Notes From the Pastor's Desk
September 21, 2025
A More Noble Church
Read Acts 17:10-13. The church at Thessalonica was considered a noble church, but the church at Berea had a greater degree of nobility than the Thessalonians. The word “noble” in Acts 17:11 has the idea of a “higher status.” Verse 11 explains how their “greater nobility” was proven and demonstrated. When we compare our church with the one at Berea, how do we stand in the important matter of noblility? Let's compare ourselves.
I. They Received The Word
(v. 11a). The Word of God is certainly worth receiving by any person, in any place and in any circumstance. Clearly it is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God. First, consider the message declared unto them. That message was found in “the Word.” That message is one of Christ, foreshadowed in the Old Testament, and revealed in the New Testament. Secondly, think about the manner displayed by them. They “received the Word,” which means: “they gave ear to, they embraced, or they made the message their own.” They received it with “readiness of mind” — in other words they were ready to learn and obey.
II. They Searched The Scriptures
(v. 11b). The word “search” is a word that expresses thoroughness. It can have reference to a “judicial investigation.” It can speak of learning the truth of nature of something by careful study, evaluation or judgment. Consider, the time they were willing to give. It takes time to “search” the Scriptures to obtain a clear understanding that you might teach it to others (Compare Jn 5:39). In addition, think about the truth they wanted to know. They carefully studied the Bible to see if those things Paul preached to them were so or not. They were eager to make sure of the truth.
III. They Trusted The Savior
They knew what they were hearing was true and had confidence in what the Bible had to say about their sin and the Lord Jesus. First, there was the response of faith. Faith takes God at His Word and trusts Christ as Lord and Savior. That is how all should respond who hear the Gospel. Then, there are the results of faith. As one had faith, it spread to the lives of others to the degree that “many” believed. What kind of faith do you have?