What does it mean to be a Berean?

[Dana67]

I have seen the word used a lot around here and was wondering exactly what it means. If I've missed any threads about it, could you point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

[Hootmon]

The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.
(Act 17:10-12)

[Jael]

Act 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.

Act 17:11 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.

Act 17:12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

When Paul and Silas shared the gospel with the people of Berea, they didn't just take Paul's word that what he was teaching was true. They searched the scriptures for themselves to verify the accuracy of their teaching. And they were commended as "noble" for doing so. So, to be a "Berean" mean to test all ideas/doctrines/teachings against the scriptures before accepting them as true.

[antsinmypants]

In addition to said above scriptures,

It means that you examine any doctrine, gospel or "Spiritual Word" against scripture, and that you are often in Scripture whether something presents or does not present itself to you...

In essence, you're ready with the "sword of faith" :):

[bghtnpd4]

We actually have several here on the board and THEY ARE AWESOME AT IT!!!! I have been guided in the right direction many times and have learned so much in such a short amout of time because of them, it's amazing!!!!

[Dana67]

I understand.. thanks!