Location
Overview
Berea was a quiet Macedonian town to which Paul and Silas were sent by night from Thessalonica. Its people earned one of the New Testament's finest commendations.
The noble Bereans
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). Their combination of eagerness and careful testing became a model for every believer.
Many believe
"Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few" (Acts 17:12).
Opposition follows
When the Thessalonian agitators heard Paul was preaching at Berea, they came to stir up the crowds, and the brethren sent Paul on toward Athens, while Silas and Timothy remained (Acts 17:13–15).
Events Here
The noble Bereans search the Scriptures daily to test Paul’s message
Scripture References
3 versesActs3 verses
Acts 17:10
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:13
But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
Acts 20:4
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
Archaeology & History
Berea is the modern city of Veria in northern Greece, on the eastern slopes of Mount Vermio. Its name has become proverbial: a "Berean" is one who tests teaching against Scripture — the very example Luke holds up in Acts 17.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Berea
Where is Berea today?
Today, Berea corresponds to Veria, Greece.
What happened at Berea in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Berea include the noble bereans search the scriptures daily to test paul’s message.
Where is Berea first mentioned in the Bible?
Berea is first mentioned in Acts 17:10.
How often is Berea mentioned in the Bible?
Berea is mentioned in 3 verses across 1 book: Acts.
Why were the Bereans called "noble"?
Because they received Paul’s message eagerly yet examined the Scriptures daily to verify it — a model of open-minded, careful faith that gives us the term "Berean."
Where is Berea?
In Macedonia, northern Greece, identified with the modern city of Veria.