Acts 17:10-12
What does it mean in these verses when it states that the
Jews at Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica? Often, we read the Scriptures and it is our
definition of words that bring about our understanding of what was read. If we look in the dictionary how would noble
be defined? Noble: 1) having excellent
moral character 2) relating to high moral principles. Now I have no doubt that is part of God’s
definition of the word (noble), but if we stop there we would miss the intent
of what the Scripture is telling us.
Doctor Luke gives this insight into how God defines noble; “The brothers
immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived
they went into the Jewish synagogue. 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. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of
high standing as well as men. (Acts 17:10-12 ESV)
From heavens view, and that is reality, how should you and I
define noble in our lives? Are we noble
by just going to church and listening to what our priest or preacher says, or
do we become noble in the eyes of God when we go home an ask the Holy Spirit to
give clarity to what has been taught, making sure it lines up with God’s
written word. Now if we are a follower
of Christ, are there any other eyes that hold more importance?
The question always must be ask, has God spoken else where in
the Scripture on looking into the Scriptures to find truth? First, let us look at the apostle Paul
sharing this insight from the Holy Spirit, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our
instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the
Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4 ESV) Our hope is not in the Scriptures, but in
the Father, in the Son, and in the Spirit, and it is recorded in John 5:39-40,
where Jesus was talking to some very religious Jews who wanted to kill
him. These are His words; “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you
have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to
come to me that you may have life.”
Why does God call us noble when we submit to His written
word, because it is there we find Jesus Christ, and it is there that we find
how to please the Father? Looking at
Deuteronomy 4:2, “You
shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may
keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.” Do you grasp why the Bereans were
noble in God’s sight? And then comes
the question; how do you desire God to look upon you?
My hope for you, as well as for my house, is that we have
the testimony of the prophet Jeremiah, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words
became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O
LORD, God of hosts. (Jeremiah
15:16 ESV)
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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