• Acts 17:11 “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
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In Acts 17, we see that Paul “reasoned… out of the scriptures” to the Thessalonians and then to the Bereans. Whereas many in Thessalonica rejected God’s Word, the Bereans were “more noble.” God then gives His reason for His description of the Bereans’ nobility. They “received the word with all readiness of mind.” And the Bereans “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

We usually use the word “noble” to refer to one’s high birth or rank. However, the word “noble” can also stand for one with high character which is how God uses it here in Acts 17:11 concerning the Bereans. As with everything in life, goodness, righteousness, noble character, etc… are inseparably connected with God; in the Bereans’ case with God’s Word. God described the Bereans as “more noble” because of their dedication to knowing God’s truth only through God’s Word. Whether Paul was famous or infamous, old or young, strange or familiar, the Bereans were only interested in God’s Word. As Paul “reasoned… out of the scriptures,” the Bereans had all “readiness of mind” for God’s Word, “received the word,” and “searched the scriptures.”

As long as the Lord leads, this series will take certain statements that have been made to me or others I am aware of. The people we quote will be left anonymous. Our intention is not to attack, accuse, encourage bitterness or contention, etc… This series’ purpose is to show what it means to be “more noble,” a quality greatly lacking in modern believers. We will examine whether the statements made are indeed, like Paul, reasonings “out of the scriptures” or simply man-made logic and words. Like the Bereans, our answers will only come from God’s Word. Man’s words will not cut it whether they be famous or infamous. Man’s philosophies are not satisfactory whether they be old or young. And man’s traditions and/or opinions will not hold any weight in this series whether the views quoted are strange or familiar. Only “thus saith the Lord” will count. Dear reader, you will learn if you are like the hardened Thessalonians who did not care what God’s Word said or if you are “more noble” like the Bereans.

(This article is from the “Are You ‘More Noble’?” series.)