What is…Berea

also known as: Beroea

This is a city of Macedonia to which Paul with Silas and Timotheus went when persecuted at Thessalonica (Acts 17:10, 13), and from which also he was compelled to withdraw, when he fled to the seacoast and from there sailed to Athens (Acts 17:14, 15).

The Bereans were praised as more noble than the Thessalonians for eagerly receiving Paul's message and daily examining the Scriptures to verify his teachings about Jesus as the Messiah. The Bereans exemplify diligent Bible study and open-minded verification of doctrine.

Many believed (Jews and Greeks) at Berea, but opposition from Thessalonian Jews forced Paul to flee to Athens. A Berean convert, Sopater, later traveled with Paul (Acts 20:4). His conversion probably took place during Paul’s 2nd missionary trip.

Ancient Berea is located at modern Veria, Greece (aka Verria). Archaeologists have made various discoveries here, and many artifacts are on display at the Archeological Museum of Veria (Beroea).

More information

• What is Macedonia?
• Who is Paul? and what is his significance?
• Who is Timothy?
• What are the CITIES OF THE BIBLE? Names, descriptions, locations and types
• Archaeology and the Bible, abundant evidence for the Bible’s reliability . Discover answers to your questions.