Acts 17:11
What does Acts 17:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:11 means
Luke commends the Bereans as “more noble” than those in Thessalonica. Their nobility lies not in social rank but in approach: eager receptivity joined with diligent verification. They welcome the word with readiness of mind, yet they also examine the Scriptures daily to test Paul’s claims. This is a model for thoughtful faith—open to God’s voice, careful to confirm it against His written revelation. Daily searching shows seriousness and humility. Truth invites scrutiny; the gospel does not fear the light. Where God’s word is honored in this way, it bears fruit, establishing conviction that rests not on rhetoric but on Scripture’s testimony.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now these were more noble than the Jews of Thessalonica, for they gave serious attention to the word, searching in the holy Writings every day, to see if these things were so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, they received the word with all readiness of mind, every day examining the Writings whether those things were so;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all eagerness, daily searching the scriptures, whether these things were so.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, receiving the word with all readiness of mind, daily searching the scriptures if these things were so.
Context
After the hasty move to Beroea (verse 10), verse 11 sets up a contrast with Thessalonica’s contentious scene. It highlights the Bereans’ method: readiness and daily Scripture examination. This prepares readers for the positive result in the next verse (12), where many believe across social lines. Yet, as in Thessalonica, opposition will not be far behind. News reaches hostile Jews from Thessalonica, who come to agitate the crowds (verse 13), prompting a strategic relocation of Paul while leaving Silas and Timothy to continue ministry (verse 14).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 10:33
Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.
- Proverbs 2:1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;
- 2 Peter 1:19
And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:
- 1 John 4:5
They are of the world: therefore speak they as of the world, and the world heareth them.
- 1 Peter 1:10
Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
- John 1:45
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
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