Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτοι
These
G3778
οὗτοι
These
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 24
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
εὐγενέστεροι
more noble
G2104
εὐγενέστεροι
more noble
Strong's:
G2104
Word #:
4 of 24
well born, i.e., (literally) high in rank, or (figuratively) generous
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἵτινες
in that they
G3748
οἵτινες
in that they
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
8 of 24
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
ἐδέξαντο
received
G1209
ἐδέξαντο
received
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
9 of 24
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
11 of 24
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
12 of 24
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθ'
G2596
καθ'
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
16 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἡμέραν
daily
G2250
ἡμέραν
daily
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
17 of 24
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἀνακρίνοντες
and searched
G350
ἀνακρίνοντες
and searched
Strong's:
G350
Word #:
18 of 24
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὰς
the scriptures
G1124
γραφὰς
the scriptures
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
20 of 24
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
Cross References
Isaiah 34:16Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.John 5:39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.Matthew 13:23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.Proverbs 1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:1 Thessalonians 1:6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:Proverbs 8:10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.Psalms 119:100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
Historical Context
Contrasts with Thessalonian Jews' hostile rejection (vv.5-9) which forced Paul and Silas to flee by night to Berea. The 'scriptures' meant the Old Testament (Septuagint), examined to verify Paul's claims about Messiah. Many Bereans believed (v.12) because Scripture confirmed Paul's gospel. This incident established the 'Berean' label for Christians who test teaching against Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance teachability ('readiness of mind') with discernment ('searched the scriptures')?
- What 'scriptures' do you use to verify contemporary preaching and teaching?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so—Luke commends the Bereans' noble (εὐγενέστεροι) character: openness to Paul's message combined with rigorous Scriptural verification. Received the word with readiness shows eager receptivity, not skeptical hostility. Searched the scriptures daily (ἀνακρίνοντες τὰς γραφὰς) means careful examination—the same verb used for legal investigation. Whether those things were so doesn't doubt Paul but tests his teaching against Old Testament authority. This balance—teachable spirit plus biblical discernment—models proper response to preaching.