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 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 17:11 | They received the word with eagerness, and searched the Scriptures daily. | Paul's ministry |
| 1 Corinthians 2:13 | …not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit… | Authentic reception of God's word |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | Test all things; hold fast to what is good. | Discernment in accepting teaching |
| 1 John 4:1 | Test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets… | Importance of testing doctrine |
| Hebrews 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active… | Power and life in God's word |
| Psalm 119:9 | How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. | Purity through God's word |
| Psalm 119:130 | The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. | Enlightenment through Scripture |
| John 5:39 | You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. | Scripture as evidence of life |
| John 14:26 | But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. | Holy Spirit guides into truth |
| Isaiah 8:20 | To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. | Scripture as the ultimate standard |
| Romans 12:2 | Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. | Transformation through truth |
| Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. | Cultivating a mind focused on truth |
| Acts 16:14 | One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. | Divine initiative in opening hearts |
| Acts 18:24-28 | Apollos taught accurately about Jesus, though he only knew the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila instructed him more perfectly in the way of God. | Eagerness to learn and correct understanding |
| 2 Timothy 3:16-17 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. | Sufficiency and utility of Scripture |
| Acts 17:4 | Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. | Persuasion and engagement with the message |
| Jeremiah 10:23 | I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. | Reliance on God's guidance, not self |
| Colossians 2:8 | See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. | Warning against deceptive teachings |
| Acts 17:2 | And Paul, as was his custom, went to them, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. | Paul's method of reasoned argument from Scripture |
| Acts 2:42 | And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. | Devotion to apostolic teaching |
| 1 Corinthians 3:11 | For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. | Foundation in Christ |
| Galatians 1:8 | But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. | Protecting the integrity of the Gospel |
Acts 17 verses
Acts 17 11 Meaning
The Bereans were more noble than the Thessalonians because they eagerly received the word of God with all readiness and diligently searched the Scriptures daily to verify if Paul's teachings were in line with the Old Testament prophecies and established Jewish law. Their noble disposition lay in their intellectual honesty and their commitment to grounding their faith in the truth of God's revealed word, rather than blindly accepting tradition or eloquent speech.
Acts 17 11 Context
This verse is found in Acts chapter 17, detailing Paul's missionary journey. Following his confrontation in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas were sent by the brothers to Berea. The Bereans are presented as having a more noble character than the Thessalonians because of their intellectual and spiritual response to the Gospel. While the Thessalonians were tumultuous and divisive, the Bereans demonstrated a hunger for truth and a critical, yet receptive, approach to the apostles' message. This context highlights the importance of examining teachings against the plumb line of God's existing revelation.
Acts 17 11 Word Analysis
- anastantes (ἀναστάντες): "having risen up," "standing up." This suggests they initiated the action, standing to receive and hear. It implies a proactive engagement, not passive listening.
- Protheōteron (προθυμότερον): "more gladly," "more readily," "with greater eagerness." This adjective indicates a higher degree of enthusiasm and openness compared to others previously encountered, or perhaps a default expectation. It highlights a positive disposition toward the divine message.
- deparexe to Logō (δέχεσθαι τὸν λόγον): "receive the word." To accept, welcome, and embrace the spoken message of the Gospel. This implies not just hearing, but internalizing and believing.
- pas (πᾶς): "all." Every day. Emphasizes consistency and thoroughness in their practice.
- epi hekaston hemera (ἐφ’ ἑκάστην ἡμέραν): "upon each day," "daily." Underscores a regular, systematic effort to engage with the Scriptures, not sporadic checking.
- ē tauta (εἰ ταῦτα): "if these things," "whether these things." This refers to the specific teachings Paul and Silas were presenting.
- houtōs echoi (οὕτως ἔχοι): "so hold." This implies the content of the teachings.
- Anakrinō tas Graphas (ἀνακρίνειν τὰς Γραφὰς): "to examine the Scriptures," "to scrutinize the Scriptures," "to investigate the Scriptures." This is the key verb. It denotes a thorough, analytical, and judicial inquiry, going beyond mere reading to a careful weighing of evidence. The present participle suggests a continuous action.
- kath hekasten hemeran (καθ’ ἑκάστην ἡμέραν): "daily." Reinforces the consistent nature of their examination. The Greek adverbial phrase implies "according to each day."
Word Group Analysis
- Protheōteron depektos Logō kai anákrinō tas Graphas hekaston hemeran: "They received the word with more eagerness, and examined the Scriptures daily." This phrase encapsulates their balanced approach: enthusiastic reception coupled with critical investigation based on established revelation. The "more eagerness" (Protheōteron) points to an internal disposition, while "examined the Scriptures" (Anakrinō tas Graphas) denotes an outward, evidence-based practice. The daily commitment "hekoastos hemeran" emphasizes their diligence. This contrasts sharply with intellectual apathy or blind faith.
Acts 17 11 Bonus Section
The Bereans' practice highlights the indispensable role of the Old Testament (which was the complete Scripture at that time) in validating New Testament teaching. It demonstrates that true faith is not an emotional flight or an intellectual exercise in isolation, but a harmonious response of the whole person to God's revealed truth. Their example encourages believers today to engage with Scripture actively and analytically, testing all teaching by the unchanging Word of God, guided by the Holy Spirit. The "nobility" described is not of social standing, but of spiritual character – a deep respect for truth and a rigorous commitment to finding it.
Acts 17 11 Commentary
The Bereans serve as a model for discerning discipleship. Their nobility stems from a proactive, intellectual, and spiritual engagement with God's word. They received the Gospel with a prepared heart ("eagerness"), indicating a genuine hunger for divine truth. Simultaneously, they did not abandon their minds to unquestioning acceptance. Instead, they acted as spiritual detectives, meticulously checking Paul's teachings against the Old Testament Scriptures. This diligent examination ("searched the Scriptures daily") reveals their reverence for God's prior revelation and their commitment to aligning present truth with God's established word. This practice ensures that doctrine remains faithful to the apostolic foundation, guarding against error and deception. Their approach models a faith that is both heartfelt and intellectually robust, deeply rooted in Scripture.