Acts 17
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Commentaries
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Passed through Amphipolis - This city was the metropolis of the first division of Macedonia, as made by Paulus Aemilius: see the note on Act 16:10. It was builded by Cimon, the Athenian general, who sent 10,000 Athenians thither as a colony. It stood in an island in the river Strymon, and had its name of Amphipolis because included between the two grand branches of that river where they empty themselves into the sea, the river being on both sides of the city. Apollonia - This was another city of Macedonia, between Amphipolis and Thessalonica. It does not appear that St. Paul stopped at any of these cities: and they are only mentioned by the historian as places through which the apostles passed on their way to Thessalonica. It is very likely that in these cities there were no Jews; and that might have been the reason why the apostles did not preach the Gospel there, for we find them almost constantly beginning with the Jews; and the Hellenist Jews, living among the Gentiles, became the medium through which the Gospel of Christ was conveyed to the heathen world. Thessalonica - This was a celebrated city of Macedonia, situated on what was called the Thermaic Gulf. According to Stephanus Byzantinus, it was embellished and enlarged by Philip, king of Macedon, who called it Thessalonica, the victory of Thessalia, on account of the victory he obtained there over the Thessalians; but, prior to this, it was called Thermae. But Strabo, Tzetzes, and Zonaras, say that it was called Thessalonica, from Thessalonica, wife of Cassander, and daughter of Philip. It is now in possession of the Turks, and is called Salonichi, which is a mere corruption of the original name. A synagogue of the Jews - Ἡ συναγωγη, The synagogue; for the article here must be considered as emphatic, there prob…
Open source ↗AT THESSALONICA THE SUCCESS OF PAUL'S PREACHING ENDANGERING HIS LIFE, HE IS DESPATCHED BY NIGHT TO BEREA, WHERE HIS MESSAGE MEETS WITH ENLIGHTENED ACCEPTANCE--A HOSTILE MOVEMENT FROM THESSALONICA OCCASIONS HIS SUDDEN DEPARTURE FROM BEREA--HE ARRIVES AT ATHENS. (Act 17:1-15) when they had passed through Amphipolis--thirty-three miles southwest of Philippi, on the river Strymon, and at the head of the gulf of that name, on the northern coast of the Ægean Sea. and Apollonia--about thirty miles southwest of Amphipolis; but the exact site is not known. they came to Thessalonica--about thirty-seven miles due west from Apollonia, at the head of the Thermaic (or Thessalonian) Gulf, at the northwestern extremity of the Ægean Sea; the principal and most populous city in Macedonia. "We see at once how appropriate a place it was for one of the starting-points of the Gospel in Europe, and can appreciate the force of what Paul said to the Thessalonians within a few months of his departure from them: "From you, the word of the Lord sounded forth like a trumpet, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place,"" (Th1 1:8) [HOWSON]. where was a synagogue of the Jews--implying that (as at Philippi) there was none at Amphipolis and Apollonia.
Open source ↗Now when they had passed through Amphipolls,.... A city of Macedonia, where it is placed by Pliny (q); according to Ptolomy (r), it was in that part of Macedonia, which is called Edonis, and was near Philippi, and lay in the way from thence to Thessalonica; Harpocratian (s) says, it was a city of Thrace, formerly called "the Nine Ways"; it was upon the borders of Thrace, and had its name Amphipolis from the river Strymon running on both sides of it, making it a peninsula; it was also called Crademna, and Anadraemum; it is now in the hands of the Turks, and by them called Empoli; this city was originally built by Cimon the Athenian, into which he sent ten thousand Athenians for a colony, as the writer of his life reports (t). The apostle only passed through this place; it does not appear that he at all preached in it, or at any other time, nor do we read of it in ecclesiastical history, nor of the following place: and Apollonia; this is also placed by Pliny (u) in Macedonia, and is said by him to have been formerly a colony of the Corinthians, and about seven miles from the sea; and by Ptolomy (w), in that part of Macedonia called Mygdonia, and with him its name is Apollonia of Mygdonia; it was situated by the river Echedorus, and was famous for Augustus Caesar's learning Greek here, and is now called Ceres: there was another of this name in the region of Pentapolis, and was one of the five (x) cities in it; and another in Palestine mentioned by Pliny (y), along with Caesarea; and by Josephus (z), with Joppa, Jamnia, Azotus, &c. but this was near Thessalonica; it is said to be about twenty miles from it: here also the apostle did not stay to preach the Gospel, nor is there any mention made of it elsewhere in the Acts of the Apostles, and yet Marcus, sister's son to Barna…
Open source ↗Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians, the first two he wrote by inspiration, give such a shining character of that church, that we cannot but be glad here in the history to meet with an account of the first founding of the church there. I. Here is Paul's coming to Thessalonica, which was the chief city of this country, called at this day Salonech, in the Turkish dominions. Observe, 1. Paul went on with his work, notwithstanding the ill usage he had met with at Philippi; he did not fail, nor was discouraged. He takes notice of this in his first epistle to the church here (Th1 2:2): After we were shamefully treated at Philippi, yet we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God. The opposition and persecution that he met with made him the more resolute. Note of these things moved him; he could never have held out, and held on, as he did, if he had not been animated by a spirit of power from on high. 2. He did but pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia, the former a city near Philippi, the latter near Thessalonica; doubtless he was under divine direction, and was told by the Spirit (who, as the wind, bloweth where he listeth) what places he should pass through, and what he should rest in. Apollonia was a city of Illyricum, which, some think, illustrates that of Paul, that he had preached the gospel from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum (Rom 15:19), that is, to the borders of Illyricum where he now was; and we may suppose though he is said only to pass through these cities, yet that he staid so long in them as to publish the gospel there, and to prepare the way for the entrance of other ministers among them, whom he would afterwards send. II. His preaching to the Jews first, in their synagogue at Thessalonica. He found a synagogue of the Jews there…
Open source ↗17:1-9 After traveling through Macedonia to Thessalonica, Paul preached to the Jews first (Rom 1:16) in the synagogue. Here, as elsewhere, there was a mixed response. 17:1-3 Amphipolis was a Roman military post located on the Egnatian Way in the northeastern part of Macedonia. • Apollonia, named after the Greek god Apollo, was also situated on the Egnatian Way. • Thessalonica offered a starting point for ministry because it had a Jewish synagogue (see study note on 9:2). Paul was able to preach for three consecutive Sabbaths, explaining the Scriptures and showing their fulfillment in Jesus.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. διοδεύω (diodeúō, G1353) — to travel through Ἀμφίπολις (Amphípolis, G295) — a city surrounded by a river; Amphipolis, a place in Macedonia καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἀπολλωνία (Apollōnía, G624) — from G622 (ἀπόλλυμι)); Apollonia, a place in Macedonia ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessaloníkē, G2332) — Thessalonice, a place in Asia Minor ὅπου (hópou, G3699) — what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) συναγωγή (synagōgḗ, G4864) — an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by… Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ἔθω (éthō, G1486) — to be used (by habit or conventionality); neuter perfect participle usage εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" σάββατον (sábbaton, G4521) — the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the… διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, G1256) — to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… γραφή (graphḗ, G1124) — a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
Open source ↗διανοίγω (dianoígō, G1272) — to open thoroughly, literally (as a first-born) or figuratively (to expound) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παρατίθημι (paratíthēmi, G3908) — to place alongside, i.e. present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… πάσχω (páschō, G3958) — to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) ἀνίστημι (anístēmi, G450) — to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πείθω (peíthō, G3982) — to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other… προσκληρόω (prosklēróō, G4345) — to give a common lot to, i.e. (figuratively) to associate with Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… Σίλας (Sílas, G4609) — Silas, a Christian τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) σέβομαι (sébomai, G4576) — to revere, i.e. adore Ἕλλην (Héllēn, G1672) — a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person,… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… πλῆθος (plēthos, G4128) — a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace πρῶτος (prōtos, G4413) — foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah ἀπειθέω (apeithéō, G544) — to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely) ζηλόω (zēlóō, G2206) — to have warmth of feeling for or against καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… προσλαμβάνω (proslambánō, G4355) — to take to oneself, i.e. use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ἀγοραῖος (agoraîos, G60) — relating to the market-place, i.e. forensic (times); by implication, vulgar ὀχλοποιέω (ochlopoiéō, G3792) — to make a crowd, i.e. raise a public disturbance θορυβέω (thorybéō, G2350) — to be in tumult, i.e. disturb, clamor πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί))
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… σύρω (sýrō, G4951) — to trail Ἰάσων (Iásōn, G2394) — about to cure; Jason, a Christian καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… πολιτάρχης (politárchēs, G4173) — a town-officer, i.e. magistrate βοάω (boáō, G994) — to halloo, i.e. shout (for help or in a tumultuous way) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated)
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that Ἰάσων (Iásōn, G2394) — about to cure; Jason, a Christian ὑποδέχομαι (hypodéchomai, G5264) — to admit under one's roof, i.e. entertain hospitably καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole πράσσω (prássō, G4238) — to "practise", i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160 (ποιέω),… ἀπέναντι (apénanti, G561) — from in front, i.e. opposite, before or against δόγμα (dógma, G1378) — a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical) Καῖσαρ (Kaîsar, G2541) — Cæsar, a title of the Roman emperor λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist ἕτερος (héteros, G2087) — (an-, the) other or different βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ταράσσω (tarássō, G5015) — to stir or agitate (roil water) ὄχλος (óchlos, G3793) — a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people;… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πολιτάρχης (politárchēs, G4173) — a town-officer, i.e. magistrate ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) ἱκανός (hikanós, G2425) — competent (as if coming in season), i.e. ample (in amount) or fit (in character) παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… Ἰάσων (Iásōn, G2394) — about to cure; Jason, a Christian λοιποί (loipoí, G3062) — remaining ones ἀπολύω (apolýō, G630) — to free fully, i.e. (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) εὐθέως (euthéōs, G2112) — directly, i.e. at once or soon ἐκπέμπω (ekpémpō, G1599) — to despatch τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Σίλας (Sílas, G4609) — Silas, a Christian διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Βέροια (Béroia, G960) — Berœa, a place in Macedonia ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, G3854) — to become near, i.e. approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) εὐγενής (eugenḗs, G2104) — well born, i.e. (literally) high in rank, or (figuratively) generous ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessaloníkē, G2332) — Thessalonice, a place in Asia Minor ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same δέχομαι (déchomai, G1209) — to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole προθυμία (prothymía, G4288) — predisposition, i.e. alacrity ἀνακρίνω (anakrínō, G350) — properly, to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine γραφή (graphḗ, G1124) — a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
Open source ↗οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εὐσχήμων (euschḗmōn, G2158) — well-formed, i.e. (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank) γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís, G1674) — a Grecian (i.e. non-Jewish) woman ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὀλίγος (olígos, G3641) — puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially)…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessaloníkē, G2332) — Thessalonice, a place in Asia Minor γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καταγγέλλω (katangéllō, G2605) — to proclaim, promulgate ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) εὐθέως (euthéōs, G2112) — directly, i.e. at once or soon ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐξαποστέλλω (exapostéllō, G1821) — to send away forth, i.e. (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) Σίλας (Sílas, G4609) — Silas, a Christian καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Τιμόθεος (Timótheos, G5095) — dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.
because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
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.
We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
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.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river, where it was customary to find a place of prayer. After sitting down, we spoke to the women who had gathered there.
For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”