Acts 17:11-12 NASB
[11] Now these [Bereans] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. [12] Therefore many of them believed...

The Bereans have served as a wonderful example to Christians for years. Many have been inspired by their diligent examination of the scriptures that apparently differentiated them from the Thessalonians.

But I think there is more to the legacy of the Bereans than just their Bible study techniques.

In this passage the Bereans are specifically contrasted with those in Thessalonica, just a few verses earlier (Acts. 17.1-9). When Paul and Silas arrived in Thessalonica they spent three weeks conducting Bible studies in the synagogues, reasoning and explaining that Jesus was the Christ. It sounds like there was an awful lot of scripture examination in Thessalonica as well.

Paul and Silas' ministry in Thessalonica did bear some fruit among the Greeks, but vs. 5 says that the Jewish people became "jealous". It is at this point where I think we begin to see what differentiates the Bereans from the Thessalonians - in their response to the Word of God. To me, it's fascinating that both the Thessalonians and the Bereans studied the same Old Testament, with the same teachers (Paul and Silas) in the same setting (their synagogues) but had totally different attitudes- the Thessalonians were jealous and the Bereans were eager/expectant.

I'm suggesting that it is was the eagerness or the expectation of the Bereans that caused Luke to describe them as "more noble-minded", not simply their diligent search of the scriptures. I'm also suggesting that it was the expectant attitude of the Bereans that drove them to a diligent study of the scripture.

Don't we learn from the Pharisees that burying your face in a Bible is not noble if it causes you to miss or reject God's work?

Diligent Bible study driven by cynicism and a critical spirit is not noble, and I fear that many Evangelicals have co-opted the legacy of the Bereans as a misapplied proof-text for their cynicism and unbelief. You're not a Berean because you study the Bible. You're a Berean if you study the Bible with expectation.

Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it's really unbelief. "Unbelief" in Christians is ironically and tragically far too prevalent for a group of people that identify themselves as "believers."

Cynical Bible study says things like:
- This miracle is for a specific place and a specific time.
- God does things differently now than He has done them at other times.
- I don't see that in the Bible, therefore it can't be possible now.
- The Kingdom of Heaven is far off.

Eager/Expectant Bible Study says:
- Miracles in the Bible transcend generations, locations and situations, therefore I EXPECT that to continue.
- God's nature and character have not changed.
- Because I see things in the Bible, I EXPECT to see them now.
- The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand/imminent/near.

As you engage in the study of scripture it’s important do so with expectation and not cynicism. Cynicism is often looking for a reason NOT to believe something, while expectation and eagerness are saying; “I want to experience as much of the rule and reign of God as possible during my life on this Earth!”