NOBILITY

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

NOBILITY is a highly cherished Virtue. In general, it refers to the quality of being decent, gallant, honourable, principled or thoughtful. In special usage, people are born into nobility, royalty or aristocracy. In the Bible however, few individuals who were described as ‘noble,’ wore the appellation like a title: Asnappar (Ezr.4:10); King Ahasuerus’ princes (Est.6:9); Felix (Acts 24:3); and Festus (Acts 26:25). Israel was likened to a “noble vine, a seed of highest quality” that God had planted, but had turned “into the degenerate plant of an alien vine” (Jer.2:21). Acts 17:10-11 is however unique in the use of the word “noble” to describe the Berean’s attitude to receiving God’s Word. Here, nobility means having the right and recommended approach to God’s Word. Nobility travels with Meekness (yesterday’s meditation): “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jam.1:21).

Nobility was demonstrated by the people that Paul preached the Gospel to at Berea. The Scripture reveals that they were noble because they received the Word of God with eagerness and readiness of mind, and then followed up by searching the Scriptures daily to confirm the verity of the things that they had heard. The Holy Spirit described this as a noble quality. It is noble to receive the Word of God with all readiness of mind. It is ignoble to respond to the Word with a critical, grumpy, skeptical or judgemental mind, to criticize every word spoken by the Holy Spirit through God’s servants. No human being is appointed or anointed as a judge over His Word. It is also noble, having received the Word, to go home with it, and expound on it by studying the Scriptures to ascertain its veracity and validity, so that it can be rooted and grounded in your heart.

You have no business criticizing or judging the Word of God. Why? First, you are an offspring of the Word: “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1Pet.1:23). Also, you are sustained by the Word: “upholding all things by the word of His power” (Heb.1:3b). Moreover, “the words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psa.12:6). The proper and noble approach to the Word of God is to receive it gladly, readily, and responsibly; and to research the Scriptures personally, following up on the Word that has been received. To have readiness of mind towards God’s Word means that you are willing to receive it without any bias or criticism: This attitude is what God calls noble. Contrast this with the negative reaction of “certain lewd fellows of the baser sort” in Thessalonica, who “gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar” (Acts 17:5 kjv).

Nobility is a virtue of great value. As we’ve noted however, from a biblical perspective, nobility relates more to the attitude to God’s Word than to any royal ancestry, aristocratic background, privileged upbringing, or elite position. It is possible to attain Nobility in Christ – nobility in God’s eyes – no matter the circumstances of your birth! If you were born a commoner, insignificant, mediocre, unwanted, despised and rejected, you can still experience His Nobility! God specializes in turning “nobodies” into Nobles, by the instrumentality of His Word: “He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap” (Psa.113:7). The Word says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1Pet.2:9). It’s time to arise and fulfil your Calling to Nobility. Aristocracy only lasts for a lifetime, but Christian Nobility lasts for eternity!