Acts 17:11

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, etc.] 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 (<460126>1 Corinthians 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,…”

“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.”

“These were more noble - εὐγενέστεροι eugenesteroi. This literally means more noble by birth; descended from more illustrious ancestors. But here the word is used to denote a quality of mind and heart. They were more generous, liberal, and noble in their feelings; more disposed to inquire candidly into the truth of the doctrines advanced by Paul and Silas. It is always proof of a noble, liberal, and ingenuous disposition to be willing to examine into the truth of any doctrine presented. The writer refers here particularly to the Jews. In that - Because. They received the word ... - They listened attentively and respectfully to the gospel. They did not reject and spurn it as unworthy of…”

“These were more ingenuous - Or generous. To be teachable in the things of God is true generosity of soul. The receiving the word with all readiness of mind, and the most accurate search into the truth, are well consistent. Acts 17:12”

“more: Pro 1:5, Pro 9:9; Jer 2:21; Joh 1:45-49 they received: Act 2:41, Act 10:33, Act 11:1; Job 23:12; Pro 2:1-5, Pro 8:10; Mat 13:23; Th1 1:6, Th1 2:13; Th2 2:10; Jam 1:21; Pe1 2:2 and searched: Psa 1:2, Psa 1:3, Psa 119:97, Psa 119:100, Psa 119:148; Isa 8:20, Isa 34:16; Luk 16:29, Luk 24:44; Joh 3:21; Joh 5:39; Ti2 3:15-17; Pe1 1:10-12; Pe2 1:19-21; Jo1 4:5, Jo1 4:6 Acts 17:12”