Βέροια

Pronunciation Guide: beh-ROY-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G960: Beroia was an ancient Macedonian city located in what is now northern Greece. In the New Testament, it is notable as a place where Paul and Silas preached after leaving Thessalonica, and where the residents were commended for their eager reception and diligent examination of the Scriptures. Beroia represents a model of faithful Bible study and open-hearted reception of God’s Word.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Toponym/Place Name)
• Origin: Macedonian/Greek
• Primary Usage: Historical narrative in Acts
• Declension: First declension feminine noun
• Semantic Field: Geographic locations in the early Christian mission

Βέροια Morphology:

• Βέροια (nominative singular) – Beroia (subject form)
• Βεροίας (genitive singular) – of Beroia
• Βεροίᾳ (dative singular) – in/at Beroia
• Βέροιαν (accusative singular) – to Beroia

Origin & History

The etymology of Βέροια is somewhat uncertain, though it may derive from the Macedonian dialect of Greek. The city was founded in the 5th century BC and became an important regional center in Macedonia. In classical Greek literature, the geographer Ptolemy (Geography 3.12) mentions it as one of the principal cities of Macedonia. Thucydides also references it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” (1.61) as a significant Macedonian settlement.

The city gained prominence during the Hellenistic period and continued as an important regional center under Roman rule. By the time of the New Testament, Beroia was a prosperous city with a significant Jewish population, as evidenced by the presence of a synagogue mentioned in Acts 17:10-11. The city maintained its importance throughout the Byzantine period and exists today as modern Veria (or Veroia) in northern Greece.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A significant city in ancient Macedonia where Paul and Silas preached after leaving Thessalonica
• A city whose Jewish inhabitants were characterized by their noble-minded reception of the gospel
• A place that exemplifies faithful Scripture examination and biblical discernment

Βέροια Translation Options:

• Beroia – The transliteration closest to the Greek pronunciation, preferred in many modern translations
• Berea – The traditional English rendering found in the King James Version
• Veria – The modern Greek name of the city, sometimes used in contemporary references
• Veroia – An alternative modern spelling reflecting current Greek pronunciation

Biblical Usage

Βέροια appears only three times in the New Testament, all in the book of Acts. Its most significant mention is in Acts 17, where Luke records Paul and Silas’ visit after they were forced to leave Thessalonica due to persecution. The Beroeans are specifically commended for their noble character (εὐγενέστεροι) and diligent examination (ἀνακρίνοντες) of the Scriptures. This account establishes Beroia as an exemplar of proper response to gospel preaching—accepting the message eagerly while carefully verifying its truthfulness against the Scriptures.

Later, in Acts 20:4, a man named Sopater from Beroia is mentioned as one of Paul’s traveling companions, indicating the establishment of a Christian community in the city that continued to support the apostolic mission.

• “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Βέροιαν [Beroia], and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.” Acts 17:10
• “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. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Βεροίᾳ [Beroia] also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.” Acts 17:11-13
• “And he was accompanied by Sopater of Βεροίας [Beroia], son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.” Acts 20:4

Cultural Insights

Beroia was situated about 50 miles southwest of Thessalonica on the eastern slopes of Mount Vermion in Macedonia. This location made it somewhat removed from the major east-west thoroughfare of the Via Egnatia, which may explain why it became a place of refuge for Paul and Silas. Archaeological excavations in modern Veria have uncovered remnants of the ancient city, including what may have been the bema (judgment seat) where public proclamations were made.

The Jewish community in Beroia appears to have been both substantial and well-established. Unlike many other locations where Paul encountered immediate hostility, the Beroean Jews displayed an unusual openness to his message. This may reflect their relative isolation from the more politically connected Jewish communities in larger cities, allowing them to evaluate Paul’s teachings without external pressure. Their practice of daily Scripture examination (ἀνακρίνοντες) suggests a community deeply committed to Torah study and the prophetic writings—a hallmark of diaspora Judaism that maintained strong religious identity away from Jerusalem.

Theological Significance

Beroia holds special theological significance in the narrative of Acts as it exemplifies the ideal response to gospel proclamation. The Beroeans’ approach—eagerly receiving the word while carefully examining the Scriptures—demonstrates the beautiful harmony between openness to God’s revelation and responsible testing of all teaching against the authoritative Word. This balance counters both uncritical acceptance of any religious claim and closed-minded rejection without investigation.

The Beroean example reveals much about God’s character and His desire for His people. Unlike false gods who demand blind allegiance, Yahweh invites scrutiny of His words through the very Scriptures He has provided. The commendation of the Beroeans shows that God values thoughtful faith over unexamined belief. The fact that many Beroeans “believed” (ἐπίστευσαν) after their examination demonstrates that genuine faith is not opposed to intellectual inquiry but rather can be strengthened by it when conducted with sincerity and humility.

Furthermore, the Beroean narrative illustrates God’s wisdom in preserving His Word as the standard by which all teaching must be measured. The Beroeans had access to the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures) and recognized its divine authority. By testing Paul’s messianic claims against these Scriptures, they followed the pattern established by the prophets who repeatedly called Israel back to Torah as the measure of truth.

Personal Application

The example of the Beroeans provides a timeless model for how we should approach both Scripture and teaching about Scripture. In our information-saturated age, with countless voices claiming religious authority, the Beroean practice of eager listening combined with careful examination is more relevant than ever. We are called to be neither cynics who reject all claims nor gullible hearers who accept everything without discernment.

To be “Beroean” today means developing a regular practice of Scripture study, not merely to accumulate knowledge but to develop the discernment needed to recognize truth. It means approaching God’s Word with both reverence and eagerness, believing that the Living God still speaks through it. When we hear teaching—whether from a pulpit, podcast, or book—our response should be to receive it with openness while testing it against the full counsel of Scripture. Like the Beroeans, we can find that this practice leads not to doubt but to deeper, more grounded faith in the Messiah.

Related Words

• Μακεδονία (Makedonia, mah-keh-do-NEE-ah) – Macedonia, the Roman province in which Beroia was located, representing the broader mission field of Paul in northern Greece. Unlike Beroia, which was a single city, Macedonia encompasses an entire region with multiple significant cities in early Christianity. See G3109
• Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessalonikē, thes-sah-lo-NEE-keh) – Thessalonica, the major city from which Paul and Silas fled to Beroia. As the capital of Macedonia, it contrasts with the smaller, less prominent Beroia, yet faced greater opposition to the gospel. See G2332
• εὐγενής (eugenēs, eu-gen-ACE) – “noble-minded” or “of noble birth,” the term used to describe the Beroeans, highlighting their receptive character. While Beroia is a place, this adjective describes the spiritual quality that made the citizens of Beroia exemplary in their response to the gospel. See G2104
• ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō, an-ak-REE-no) – “to examine, investigate, or scrutinize,” the verb describing the Beroeans’ careful study of Scripture. This word emphasizes the thorough analytical approach that complemented their receptivity. See G350
• γραφή (graphē, graf-ACE) – “Scripture,” the authoritative text that the Beroeans searched daily. While Beroia represents the place of ideal Bible study, this term represents the object of their study—the inspired Word they examined. See G1124

Did You Know?

• Did you know? Modern Veria (Beroia) in Greece has embraced its biblical heritage, establishing a “Bema of Apostle Paul” monument marking the traditional site where Paul is believed to have preached. This site has become a pilgrimage destination for Christians, connecting contemporary believers with their first-century spiritual ancestors who eagerly received the gospel.
• Did you know? Archaeological evidence suggests that the Jewish community in ancient Beroia was substantial enough to maintain not only a synagogue but also a mikveh (ritual bath) for purification rituals. This indicates a community thoroughly committed to traditional Jewish practice, making their openness to Paul’s messianic teaching all the more remarkable. Their example demonstrates that deep reverence for established Scripture can harmonize with openness to new revelation when both are approached with sincerity.
• Did you know? The term “Berean” has become a common descriptor in Protestant Christianity for individuals and communities characterized by diligent Bible study and discernment. Many churches, study groups, and educational institutions have adopted the name “Berean” to reflect their commitment to careful examination of Scripture as the foundation of faith—a testimony to the enduring impact of this small Macedonian city’s example.

Remember This

The Beroeans of ancient Macedonia show us that the most noble response to God’s Word combines eager reception with careful examination—teaching us that authentic faith flourishes not through blind acceptance but through diligent engagement with Scripture.