"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 NKJV)

search the Scriptures

This passage is beloved because it shows honest Jews (1) who eagerly investigate the claims of Christ and His apostles; (2) who were willing to change their minds and their religious practices when truth demanded it; (3) who knew that their families would likely reject them because of their change; (4) who might be subjected to severe persecution because of their new faith; (5) and most of all, who knew their souls and their eternal destiny depended upon their obedience to truth.

More noble usually applies to nobility of birth; here, it is a nobility of character that leads to a new birth. The Bereans put the dishonest Thessalonian officials to shame. They do what many are unwilling to do. Their honesty is refreshing.

They received the word with all eagerness. Honesty is more than a policy. It is a requirement for everyone who wants to go to heaven. The Bereans, knowing that their sincere obedience to the word of truth would put them on the road to heaven, eagerly embraced it. Their reception of truth recalls the audience in Jerusalem — “And those who gladly received his word were baptized…” (Acts 2:41). What else would honest people do with the inspired word of God?

They searched the Scriptures. They did not examine human creeds. They did not seek answers from their religious leaders. They were not deterred from receiving the truth because of lost loved ones who had not obeyed the gospel. No, they turned to the Scriptures because nothing else could save them.

They searched the Scriptures daily. Not only did they have open minds and open Scriptures, but also open schedules. They studied daily. Salvation is serious; they must get it right.

They were determined to know the truth. Only the truth can set us free from sin (John 8:31-32). The Bereans remind us that if we miss heaven, we have missed it all.

– Rick Duggin