Literally, “wellborn” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:26). Here the word stands for the generous, loyal temper that was ideally supposed to characterize those of aristocratic birth. It was this quality of kindliness and open-mindedness that the apostle and Luke admired in the Berean Jews. In contrast with those in the synagogue of Thessalonica, they were not the slaves of prejudice, but, with open minds, were ready to study the truths that Paul presented.

 That is, the Word of God. Paul gave them the same Biblical teaching that he had given to the Jews in Thessalonica (v. 3).

Or, “eagerness.” They eagerly desired enlightenment.

 Gr. anakrinō, “to investigate,” “to examine,” “to sift [evidence],” especially in a legal sense, as in chs. 4:9; 12:19. In John 5:39 a different word, ereunaō (“to search,” “to examine into”), is used. The Bereans used sanctified intelligence in studying the Scriptures, and found that the inspired words told of a Messiah who would suffer and rise again. Having examined the evidence and having found what was true, they proved their sincerity by accepting the new teaching. The Berean converts have always been regarded, particularly by those who emphasize the right of private judgment, as representative of those who exhibit the right relation between reason and faith, avoiding credulity on the one hand and skepticism on the other. In their readiness to look at what was proposed as truth, and to check it against a revered authority, the Scriptures, finally following truth as they found it, they constitute a good example to follow.

The use of this word suggests that Paul’s stay with the Bereans was at least long enough for him to direct the inquirers in extended study of the Word.