Berea
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Berea was a city in ancient Macedonia, known for its beautiful location at the foot of Mount Bermius and its history dating back to at least the fifth century BC. It was a prosperous city that became an important cultural and religious center under Greek and Roman rule. In 168 BC, Berea surrendered to Rome after the Battle of Pydna, becoming part of one of the four administrative regions of Macedonia. Today, the city is known as Veria and remains a significant center in Greece.
Berea is best known in the Bible for its role in the ministry of the apostle Paul. During Paul’s second missionary journey, he and Silas traveled to Berea after facing intense opposition in Thessalonica. They arrived at night for safety and began preaching in the synagogue. The Jews in Berea were different from those in Thessalonica—they were described as noble because they eagerly received Paul’s message and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what he said was true Acts 17:10-11. Because of their diligence in studying the Scriptures, the Bereans are often remembered as an example of how believers should seek truth.
Many Jews, prominent Greek women, and men in Berea believed Paul’s message about Jesus Christ Acts 17:12. However, the peace in Berea did not last. When the Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul was preaching in Berea, they traveled there to stir up trouble. Paul was forced to leave, while Silas and Timothy remained for a time before rejoining him in Athens Acts 17:13-15. One of the notable believers from Berea was Sopater, who later accompanied Paul on his journey to Jerusalem Acts 20:4. His presence shows that Paul’s time in Berea was not in vain—the gospel took root, and faithful disciples emerged.
Though Berea was not a major political or military city, its spiritual significance is profound. It remains an example of a community that valued truth and eagerly sought to understand God’s Word. Berea’s legacy inspires believers to approach Scripture with sincerity, wisdom, and a desire for truth.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
