They Were Noble and Valiant For Truth

Posted on 12/20/2022 by goodnewsfromadistantland — Leave a comment

Being noble and valiant for truth are very honourable characteristics!

Being of a noble (superior) character and being valiant (courageous, brave) for truth are very rare qualities nowadays. It takes uncommon courage to stand up for truth, to proclaim truth, to search for truth, to receive truth, to love truth, to submit to truth.

One group of people in the apostle Paul’s day were valiant for truth — the Bereans. They are described as being ‘more noble’:

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming there went into the synagogue of the Jews. These (the Bereans) 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. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. (Acts 17:10-12)

As this passage shows us, these Bereans were not as obstinate, annoyed, or intolerant as the Thessalonians. The unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica were angry, and they troubled the people of the city causing an uproar. But the Jews of Berea were more noble! They were valiant for truth, eagerly wanting to know the truth and the guidance of the Word of Yahuwah Elohim [the Hebrew name for the LORD God]. They were willing to hear Paul’s message without partiality even though Paul’s teachings were contrary to what they were familiar with.

What wonderful qualities these Bereans possessed! Apparently they did not quarrel with the apostle’s revelations about the Messiah; they did not find fault. Rather they heard Paul’s message and began to search the Scriptures daily — searching the only Scriptures they had — the Old Testament!

What was the result of their search? — ‘many of them believed’! They discovered that the Scriptures confirmed the Gospel message that Paul preached and therefore they received Yahushua Messiah [the Hebrew name for Jesus Christ] as their Messiah and Saviour.

These Bereans were like King Josiah. When King Josiah heard God’s Word (see 2Chronicles 34:14-33), he was tender-hearted. The tender-hearted learn to be sensitive to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit as they study and search God’s Word. The tender-hearted know that it is better to be open to instruction and not be too hasty to reject a differing position. (Proverbs 14:29a; Proverbs 4:13)

Often there is a yielded, gentle quality in the tender-hearted because they have known the pain of rejection, the agony of persecution, or the loneliness of despair and defeat. The tender-hearted have become tenderized, even beautiful, through afflictions. Such people have learned, and benefited, from their trials.

Perhaps the Bereans were a mature group of people who had learned that troubles or afflictions are blessings in disguise. Hardships are meant to help us repent of our prideful, selfish attitudes: “Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Yahuwah [LORD], and whom You teach out of Your law [Torah]” (Psalms 94:12). The tender-hearted have observed and come to understand the fearful consequences of a stubborn, haughty, hard-hearted nature

The Bereans heard and listened carefully to the message of the kingdom of God and of the Messiah. I would say that the Bereans were noble and valiant for truth!

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