A.T. Robertson 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)

More noble than those (ευγενεστερο των). Comparative form of ευγενης, old and common adjective, but in N.T. only here and Lu 19:12; 1 Corinthians 1:26. Followed by ablative case των as often after the comparative.

With all readiness of mind (μετα πασης προθυμιας). Old word from προθυμος (προ, θυμος) and means eagerness, rushing forward. In the N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 8:11–19; 9:2. In Thessalonica many of the Jews out of pride and prejudice refused to listen. Here the Jews joyfully welcomed the two Jewish visitors.

Examining the Scriptures daily (καθ' ημεραν ανακρινοντες τας γραφας). Paul expounded the Scriptures daily as in Thessalonica, but the Beroeans, instead of resenting his new interpretation, examined (ανακρινω means to sift up and down, make careful and exact research as in legal processes as in Ac 4:9; 12:19, etc.) the Scriptures for themselves. In Scotland people have the Bible open on the preacher as he expounds the passage, a fine habit worth imitating.

Whether these things were so (ε εχο ταυτα ουτως). Literally, "if these things had it thus." The present optative in the indirect question represents an original present indicative as in Lu 1:29 (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1043f.). This use of ε with the optative may be looked at as the condition of the fourth class (undetermined with less likelihood of determination) as in Ac 17:27; 20:16; 24:19; 27:12 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1021). The Beroeans were eagerly interested in the new message of Paul and Silas but they wanted to see it for themselves. What a noble attitude. Paul's preaching made Bible students of them. The duty of private interpretation is thus made plain (Hovey).