Gospel in a Minute

Paul and Silas made it to the city of Berea where they encountered a different sort of people.

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12  As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12 (NLT)  

Principle: Look for Open Minded People

When we are critical and suspicious, our minds are closed. Most of the Jewish leaders had already made up their minds to reject Jesus and his teachings. Such closed mindedness blinded them to the beauty and truth of his words and the testimony of his many miracles. They were self-satisfied and smug, thinking themselves better than others. Humble open minded people are willing to consider an idea and check out its validity for themselves. Instead of being manipulated by those who hated Paul and the gospel as had been the Thessalonians, the Bereans examined the Scriptures to see if the gospel’s claims were true.

Jesus described this sort of people in his famous parable of the sower.

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:15 (NLT) 

Rather than wasting time with proud, dishonest, and close-minded people who resist the gospel, look for those who are open. They make the best audience.