10And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away through the night to Berea, who, having arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews. [17:11] Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all readiness, examining the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so. [17:12] Many of them therefore believed, and of the prominent Greek women and men, not a few. [17:13] But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there too, shaking and troubling the crowds. [17:14] Immediately then the brothers sent Paul off to go as far as the sea, but both Silas and Timothy remained there. [17:15] Those escorting Paul brought him as far as Athens, and having received a command for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.
ACT 17:10-15
The Character of the Bereans
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, the term (eugenesteroi) carried connotations of social status and nobility, often tied to birthright or civic honor. The Bereans, described as 'more noble,' likely held a respected position in their community, possibly as landowners or civic leaders. Their readiness (, prothymias) to receive Paul’s message reflects a cultural value placed on hospitality and intellectual engagement, particularly in Hellenistic cities where philosophical discourse was prized. The Bereans’ daily examination (, anakrinontes) of the Scriptures aligns with Jewish synagogue practices, where Torah study was central, but their openness to Paul’s teachings suggests a willingness to challenge traditional interpretations. The mention of prominent Grecian women (, euschēmonōn) highlights the influence of women in civic and religious life, particularly in Hellenistic Jewish communities. The Thessalonian Jews’ hostility underscores the tensions between traditional Jewish factions and the emerging Pauline mission, which often disrupted local synagogue dynamics.
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How other translations render this
ACT 17:10
- KJV
- And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
- BSB
- As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue.
- Koinōnos
- And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away through the night to Berea, who, having arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews.
ACT 17:11
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- Now 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.
- Koinōnos
- Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all readiness, examining the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so.
ACT 17:12
- KJV
- Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
- BSB
- As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.
- Koinōnos
- Many of them therefore believed, and of the prominent Greek women and men, not a few.
ACT 17:13
- KJV
- But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
- BSB
- But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, they went there themselves to incite and agitate the crowds.
- Koinōnos
- But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there too, shaking and troubling the crowds.
ACT 17:14
- KJV
- And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
- BSB
- The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.
- Koinōnos
- Immediately then the brothers sent Paul off to go as far as the sea, but both Silas and Timothy remained there.
ACT 17:15
- KJV
- And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
- BSB
- Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
- Koinōnos
- Those escorting Paul brought him as far as Athens, and having received a command for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ACT 17:11
- more noble:The word translated 'more noble' here refers to someone of high birth or social standing, but in this context, it extends to a nobility of character and disposition, indicating a readiness to receive truth.
- readiness:The term translated 'readiness' conveys a sense of eager willingness and enthusiasm, not just a passive state of being prepared, but an active desire to engage.
- examining:The word translated 'examining' suggests a thorough and critical investigation, often with a judicial connotation, implying careful scrutiny and discernment rather than a casual look.
ACT 17:12
- prominent:The word translated 'prominent' describes someone who is respectable, well-regarded, and of good standing in the community, often implying a dignified appearance and social influence.