Message from Scripture: 3/13/2021

Our message from Scripture today is Acts 17:11. “These were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all eagerness, and examined the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

On Paul's second missionary journey, he and Silas went to Berea, a town of southwestern Macedonia. The Bereans are described as more noble, or noble-minded, than those of Thessalonica, where Paul was before he came to Berea (Acts 17:11). The term noble in the Greek had the meaning of "well-born, of noble descent."

These Bereans were not deemed noble due to their birth or ancestry, but because they "received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so." They checked his message considering Scripture, and only then would they accept or reject it. From such a careful examination, many of them believed the gospel, receiving it with eagerness and zeal. It was their attitude toward the word of God, and the life-changing response it prompted, which caused them to be described as noble, or noble-minded.

Most of us today can’t trace our roots to nobility. We have no claim to royalty or its privileged status. It is an honor, however, to be considered noble by God. It comes by seeking the God of Scripture, to know Him, His will for us, and the life He offers through His Son. If we imitate the example of those Bereans, to be noble-minded, we will be open to what Scripture says about God’s way for salvation. If we imitate the example of those Bereans, we will be open to what Scripture says about how to worship God acceptably. If we imitate the example of those Bereans, we will be open to what Scripture says about how to live the Christian life daily. Are you trying to be noble-minded today? Spend time in Scripture, and you will find God’s blessings. Have a great day.

Robert