When life threatening issues caused the apostle Paul to leave Thessalonica, he came to a place called Berea. After leaving Thessalonica, where people did not like truth, Paul found, in Berea, a devoted group of Christians. In fact, Scripture calls them “more noble” (cf. Acts 17:11). Just exactly what would cause the Holy Spirit to call these Christians “more noble,” and what would we have to do today to be such as they were?
Firstly, the Bereans had open hearts. Luke recorded, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word…” (Acts 17:11a). These folks, in contrast to what Paul had found in Thessalonica previously, really desired “the word.” Our “openness” or receptiveness to God’s Word is dependent upon our attitudes. The open heart is the one whose attitude is, “what doth the Lord require” (cf. Micah 6:8). Not everyone desires and receives the Word! Consider Stephen’s hearers, of whom it was written, “…they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears…” (Acts 7:57b). Many of Paul’s hearers on Mars Hill “mocked” (Acts 17:32). Sadly, not everyone is interested in the truth of God’s Word. Although not everyone will obey, the Book still declares that we are to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21b). Spiritual nobility begins with open hearts!
Secondly, the Bereans had open minds. Luke continued, “…with all readiness of mind…” (Acts 17:11b). Without an open mind, we can never really come to a full knowledge of God’s Word. Again, James reminded, “receive with meekness” (James 1:21). Throughout recorded Bible history, many sincere people have been wrong about their religious beliefs, and because of their open minds, they were taught the Word more correctly (cf. Cornelius, Acts 10-11; Lydia, Acts 16; Apollos, Acts 18; et al.). Spiritual nobility demands open minds!
Thirdly, the Bereans had open Bibles. Luke concluded, “…and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11c). Far too few people ever pick up the Word of God! Sadder still, far too few people ever study the Bible! Some people are diligent in reading God’s Word, but they never “search” it! This is true even among our fellowship. Study is different than reading. One cannot study without reading, but one can read without studying! “Search” as is used in our text denotes the idea of “investigating, examining, scrutinizing.” Diligent study and searching God’s Word has become a “lost art” among many Christians today. Spiritual nobility is never possible without open Bibles!
I wonder what words the Holy Spirit would use to describe most congregations today. Would we be considered noble? Imagine coming to Bible class next Sunday, and there sits the apostle Paul; what would he say about our classes? Do we, like the Bereans, have open hearts, open minds and open Bibles? How do we rank when it comes to spiritual nobility? May we ever strive to be like “those noble Bereans”!
