ARE YOU A NOBLE-MINDED PERSON?

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

"These 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" (Acts 17:11).

Paul had previously been in Thessalonica, prior to his coming to Berea (Acts 17:1-9). As was Paul's custom, he had visited the synagogue of the Jews to reason with them from the scriptures. Many of the Jews, after hearing Paul, became outraged to the point that some of the brethren had to send Paul and Silas away by night. It was evident that many of the Jews did not consider the truthfulness of what Paul said. They became enraged without basis and without investigation into the matter. This very same attitude is found in people today. Just because a person may say or preach something that is different and contrary to anything the hearer has been taught, the hearer will write the preacher or teacher off as one who seeks to divide. There is no doubt that what Paul preached in Thessalonica caused division in the synagogue. Jesus said that such would be the nature of truth. "Think not that I have come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword" (Matt. 10:34). Jesus goes on to say that his word would set at variance or divide even households. (Matt. 10:35-36) Truth, by its very nature is going to be offensive to some (See Heb. 4:12). People will put up opposition to it, will try to refute it, and will even discard it. Yet the truth must still be preached, even when people do not want to hear it (See 2 Tim. 4:2).

What should be the attitude of those who are being taught in light of the convicting nature of truth? Some will be offended. As stated earlier it is offensive. Preaching will often cause the hearer to try to avoid the truth. He will ignore it by avoiding or even crucifying the messenger. One method of attacking the messenger is to attack his character with wrong motives. Such was done to Jesus. They said he was a wine-bibber and a glutton (Matt. 11:19). They said Jesus operated under the power of Satan (Matt. 12:24). They said that he was trying to overthow the throne of Caesar (John 19:12). None of these charges had anything to do with what Jesus taught, but were used as a smoke screen to the real issue. Some today will not stop to consider what is taught, but instead will proceed with character assassination. Of course, such is not a product of good and honest Bible study. When Paul and Silas went to Berea (Acts 17:10), again, they visited a synagogue of the Jews. This time they found a group of people who were, at least, willing to study the Scriptures. Luke calls them noble minded (Acts 17:11). "They received the word of God with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." The idea of receiving the word with all readiness implies that, as they were convinced of and understood the truth of the things taught, were ready to do them (Read James 1:22-25).

What has become a sad commentary in the lives of so many today is their unwillingness to study, especially when there is disagreement. They'd rather charge false motives or write the messenger off than to study the word with all readiness. Are you a noble minded person? Or would you rather just accept what you believe without any investigation or Bible study?