Be Noble

Introduction

What is “noble”? What comes to your mind when you think about the word “noble”? Who will you describe as being noble?

Luke described the Jews in Berea as being more noble than those in Thessalonica. Why did he say that? In what ways were they more noble?

Noble

1. Having or showing fine personal qualities that people admire

2. Belonging to a family of high social rank

3. Very impressive in size or quality

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary

Here are the definitions of the word “noble” from the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary. I don’t think Luke meant that the Jews in Berea were impressive because of their size. It is also unlikely that the Jews belonged to families of high social rank. This means that the Jews in Berea showed qualities that Luke found admirable. What were these qualities?

Acts 17:11 ESV

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.

Receive the Word with Eagerness

Firstly, they received the word with eagerness. In Thessalonica, Paul spent three Sabbath days to reason with the Jews from the Scriptures. But only some were persuaded by his effort while others actually stirred up a mob against Paul out of jealousy. Why were they jealous? Most likely, they were jealous of Paul’s success among the Greeks. This shows that the Jews in Thessalonica were more interested in protecting the interest of their synagogue than to hear the word of God. Later in verse 17 and 34, we see that Paul reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and devout persons again, but only some believed. The people in Athens asked him to speak more, but only because all Athenians and the foreigners who live there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. Greeks liked to listen to something new not because of a desire to learn truth. Greek philosophers were highly regarded in Greek society and being educated by them was a pathway for bolstering their social status. Contrasted to them, the people in Berea displayed a genuine interest in the things of God when they received the word with eagerness. This shows that their attitude towards God is humble anticipation.

Examine the Scriptures Diligently

Secondly, they applied themselves to study the bible. Paul preached that Jesus is the Messiah and about his death and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 1:22–23 ESV

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,

The Jews in Thessalonica stumbled over the stumbling block. Their self interest blind their eyes and they couldn’t see the truth of the Gospel. The Greeks in Athens were looking for wisdom to bolster their social status. Suffering and hard work is not valued in their society. A god who suffered for his people made no sense to both Jews and Greeks. However, the Jews in Berea did not dismiss the claims of Paul simply because it did not fit their worldview. They were so humble that they truly listened and considered the claims. Instead of hanging on to their preconceived idea of how God works, they diligently examined the scriptures daily. They were not dismissive of Paul’s words, nor did they accepted it uncritically. They trusted in the Scriptures and they judged Paul’s message based on evidence in the Scriptures.

Acts 17:12 ESV

Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

Submit and Believe

The Jews in Berea had two witnesses confirming to them the truth that Jesus is the Messiah who suffered for the sins of the world and was resurrected. The first witness was the the proclamation of Paul. They had received the the proclamation with eagerness. The second witness was the Scriptures. They had examined the Scriptures diligently after hearing from Paul. The result was that many of them believed. This indicates that while the gospel challenged their worldview, they were willing to submit to the twin witness once they confirmed that these witnesses agree with each other. They did not allow a challenging message to stumble them. Rather, they humbled themselves and responded by believing.

Being Teachable is Noble

The Jews in Berea received Paul’s proclamation eagerly, examined the scriptures diligently, and believed humbly. They were teachable. Being teachable is a willingness to be challenged and grow. It is not passive and disinterested. It is a posture that actively learns and aligns oneself to the truth of God. Is that our heart posture? As Christians, we are on a lifelong journey of sanctification. God is constantly forming us to conform to Christlikeness. But are we noble like the Jews in Berea? Are we open to listen to messages that challenges our perspectives and worldview? Are we diligent to examine the scriptures to confirm the messages? Are we willing to respond to such challenges with a humble response of change? Are we teachable?