Paul was led and taught by the Holy Spirit; but, notwithstanding this, those who were not thus taught were filled with jealousy and malice when they saw him advocating truths which they had not sanctioned. They were determined that he should move no faster than they. Had they, like the noble Bereans, searched the Scriptures with a humble, teachable spirit, they would have learned the truth as Paul preached it; but they studied only to find something to sustain themselves and condemn him.{LP 279.2}

Paulus blev ledt og undervist af Helligånden; men på trods af dette blev de, der ikke var undervist, fyldt af jaolosi og ondsind, når de så ham forsvare sandheder, som de ikke anerkendte. De var besluttet på at han ikke skulle være hurtigere end de. Ligesom de ædle troende i Berøa, havde de ransaget skriften med en ydmyg og lærvillighed, ville de ikke have lært sandheden sådan som Paulus forkyndte den; men de studerede kun for at funde noget der kunne støtte dem selv og dømme ham.