perhaps a provincial from a derivative of πέραν (Perœa, i.e. the region beyond the coast-line); Berœa, a place in Macedonia:--Berea.
Transliteration:Béroia
Pronunciation:ber'-oy-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G960 (Béroia) is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location: the city of Beroia in the Roman province of Macedonia. Its etymological root is suggested to be related to πέραν (peran), meaning "beyond" or "across," possibly implying a region "beyond the coast-line" or a "provincial" area. However, for a proper noun, the primary semantic function of G960 is simply to identify this particular city. It does not carry a broad semantic range beyond its designation as a place name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G960 (Béroia) appears exclusively within the book of Acts, specifically in the narrative of Paul's second missionary journey.
* **[[Acts 17:10]]**: Following their forced departure from Thessalonica due to persecution, Paul and Silas travel to Beroia. This verse sets the scene for their ministry in the city.
* **[[Acts 17:11]]**: This is the most significant occurrence, as it provides a remarkable commendation of the Jewish community in Beroia. They are described as "more noble" (εὐγενέστεροι) than those in Thessalonica. Their nobility is demonstrated by two key actions: first, they received the word with "all readiness of mind" (eagerness and openness); second, they "searched the Scriptures daily" to verify the truth of Paul's teachings. This verse highlights their discernment and commitment to scriptural authority.
* **[[Acts 17:13]]**: The tranquility in Beroia is disrupted when hostile Jews from Thessalonica pursue Paul and Silas, stirring up the crowds and causing further trouble, which ultimately leads to Paul's departure from Beroia.
* **[[Acts 20:4]]**: Sopater of Beroia is listed among Paul's companions who traveled with him to Asia. This indicates that the ministry in Beroia bore lasting fruit, with believers from the city joining Paul in his later missionary endeavors.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Macedonia:** Beroia is situated within this Roman province, which was a vital area for the early expansion of Christianity. Other key Macedonian cities mentioned in Acts include Philippi and Thessalonica.
* **Synagogue:** As was Paul's custom, his initial evangelistic efforts in Beroia, as in many cities, began in the local Jewish synagogue.
* **Scriptures (τὰς γραφάς):** The Beroeans' diligent and daily examination of the Old Testament Scriptures is a central concept related to G960. This practice underscores the importance of biblical literacy and the verification of apostolic teaching against the established Word of God.
* **Nobility (εὐγενέστεροι):** This descriptive term applied to the Beroean Jews is a crucial related concept, defining their spiritual disposition and setting them apart from those who resisted the Gospel.
* **Discernment:** The Beroeans exemplify spiritual discernment, not accepting teachings uncritically but testing them against the revealed Word.
### Theological Significance
The city of Beroia, while a mere geographical location, assumes profound theological significance due to the character of its inhabitants, particularly the Jews commended in [[Acts 17:11]]. The "nobility" of the Beroeans serves as an enduring paradigm for genuine spiritual receptivity and intellectual integrity in the face of new revelation. They did not accept Paul's message blindly but engaged with it critically and reverently, cross-referencing his teachings with the Old Testament Scriptures.
This passage profoundly underscores several vital theological principles:
* **Eagerness to Receive the Word:** The Beroeans' "readiness of mind" models an open and humble heart prepared to receive divine truth.
* **Diligent Study of Scripture:** Their daily searching of the Scriptures highlights the indispensable role of personal and communal biblical study for all believers.
* **Verification of Teaching:** The Beroeans demonstrate that true faith is not credulity but a discerning appropriation of truth, testing all teachings against the infallible Word of God. This establishes a crucial precedent for evaluating all claims to truth, including those from respected teachers.
* **Contrast to Resistance:** The Beroean example stands in stark contrast to the hostility and closed-mindedness encountered by Paul in other cities, particularly Thessalonica. It illustrates a healthy and commendable response to apostolic teaching and a model for discerning truth.
* **Fruitfulness of Ministry:** The later mention of Sopater of Beroia ([[Acts 20:4]]) suggests that the seed of the Gospel sown in Beroia bore lasting fruit, contributing to the broader Christian movement and demonstrating the enduring impact of a receptive and discerning community.
### Summary
G960 (Béroia) identifies a city in Macedonia, prominently featured in the New Testament as a significant stop during Paul's second missionary journey. While a geographical marker, its true theological import is derived from the description of its Jewish inhabitants in [[Acts 17:11]]. These Beroean Jews are lauded as "more noble" for their eager reception of the Gospel message coupled with their diligent, daily examination of the Scriptures to verify Paul's teachings. This makes Beroia a powerful theological emblem, representing a model of discerning faith, intellectual honesty, and unwavering commitment to the authority of the biblical text. The city's enduring legacy is not merely its physical location but the spiritual character of its early believers, who exemplify a healthy, critical, and reverent engagement with the Word of God.
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