Acts 17 11

Acts 17:11 kjv

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.

Acts 17:11 nkjv

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Acts 17:11 niv

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Acts 17:11 esv

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Acts 17:11 nlt

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

Acts 17 verses

Acts 17 11 Meaning

Acts 17:11 commends the Jewish community in Berea as "more noble" than those in Thessalonica due to their exceptional approach to Paul's gospel message. This nobility was manifested in two key ways: first, they received the message with eagerness and an open mind, and second, they diligently examined the Old Testament Scriptures daily to verify the truthfulness of what Paul taught concerning Christ. This verse thus establishes a model for discerning engagement with spiritual teaching, balancing receptive hearing with critical scriptural investigation.

Acts 17 11 Context

Acts 17:11 is part of a narrative detailing Paul and Silas's second missionary journey. They had just arrived in Berea after being forced to leave Thessalonica due to persecution from hostile Jews who stirred up the city against them (Acts 17:1-9). In Thessalonica, many Gentiles and prominent women believed, but a violent mob formed. The Beroeans provide a stark contrast to the Thessalonian Jews, demonstrating a model of open-mindedness and rigorous theological inquiry. This passage immediately precedes Paul's move to Athens, where he would engage with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers (Acts 17:16-34), further highlighting the varied reception of the Gospel. Historically, Berea was a city in Macedonia, west of Thessalonica, and like many Hellenistic cities, had a Jewish synagogue where Paul would first present the Gospel.

Acts 17 11 Word analysis

• These: (Οὗτοι - Houtoi) Refers directly to the Beroeans, distinguishing them from the previously mentioned, less receptive, Thessalonians. It immediately sets up a contrast.
• were more noble: (ἦσαν εὐγενέστεροι - ēsan eugenesteroi) The Greek term eugenēs (here in its comparative form eugenesteroi) primarily means "well-born," referring to noble birth or high social standing. Luke, under inspiration, repurposes this social descriptor to signify a moral and spiritual "nobility." It implies a noble disposition, an inherent quality of fairness and open-mindedness towards the truth, transcending mere lineage or wealth. It's a character assessment.
• than those in Thessalonica: A direct, implicit critique of the Thessalonian Jews who reacted with jealousy and violence rather than reasoned investigation. This comparison underscores the Beroeans' commendable attitude.
• in that they received: (δεδέξαντο - dedexanto) From dechomai, indicating a willing, welcoming, and even eager acceptance of the message, without initial prejudice or hostility. It suggests a personal appropriation rather than passive hearing.
• the word: (τὸν λόγον - ton logon) This refers to the specific message preached by Paul, which was the gospel of Jesus Christ, His suffering, death, and resurrection as foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures. It encompasses the entirety of his apostolic teaching.
• with all readiness of mind: (μετὰ πάσης προθυμίας - meta pasēs prothumias) Prothumia denotes eagerness, zeal, enthusiasm, and a readiness of spirit. "All readiness" emphasizes the complete absence of intellectual pride, prejudice, or obstinacy, reflecting an unbiased willingness to hear and consider.
• and searched: (ἀνακρίνοντες - anakrinontes) The present participle indicates continuous or habitual action. Anakrinō means to "examine, investigate, inquire, sift, judge, or scrutinize." It signifies a careful, critical, and judicial process of cross-referencing and verification, not just a casual reading.
• the Scriptures daily: (τὰς γραφὰς καθ' ἡμέραν - tas graphās kath' hēmeran) "The Scriptures" specifically refer to the Hebrew Old Testament, which were accessible in the synagogue. "Daily" highlights the consistency, diligence, and regular commitment of their investigation, not a one-time check but an ongoing habit of discernment.
• whether these things were so: (εἰ ἔχοι ταῦτα οὕτως - ei echoi tauta houtōs) This phrase indicates their active intellectual curiosity and commitment to truth. They desired to confirm that Paul's teaching was in alignment with the established and authoritative Word of God, verifying consistency between the new message and ancient prophecy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "were more noble... in that they received... and searched": This grammatical structure establishes a direct causal link. Their spiritual nobility (not social standing) was proven by their manner of receiving the Word and their subsequent, diligent scriptural investigation. It connects internal character with outward action.
• "received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily": This phrase portrays a balanced approach to truth-seeking. It's not just open-mindedness, which without critical evaluation could lead to gullibility, nor is it mere critical searching without receptivity, which could lead to skepticism. Rather, it's an eagerness to hear combined with a diligent, objective, and consistent verification against divine truth. This harmony is key to true spiritual wisdom.

Acts 17 11 Bonus section

• Luke, the author of Acts, uses the descriptor eugenesteroi (more noble) with deliberate intent, likely contrasting the Bereans not only with the persecuting Jews of Thessalonica but also with other pagan populations Paul encountered, whose acceptance of the gospel might have been less rooted in Old Testament prophetic fulfillment. This redefines "nobility" from a human, class-based concept to a spiritual, character-based virtue.
• The Bereans' actions serve as a practical demonstration of a vital principle: the sufficiency of Scripture. Their immediate and daily resort to the written Word underscores that the Old Testament Scriptures were deemed sufficient by the early church to authenticate new teachings about Christ, implying the comprehensive nature of God's revelation.
• This verse can be seen as an early model for Christian discernment and biblical literacy. In an age flooded with diverse teachings and philosophies, the Berean example reminds believers to adopt an attitude of active reception, but also of critical, scripturally-grounded verification. It challenges the passive consumption of religious information and advocates for robust, personal theological investigation.

Acts 17 11 Commentary

Acts 17:11 provides a timeless blueprint for healthy spiritual engagement, showcasing true spiritual nobility. It reveals that nobility in God's sight is not inherited through birth or social status, but cultivated through an ardent desire for truth and a humble, diligent approach to His Word. The Beroeans modeled active listening coupled with critical thinking—they didn't simply accept Paul's message blindly, nor did they reject it out of hand due to prejudice. Their consistent daily examination of the Scriptures against Paul's teachings stands as an enduring call for believers to cultivate both openness to truth and faithful adherence to the biblical text as the ultimate standard. This ensures a faith that is both well-informed and resilient, guarding against error while embracing divine revelation.