City
Berea
buh-REE-uh · Modern Veria, Greece · Also called Veria, Beroea
Berea is a city of the biblical world, known today as Veria, Greece.
What is known
- Home of the "noble Bereans" who received Paul's message eagerly and examined the Scriptures daily to verify it (Acts 17:10-12)
- Paul was forced to flee here too when agitators from Thessalonica pursued him (Acts 17:13-14)
- Hometown of Sopater, one of Paul's traveling companions (Acts 20:4)
History
- Founded
- An ancient Macedonian city
- Population
- Estimated 10,000–15,000 residents in the 1st century AD — a prosperous Macedonian assize city
- Coordinates
- 40.5259° N, 22.2046° E
Archaeology
Ancient Beroea underlies the modern city of Veria, so almost no architectural remains of the Roman-period city survive intact, though inscriptions confirm the city's ancient name and status. The "Bema of Apostle Paul," a stepped platform traditionally associated with Paul's preaching, is a modern 20th-century commemorative monument rather than a confirmed 1st-century structure.
Scripture references
- Acts 17:10-14
- Acts 20:4
On a modern map
Further reading
Reflect
The Bereans welcomed Paul's message eagerly yet still examined the Scriptures daily — how do you test what you're told?
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