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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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After leaving Thessalonica, Paul and Silas preach in the synagogue at Berea, where the listeners respond with both eagerness and careful examination of Scripture.
What Does Acts 17:11 Mean?
Acts 17:11 commends the people of Berea -- they were praised for receiving Paul's message eagerly while also examining the Scriptures daily to test whether it was true. Paul and Silas had come to Berea after facing hostility in Thessalonica. The response they met here was different, and Luke singles it out for honor. The Bereans modeled an attitude that has been admired by careful readers of Scripture ever since.
They are called "more noble" -- the Greek eugenes, originally meaning well-born, but here describing nobility of character and openness of mind. Two qualities mark them. First, "they received the word with all readiness of mind." They were eager, willing, and open to hearing, not closed or dismissive. They did not reject the message before considering it. But second, and just as important, they "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." The word "searched" suggests careful examination, like investigating evidence. They did not simply accept Paul's words because he was a respected teacher; they tested his message against the Scriptures themselves, and they did so daily. This is the balance the verse holds up as noble: an open heart joined to a discerning mind. The Bereans were neither cynical skeptics nor uncritical followers. They welcomed truth eagerly and verified it diligently. The result, noted in the next verse, was that many of them believed.
In the Original Language
The Greek "eugenes" (more noble) means well-born or noble in character, and "anakrino" (searched) means to examine, investigate, or carefully evaluate.
Cross References
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
- John 5:39
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
- 2 Timothy 3:16
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Application
A teachable spirit and a discerning mind belong together; we honor God by receiving His word eagerly while testing all teaching against the Scriptures for ourselves.