By Bob DeWaay

Luke uses a Greek term that means “welcome” to describe the type of response that people should have for the message of Messianic salvation. The Bereans “welcomed” the message of Paul and searched the Scripture. We show that in Luke-Acts, Luke emphasizes the importance of how Christ’s messengers are received. Those who welcome them are those who are blessed. Those who reject them are left with their prejudices because they had no interest in the truth. In Luke the disciples were told to shake the dust off their feet and move on. In Acts, those who brought the message of salvation met with mixed responses. The Thessalonians were hostile and after they found out that people in Berea were open to the gospel, they came to persecute Paul there are well. In this case, Paul went on to Athens.

We also spend some time discussing the Mary and Martha narrative in Luke 10:38-42 which emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus’ word compared to other matters that the culture sees as important. Mary had chosen the better “portion.” We cite helpful material from Kenneth Bailey that explains the cultural issues and why Mary was commended.