These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore, many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. Acts 17:11-12
Anyone who knows me knows I am about as far removed from “the nobility” in the traditional sense of things as a person can be. The nobility indicates people who are “well-born” and often bear official titles such as lords, dukes, duchesses, kings, queens, princes, princesses, etc. They are the aristocracy, the elites who wield power and influence over the rest of society. The Greek term for this occurs three times in the New Testament. In the parable of the ten minas, it is translated as the “nobleman” who left his goods in the hands of his servants to do business while he went to receive a kingdom (Luke 19:12). Again in 1 Corinthians 1:26 we find this usage of the term as Paul reminded them that not many of them who had accepted the gospel call were of noble birth. He was warning them against being enamored with the flashy things that typically draw people in and woo them. The third use of the term is quite different from the other two.
In Acts 17:11, Paul contrasted the attitude of the Bereans with that of the angry mob who expelled him from Thessalonica using this term. The literal usage of the term has to do with one’s station at birth, but Paul uses it metaphorically of those who had a healthy attitude towards the gospel message. The great part about this “nobility” is that anyone with the proper heart can join its ranks whereas the traditional nobility is by physical birth only. This warrants a little closer look at the components found in the heart of these noble Bereans.
First, when they heard the gospel, they were eager to learn of it. The word translated readiness here occurs also in 2 Corinthians 8:11, 12, 19; 9:2 to describe the eagerness of the Corinthians to assist in the collection for the poor saints at Judea. The notion is one of active zeal, not passiveness. Second, they were willing to think critically about the word Paul presented. Too many are willing to swallow whatever feel good story anyone with a bit of charisma is offering up, but only the truth can set us free from our sins (John 8:31-32). The Bereans would not even simply take the word of an inspired apostle without corroborating it with the Scriptures. Though we must be zealous to receive the word, we must be equally zealous to verify Whose word it is. Third, once they verified it was indeed the word of God, they immediately yielded and accepted it for what it was (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
What a joy it is to know that no matter the circumstances of our physical birth, you and I have the opportunity to become a part of the nobility! Best of all, this nobility is called such by God Almighty! The self-proclaimed nobility enjoys plenty of earthly privileges for being born as such, but the nobility of God is granted far better, eternal privileges. If we would be a part of God’s nobility, we too must be born into it, and that birth occurs only when we test, receive, and apply the word of God revealed in the gospel of Christ (John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:21-23). Are you a part of the nobility? If not, why not?!