Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 17:11

"Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." — Acts 17:11 (ASV)

These were more noble. eugenesteroi. This literally means more noble by birth, descended from more illustrious ancestors. But here the word is used to denote a quality of mind and heart; they were more generous, liberal, and noble in their feelings, more disposed to inquire candidly into the truth of the doctrines advanced by Paul and Silas.

It is always proof of a noble, liberal, and sincere disposition to be willing to examine the truth of any doctrine presented. The writer refers here particularly to the Jews.

In that. Because.

They received the word, etc. They listened attentively and respectfully to the gospel. They did not reject and spurn it as unworthy of examination. This is the first particular in which they were more noble than those in Thessalonica.

And searched the Scriptures. That is, the Old Testament. (See the notes on John 5:39).

The apostles always affirmed that the doctrines which they maintained respecting the Messiah were in accordance with the Jewish Scriptures. The Bereans made diligent and earnest inquiry in respect to this, and were willing to ascertain the truth.

Daily. Not only on the Sabbath and in the synagogue, but they made it a daily employment. It is evident from this that they had the Scriptures; and this is one proof that Jewish families would, if possible, obtain the oracles of God.

Whether those things were so. Whether the doctrines stated by Paul and Silas were in accordance with the Scriptures. The Old Testament they received as the standard of truth, and whatever could be shown to be in accordance with that, they received. On this verse we may remark:

1. It is proof of true nobleness and liberality of mind to be willing to examine the proofs of the truth of religion. What the friends of Christianity have had most cause to lament and regret is that so many are unwilling to examine its claims; that they spurn it as unworthy of serious thought and condemn it without hearing.
2. The Scriptures should be examined daily. If we wish to arrive at the truth, they should be the object of constant study. That person has very little reason to expect that they will grow in knowledge and grace who does not peruse, with candor and with prayer, a portion of the Bible every day.
3. The constant searching of the Scriptures is the best way to keep the mind from error. One who does not do it daily may expect to be carried about with every wind of doctrine, and to have no settled opinions.
4. The preaching of ministers should be examined by the Scriptures. Their doctrines are of no value unless they accord with the Bible. Every preacher should expect his doctrines to be examined in this way and to be rejected if they are not in accordance with the word of God.

The church, in proportion to its increase in purity and knowledge, will feel this more and more; and it is an indication of advance in piety when people are increasingly disposed to examine everything by the Bible. How immensely important then is it that the young should be trained up to diligent habits of searching the word of God.

And how momentous is the duty of parents and of Sabbath-school teachers to inculcate just views of the interpretation of the Bible and to form the habits of the rising generation so that they shall be disposed and enabled to examine every doctrine by the sacred oracles.

The purity of the church depends on the extension of the spirit of the noble-minded Bereans, and that spirit is to be extended mainly by the instrumentality of Sabbath-schools.