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Acts 17:11
Verse
Context
The Character of the Bereans
10As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.12As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica - Ησαν ευγενεϚεροι, Were of a better race, extraction, or birth, than those at Thessalonica; but the word refers more to their conduct, as a proof of their better disposition, than to their birth, or any peculiar lineal nobility. It was a maxim among the Jews, that "none was of a noble spirit who did not employ himself in the study of the law." It appears that the Bereans were a better educated and more polished people than those at Thessalonica; in consequence far from persecuting: 1. They heard the doctrine of the Gospel attentively. 2. They received this doctrine with readiness of mind: when the evidence of its truth appeared to them sufficiently convincing, they had too much dignity of mind to refuse their assent, and too much ingenuousness to conceal their approbation. 3. They searched the Scriptures, i.e. of the Old Testament, to see whether these thing were so: to see whether the promises and types corresponded with the alleged fulfillment in the person, works, and sufferings of Jesus Christ. 4. They continued in this work; they searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica--The comparison is between the Jews of the two places; for the triumphs of the Gospel at Thessalonica were mostly among the Gentiles. See on Act 17:2-4. in that they received the word with all readiness of mind--heard it not only without prejudice, but with eager interest, "in an honest and good heart" (Luk 8:17), with sincere desire to be taught aright (see Joh 7:17). Mark the "nobility" ascribed to this state of mind. searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so--whether the Christian interpretation which the apostle put upon the Old Testament Scriptures was the true one.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,.... That is, the Jews at Berea were more noble than the Jews in Thessalonica, as the Syriac version expresses it; for the comparison is not between the native inhabitants of Berea and Thessalonica, but between the Jews that dwelt in these places: and the one being "more noble" than the other, does not refer to their birth, lineage, and descent, as in Co1 1:26 few such were called; and besides, both sorts were Jews, and of the same descent; and as for the proselytes in both places, there were some of the chief and honourable women converted in each: but to their minds, dispositions, and manners; the one were more candid, and ingenuous, and open to conviction and susceptive of the word, than the other; and used the apostles with better manners, with more mildness and gentleness, willing to hear what they had to say, without contradicting and blaspheming, and to examine with patience and candour what they delivered. Not that there is in any man, nor was there in those men naturally a disposition to attend to, and regard the Gospel of Christ; for there is a natural enmity in the minds of men to it, and with them it is folly and nonsense; nor are there any previous dispositions in the minds of men qualifying them for the grace of God; nor is anything of this kind a reason why some, and not others, are called by grace, for all are children of wrath, and none better than others; but this more noble disposition of mind and conduct was owing to the grace of God bestowed upon them; and which showed itself in the following instance: in that they received the word with all readiness; or "who received", &c. which is a character, not of the Thessalonian Jews, as some think; though it is true of them that they received the word with joy of the Holy Ghost, and not as the word of man, but as the word of God, it coming to them not in word only, but in power, Th1 1:5 but of the Beran Jews, who exceeded them, who showed at once a readiness and eager desire to attend the Gospel, and embrace it. This is to be understood not of the essential word Christ; though as it is true of him, that he is the word, and he is said to be received, and that readily and willingly, so these Bereans did receive him by faith, they believed in him, and made a profession of him; nor of the written word, for that is designed by the Scriptures, which they searched daily, and by which they examined, tried, and judged of the word they received; but of the word spoken by the apostle, the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation: this they received into their understandings, not merely notionally, so as to give their assent to it; but spiritually and experimentally, so as to feel the power, and enjoy the comfort of it, their understandings being opened by the Spirit of God for this purpose; otherwise the Gospel is unknown unto, and rejected by the natural man: they received the love of the truth, or the word of truth into their affections, not with a mere carnal flashy affection, arising from a principle of self-love; but with a spiritual affection of the Holy Ghost, with real solid gladness, it bringing the good news of salvation by Christ to them who saw themselves miserable, and undone: they received it into their hearts, so that it had a place there, and worked effectually in them: they believed it, not with a mere historical faith, but from the heart obeyed this form of doctrine delivered to them; and this they did with all readiness, as an hungry man receives his food, and greedily feeds upon it, or as a man ready to perish receives and lays hold on anything that offers for his safety. And searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so: they did not dispute with, and cavil at the apostle, as the Thessalonian Jews first did, Act 17:2 nor did they receive the word, right or wrong, or with an implicit faith; but they immediately betook themselves to reading and searching the writings of the Old Testament, to see whether the things which the apostle preached, concerning the Messiah, his incarnation, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead, were agreeable to them, or no; determining, if they were not, to reject them, but if they were, to embrace them, as they did; see Joh 5:39 and this they did continually day after day. They were neither backward to hear and receive the word, nor slothful to examine it.
Acts 17:11
The Character of the Bereans
10As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.12As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Knowing Jesus
By Major Ian Thomas14K46:15KnowingMAT 6:33MAT 13:53ACT 17:11ROM 10:17EPH 1:72TI 3:16HEB 9:22In this sermon, the preacher addresses the idea that many people have been "house trained" or "brainwashed" into thinking that once they make a decision to follow God and attend church on Sundays, that is all that is required of them. However, the preacher emphasizes that true Christian faith goes beyond just attending church and making a decision. He encourages those who are truly interested in the Christian life to seek a deeper understanding of their faith and to let God work through them to impact the lives of others. The preacher also highlights the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ and allowing Him to guide every aspect of our lives. He warns that there may be some who will not continue on this journey and will never return, but he is hopeful to meet those who are genuinely seeking to know Jesus and live out their faith fully.
Genesis #01 Ch. 1:1 Intro. - Universal Beginnings
By Chuck Missler11K1:24:34BeginningMAT 6:33LUK 24:32JHN 5:39ACT 17:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrasts and similarities between the book of Genesis and the book of Revelation. He uses a digital watch as a metaphor to illustrate the different time zones represented in these two books. The speaker also mentions the cursed world described in Genesis, with its sorrow, thorns, and Satan's oppression, and contrasts it with the eternal world described in Revelation, where there is no more curse, sorrow, or pain. The sermon also touches on the concept of faith as the evidence of things not seen, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:1.
Jude #2 - Israel in the Wilderness
By Chuck Missler6.4K1:25:52JudeACT 17:111CO 10:13HEB 3:7HEB 4:1JUD 1:5In this sermon, the pastor discusses the topic of apostasy and warns the congregation about the dangers of falling away from the faith. He uses examples from the Bible to illustrate this, including Israel, the angels who sinned, and Sodom and Gomorrah. The pastor emphasizes the importance of avoiding unbelief and staying faithful to God. He also reminds the congregation of the assurance and promises of God, particularly referencing Joshua and Caleb as examples of faithfulness.
Genesis #03 Ch. 1:3-19 Let Light Be
By Chuck Missler6.0K1:28:21GenesisGEN 1:1EXO 13:21JHN 1:7JHN 1:9ACT 17:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a hologram and how it relates to our understanding of God's creation. He explains that a hologram is like a window into a smaller universe, and the size of the window determines the resolution of the image. The speaker emphasizes that his intention is not to teach, but to stimulate the audience to do their own research and study the Scriptures. He also highlights the significance of light in both the book of Genesis and the Gospel of John, emphasizing that Jesus is the true light that came into the world.
Easter Passion
By Jim Cymbala5.9K1:04:43Passion Of ChristGEN 12:1GEN 12:3MAT 6:33ACT 17:11GAL 1:81TH 5:212TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who was delivered from a life of addiction and despair by the power of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel message and the importance of sharing it with others. He recounts a moment when he felt a strong urging from the Holy Spirit to go and preach the gospel, despite his initial doubts. The speaker also briefly mentions a personal struggle he had with stepping out in faith and how God can provide guidance and help in uncertain situations.
Knowing God
By Anne Graham Lotz5.5K1:12:40Knowing GodGEN 1:1MAT 6:33ACT 17:112TI 3:161JN 1:11JN 2:1The video is a sermon on the topic of knowing God, with four main points. The first point is that knowing God begins with a personal experience with Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 John 1:1-4. The speaker emphasizes that John, the Apostle, had personally seen, heard, and touched Jesus, whom he refers to as the "word of life." The second point is that God has revealed Himself through His Word, the Bible, allowing us to know His character. The speaker mentions Revelation 4:1-3, where John describes a vision of heaven, highlighting the importance of immersing ourselves in God's Word. The third point is that as believers living in the last days, we should eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in numerous verses in the New Testament. The fourth point is a personal testimony from the speaker, who witnessed the unjust treatment and crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing the sacrifice and suffering He endured for humanity.
Esther #6 Macrocodes in Esther Part 2
By Chuck Missler4.5K1:04:36EstherMAT 6:33ACT 17:11ROM 15:41CO 10:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the rock in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit and not giving in to the lusts of the flesh. The speaker also mentions the villain Haman from the book of Esther and the need for salvation to be just the beginning of a person's walk with God. He concludes by highlighting the consequences of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, and the lesson it teaches about obedience to God's instructions.
Apologetics
By Francis Schaeffer4.1K57:23ApologeticsPRO 2:3JHN 14:6ACT 17:11ROM 10:171TH 5:212TI 2:151PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural framework and mindset of the people we are trying to communicate with. He compares it to speaking in a foreign language without learning it first. The speaker suggests that in order to effectively preach the Gospel, we must take the time to understand the generation we are living in and address their objections and concerns. He also highlights the need for both defense and positive communication in engaging with others. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel in a way that resonates with the culture of the second half of the 20th century.
The Dreamer
By B.H. Clendennen4.1K1:14:26JosephGEN 37:19MAT 7:7MAT 22:37JHN 5:6ACT 17:11EPH 1:15REV 2:4In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the increasing knowledge and advancements in the world, particularly in the field of science. However, he observes that religious dreamers are still held in contempt and are often overlooked because they are not focused on entertainment and pleasure. The preacher emphasizes the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in the presence of Christ, rather than being consumed by worldly desires. He also highlights the need for Christians to live out their faith and be a living testimony of the resurrected Christ, so that others may see and believe.
The Importance of Having the Peace of Christ
By David Wilkerson3.9K51:43PSA 34:1MAT 14:27JHN 14:17JHN 14:26ACT 17:111CO 2:10GAL 2:20In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of maintaining a passionate love for Christ. He expresses concern for those who have drifted away from their initial fervor and invites them to come forward for prayer. The speaker emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in teaching and guiding believers. He also highlights the need to trust in God's faithfulness and to praise Him in times of trouble. The sermon concludes with a reminder to not be afraid, but to have faith and give thanks to the Lord.
(Guidelines) Illumination I
By J. Vernon McGee3.6K01:27PSA 119:105PRO 2:6ISA 55:11JHN 14:26ACT 17:111CO 2:102TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and listening to the word of God. They mention going through the Bible multiple times in different programs, and each time, they discover something new with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the need for the Spirit of God to be our teacher and the only one who can truly illuminate the meaning of Scripture. They reference Bishop Hadley's statement that there is more meaning in every word of Holy writ than we can ever comprehend. The sermon concludes with a reminder from Dr. Robinson to be open to receiving new truths from the written word of God.
Genesis #18 Ch. 27-29 God's Principle of Retribution
By Chuck Missler3.4K1:30:03RetributionGEN 29:30JOB 4:8MAT 6:33ACT 17:11HEB 2:2HEB 11:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the author of the Bible, just as in business, it's not what you know but who you know. The story of Jacob and Esau is used as an example to teach several lessons. One lesson is that Esau traded his divine privileges for carnal gratification, while Jacob learned about the rights of the firstborn. The speaker also mentions Laban as a crafty character in the story. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on the lessons from this story and how it applies to their own lives.
Genesis #20 Ch. 31-34 Wrestling to the End of Self
By Chuck Missler3.4K1:24:30GenesisGEN 31:13GEN 33:4GEN 33:9ACT 17:11ROM 8:32In this sermon, Chuck Misler discusses Genesis chapters 31 through 34. He begins by emphasizing the importance of relying on God's word, particularly Romans 8, during times of stress. Jacob prepares a generous gift for his brother Esau, consisting of various animals. When they finally meet, Jacob bows before Esau and they reconcile. Laban and his sons, however, become jealous of Jacob's blessings from God. Jacob recognizes the changing circumstances and begins to seek God's guidance.
Young Earth -- It's Not the Issue
By Ken Ham3.2K1:17:58CreationEXO 20:11MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ACT 17:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding biblical history and its impact on our worldview. He highlights key events such as the creation in six days, the consequences of sin, the global flood of Noah's day, and the Tower of Babel. The speaker emphasizes that only God knows everything and challenges the idea of humans arrogantly interpreting God's word. He also warns against the humanist agenda of undermining Christianity by attacking its historical authority.
What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 3
By Paris Reidhead3.1K51:27Sinful NatureGEN 6:5GEN 11:9GEN 19:24MAT 6:33ACT 17:112CO 4:42PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the intelligence and ability of humans to organize and change their environment. He also highlights the presence of a sinful nature within every individual. The speaker references the story of Abel and Cain, where Abel offers a sheep as a sacrifice, acknowledging his own guilt and need for forgiveness. The sermon encourages listeners to study the Bible and understand the nature of man, his weaknesses, crimes, and potential for change. The speaker also mentions God's disapproval of sin, as seen through various biblical events such as the flood and the destruction of cities.
Genesis #22 Ch. 37-39 Joseph, the Faithful Servant
By Chuck Missler3.1K1:25:39GenesisGEN 37:1MAT 6:33JHN 7:7ACT 17:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding the word of God. The sermon focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis, particularly his time in prison and the significance of the bread and wine mentioned in chapter 40. The speaker draws parallels between Joseph and Jesus, highlighting their shared experiences and the symbolism of the bread and wine. The sermon concludes with a reminder to apply the lessons from Joseph's story to our own lives and strive to please God.
(The Real Jesus) 5 Jesus Overcame in Weakness
By Zac Poonen2.9K1:19:58JHN 6:70ACT 17:111TI 4:13In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of facing opposition and attacks from people who disagreed with his teachings. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and not being swayed by worldly desires or traditions. The speaker encourages young people to allow God to break them and mold them into vessels for His work. He also highlights the example of Jesus, who faced constant ridicule and pressure but remained steadfast in his mission. The sermon concludes with a reminder that relying on human strength and support is not enough, and that true strength comes from a deep relationship with the Lord.
Palm Sunday
By Jacob Prasch2.6K1:41:39Palm SundayDEU 18:22PSA 118:22JER 23:16MAT 21:2MAT 21:23MAT 23:39ACT 17:11The video discusses the events of Palm Sunday, specifically focusing on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. It highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus being hailed as the King by the people. The speaker emphasizes the reaction of the Pharisees and temple officials who were indignant at the people's praise of Jesus. The video also draws attention to the concept of stones crying out if the people were to become silent, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and proclaiming Jesus as Lord.
What Love Is This? - Part 9
By Dave Hunt2.3K02:29GEN 25:23MAT 18:14JHN 3:16ACT 17:11ROM 5:8EPH 2:41TI 2:32PE 3:91JN 4:8This sermon addresses the prophecy of 'The elder shall serve the younger,' focusing on Jacob and Esau and the nations descended from them. It delves into arguments against the Calvinist perspective, emphasizing the goal to prove God's love for all and the misrepresentation of God's character. The core message is about understanding God's love, kindness, and desire for all to be saved, urging believers to seek the truth and stand up for the true nature of God.
God's Truth About God's Word
By Russell Kelfer2.2K39:05Word Of GodPSA 19:10PSA 119:105PSA 119:114ISA 55:10ACT 17:11HEB 4:121JN 5:14The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in understanding the mind, emotions, and will of individuals. It highlights seven basic truths about the Scripture that debunk Satan's lies. The speaker encourages individuals to prioritize spiritual food over physical food and to constantly engage with the Word of God. The sermon emphasizes that the Word of God is not only perfect and without error, but also practical and applicable to all aspects of life, including running a home and making day-to-day decisions.
Elizabethan Puritans
By J.I. Packer2.1K55:17PSA 119:105PRO 4:7JHN 14:6ACT 17:11ROM 10:17EPH 4:142TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the certainty of God's truth, emphasizing that it is confirmed by God's solemn oath. He highlights how the Lord repeatedly commands and persuades the wicked to turn from their sinful ways. The preacher explains that God even reasons with the wicked, asking them why they would choose death over life. Despite all of God's efforts, if the wicked refuse to repent, it is not because of God, but because of their own choice. The sermon encourages listeners to take these teachings seriously and to reflect on them, even suggesting taking notes to remember the key points.
Spiritual Discernment
By John Murray2.0K51:22DiscernmentPSA 91:11ACT 17:111TH 5:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of three exercises of the mind: proving, holding, and abstaining. He explains that these exercises are crucial in navigating the challenges of life. The preacher encourages the congregation to not simply accept things at face value, but to search the scriptures daily to discern the truth. He warns against the temptation to always seek something new and encourages the congregation to hold fast to what is good. Lastly, he urges them to abstain from anything that even appears evil. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for discernment, steadfastness, and purity in the Christian walk.
What Love Is This? - Part 4
By Dave Hunt1.9K09:49MAT 7:15ACT 17:11ROM 16:171CO 3:11GAL 1:6EPH 4:14COL 2:82TI 3:162PE 2:11JN 4:1This sermon delves into the influence of Augustine on Calvinism and Reformed theology, highlighting Augustine's impact on Roman Catholic Church doctrines such as infant baptism, salvation through the church and sacraments, and allegorical interpretation of the Bible. It also explores the surprising connection between Augustine and the Protestant Reformation, with figures like Calvin and Luther heavily influenced by his writings. The sermon addresses the implications of these historical ties on modern church practices and the importance of understanding the origins of theological beliefs.
The History of the Word Puritan
By J.I. Packer1.8K53:15PSA 119:105ACT 17:11ROM 12:21CO 10:31COL 3:232TI 3:16HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the overall standpoint before delving into the subject. He states that this course is a study of history and highlights the need to look for the essence of history and what to focus on when studying it. The speaker also mentions the limitations of textbooks and the importance of seeing through the eyes of historical figures. He then briefly touches on the social injustices perpetrated by the king and his advisors in the 17th century, as well as the church of England's alignment with Arminianism. The sermon concludes with the mention of a civil war and the resulting chaos in the country.
The Hand of God
By Billy Ingram1.5K1:01:50Provision2CH 7:142CH 15:2PRO 8:17JHN 5:39ACT 17:112TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful spiritual experience where the spirit of God swept through an auditorium, causing intense emotions and a desire for repentance. The preacher emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and urges young people to actively spread the message of Jesus' love and salvation. He also highlights the need for personal prayer and intercession for the salvation of others. The sermon concludes with a challenge to obey God's truth and deal with any areas of rebellion in one's life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica - Ησαν ευγενεϚεροι, Were of a better race, extraction, or birth, than those at Thessalonica; but the word refers more to their conduct, as a proof of their better disposition, than to their birth, or any peculiar lineal nobility. It was a maxim among the Jews, that "none was of a noble spirit who did not employ himself in the study of the law." It appears that the Bereans were a better educated and more polished people than those at Thessalonica; in consequence far from persecuting: 1. They heard the doctrine of the Gospel attentively. 2. They received this doctrine with readiness of mind: when the evidence of its truth appeared to them sufficiently convincing, they had too much dignity of mind to refuse their assent, and too much ingenuousness to conceal their approbation. 3. They searched the Scriptures, i.e. of the Old Testament, to see whether these thing were so: to see whether the promises and types corresponded with the alleged fulfillment in the person, works, and sufferings of Jesus Christ. 4. They continued in this work; they searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica--The comparison is between the Jews of the two places; for the triumphs of the Gospel at Thessalonica were mostly among the Gentiles. See on Act 17:2-4. in that they received the word with all readiness of mind--heard it not only without prejudice, but with eager interest, "in an honest and good heart" (Luk 8:17), with sincere desire to be taught aright (see Joh 7:17). Mark the "nobility" ascribed to this state of mind. searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so--whether the Christian interpretation which the apostle put upon the Old Testament Scriptures was the true one.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,.... That is, the Jews at Berea were more noble than the Jews in Thessalonica, as the Syriac version expresses it; for the comparison is not between the native inhabitants of Berea and Thessalonica, but between the Jews that dwelt in these places: and the one being "more noble" than the other, does not refer to their birth, lineage, and descent, as in Co1 1:26 few such were called; and besides, both sorts were Jews, and of the same descent; and as for the proselytes in both places, there were some of the chief and honourable women converted in each: but to their minds, dispositions, and manners; the one were more candid, and ingenuous, and open to conviction and susceptive of the word, than the other; and used the apostles with better manners, with more mildness and gentleness, willing to hear what they had to say, without contradicting and blaspheming, and to examine with patience and candour what they delivered. Not that there is in any man, nor was there in those men naturally a disposition to attend to, and regard the Gospel of Christ; for there is a natural enmity in the minds of men to it, and with them it is folly and nonsense; nor are there any previous dispositions in the minds of men qualifying them for the grace of God; nor is anything of this kind a reason why some, and not others, are called by grace, for all are children of wrath, and none better than others; but this more noble disposition of mind and conduct was owing to the grace of God bestowed upon them; and which showed itself in the following instance: in that they received the word with all readiness; or "who received", &c. which is a character, not of the Thessalonian Jews, as some think; though it is true of them that they received the word with joy of the Holy Ghost, and not as the word of man, but as the word of God, it coming to them not in word only, but in power, Th1 1:5 but of the Beran Jews, who exceeded them, who showed at once a readiness and eager desire to attend the Gospel, and embrace it. This is to be understood not of the essential word Christ; though as it is true of him, that he is the word, and he is said to be received, and that readily and willingly, so these Bereans did receive him by faith, they believed in him, and made a profession of him; nor of the written word, for that is designed by the Scriptures, which they searched daily, and by which they examined, tried, and judged of the word they received; but of the word spoken by the apostle, the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation: this they received into their understandings, not merely notionally, so as to give their assent to it; but spiritually and experimentally, so as to feel the power, and enjoy the comfort of it, their understandings being opened by the Spirit of God for this purpose; otherwise the Gospel is unknown unto, and rejected by the natural man: they received the love of the truth, or the word of truth into their affections, not with a mere carnal flashy affection, arising from a principle of self-love; but with a spiritual affection of the Holy Ghost, with real solid gladness, it bringing the good news of salvation by Christ to them who saw themselves miserable, and undone: they received it into their hearts, so that it had a place there, and worked effectually in them: they believed it, not with a mere historical faith, but from the heart obeyed this form of doctrine delivered to them; and this they did with all readiness, as an hungry man receives his food, and greedily feeds upon it, or as a man ready to perish receives and lays hold on anything that offers for his safety. And searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so: they did not dispute with, and cavil at the apostle, as the Thessalonian Jews first did, Act 17:2 nor did they receive the word, right or wrong, or with an implicit faith; but they immediately betook themselves to reading and searching the writings of the Old Testament, to see whether the things which the apostle preached, concerning the Messiah, his incarnation, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead, were agreeable to them, or no; determining, if they were not, to reject them, but if they were, to embrace them, as they did; see Joh 5:39 and this they did continually day after day. They were neither backward to hear and receive the word, nor slothful to examine it.