congregational behavior. Throughout history reform movements have echoed the “Berean spirit”—returning to Scripture as the supreme rule of faith and practice. The name “Berean” has commonly been adopted by churches, Bible colleges, and study groups seeking to identify with this heritage of scriptural fidelity. Theological Implications 1. The sufficiency of Scripture: teaching, reproof, correction, and training (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Contemporary Application • Pastors and teachers are encouraged to welcome scrutiny anchored in the biblical text, viewing questions not as threats but as opportunities for growth. Related Themes and Cross-References The single use of the adjective in Acts 20:4 anchors a much broader biblical testimony: God esteems those who receive the gospel gladly and test every doctrine by His written Word, producing dependable servants like Sopater whose lives advance Christ’s mission. Forms and Transliterations Βεροιαιος Βεροιαῖος Beroiaios BeroiaîosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |