Paul's systematic three-Sabbath exposition in Thessalonica contrasts sharply with his typical brief, persecution-driven departures, suggesting Luke emphasizes sustained scriptural reasoning over miraculous signs.
Acts 17
In Thessalonica and Berea
1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.
2Paul, as was his custom, went in to them; and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”
4Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas: of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.
5But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people.
6When they didn’t find them, they dragged Jason and certain brothers before the rulers of the city, crying, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
7whom Jason has received. These all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus!”
8The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things.
9When they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
10The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.
11Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
12Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.
13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Beroea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes.
14Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.
15But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.
In Athens
16Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols.
17So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.
18Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.
19They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?
20For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”
21Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
22Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.
23For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.
24The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.
25He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.
26He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
28‘For in him we live, move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’
29Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.
30The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
31because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”
32Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, “We want to hear you again concerning this.”
33Thus Paul went out from among them.
34But certain men joined with him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
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Theme
Paul's missionary journey continues through three major cities, each presenting distinct challenges and opportunities. In Thessalonica and Berea, he encounters both receptive audiences and violent opposition from jealous Jewish leaders, with the Bereans notably distinguished for their careful examination of Scripture. His arrival in Athens marks a significant shift as he engages Greek philosophers and intellectuals, delivering his famous Areopagus address that bridges biblical truth with pagan philosophy.
Context
This chapter continues Paul's second missionary journey from Chapter 16, showing the gospel's advance into major Greek cities before his eventual arrival in Corinth in Chapter 18.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4 Ministry in Thessalonica Paul preaches in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, persuading many Jews and Greeks through scriptural reasoning.
- 5-9 Opposition and Uproar Jealous Jews incite a riot, accusing Paul and his hosts of sedition against Caesar by proclaiming Jesus as king.
- 10-12 Reception in Berea The Bereans receive Paul's message eagerly, daily examining the Scriptures to verify his teachings.
- 13-15 Persecution Follows Thessalonian Jews pursue Paul to Berea, forcing him to flee while Silas and Timothy remain behind.
- 16-21 Paul in Athens Provoked by the city's idolatry, Paul engages philosophers in the marketplace and is brought before the Areopagus.
- 22-34 The Areopagus Address Paul delivers a masterful speech connecting Greek philosophy to biblical truth, resulting in mixed responses.
In Thessalonica and Berea
17:1–17:15 narrative narration urgent
Paul preaches in Thessalonica about Christ's suffering and resurrection, facing persecution but also gaining converts. The Bereans receive the message more readily, examining the Scriptures daily.
person_contrast
Paul's systematic three-Sabbath exposition in Thessalonica contrasts sharply with his typical brief, persecution-driven departures, suggesting Luke emphasizes sustained scriptural reasoning over miraculous signs.
In Athens
17:16–17:34 narrative speech contemplative
Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, proclaiming the unknown God as the Creator of all things. He challenges their idolatry and speaks of God's sovereignty over all nations and creation.
person_contrast
Paul's Areopagus speech uniquely combines creation theology with resurrection proclamation, making this the only passage where he argues from natural revelation before declaring Christ's victory over death.
Insights
Paul's Areopagus speech uniquely combines creation theology with resurrection proclamation, making this the only passage where he argues from natural revelation before declaring Christ's victory over death.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Acts 17:1 1 reference
Acts 17:2 1 reference
Acts 17:3 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 8:31 Lexical
He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, an…
Luke 24:46 Lexical
He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the t…
John 20:9 Lexical
For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Acts 17:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 13:43 Lexical
Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking…
Acts 14:1 Lexical
In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and o…
Acts 13:50 Lexical
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution again…
Acts 18:4 Lexical
He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
Acts 16:14 Lexical
A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord open…
Acts 17:5 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 10:17 Lexical
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sen…
Acts 11:11 Lexical
Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.
Acts 23:27 Lexical
“This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, havi…
Luke 8:27 Lexical
When Jesus stepped ashore, a certain man out of the city who had demons for a long time met him. He wore no clothes, and…
Acts 22:3 Lexical
“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according…
Acts 17:7 2 references
Acts 17:10 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 18:5 Lexical
When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was…
Acts 13:43 Lexical
Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking…
Acts 15:22 Lexical
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and sen…
Acts 15:40 Lexical
but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
Acts 15:32 Lexical
Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
Acts 17:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 10:2 Lexical
Then he said to them, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harv…
Matthew 9:37 Lexical
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
1 Corinthians 11:7 Lexical
For a man indeed ought not to have his head covered, because he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glor…
Acts 8:12 Lexical
But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were bapti…
Acts 5:14 Lexical
More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.
Acts 17:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 13:45 Lexical
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by P…
Matthew 11:7 Lexical
As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness…
Acts 15:36 Lexical
After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the…
Acts 13:5 Lexical
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their attendant.
Acts 14:19 Lexical
But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him…
Acts 17:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 18:5 Lexical
When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was…
Acts 15:22 Lexical
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and sen…
Acts 15:40 Lexical
but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
Acts 15:32 Lexical
Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
2 Corinthians 1:1 Lexical
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the assembly of God which is at Co…
Acts 17:15 1 reference
Acts 17:17 2 references
Acts 17:19 2 references
Acts 17:21 3 references
Lexicals 3
Revelation 2:17 Lexical
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the…
Matthew 6:24 Lexical
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and…
Luke 16:13 Lexical
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and de…
Acts 17:22 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 27:21 Lexical
When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to m…
Acts 25:24 Lexical
Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom all the multitude of t…
Acts 9:7 Lexical
The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one.
Acts 10:30 Lexical
Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold,…
Acts 16:9 Lexical
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into M…
Acts 17:24 5 references
Lexicals 5
Revelation 13:8 Lexical
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world i…
Revelation 17:8 Lexical
The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who d…
2 Peter 3:13 Lexical
But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
Acts 10:12 Lexical
in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.
Acts 7:48 Lexical
However, the Most High doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says,
Acts 17:25 1 reference
Acts 17:26 1 reference
Acts 17:27 1 reference
Acts 17:29 5 references
Lexicals 5
Revelation 18:12 Lexical
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vesse…
1 Corinthians 7:26 Lexical
Therefore I think that because of the distress that is on us, it’s good for a man to remain as he is.
Matthew 10:9 Lexical
Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
James 5:3 Lexical
Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you and will eat your flesh…
Matthew 23:16 Lexical
“Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of…
Acts 17:31 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 11:28 Lexical
One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, wh…
2 Timothy 4:1 Lexical
I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing an…
Acts 13:34 Lexical
“Concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: ‘I will give y…
Acts 24:21 Lexical
unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being ju…
Revelation 20:12 Lexical
I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, whi…
Acts 17:32 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 22:31 Lexical
But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying,
Acts 24:21 Lexical
unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being ju…
Acts 23:6 Lexical
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and…
Acts 17:33 1 reference
Acts 17:34 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 5:1 Lexical
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
Acts 8:12 Lexical
But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were bapti…
Luke 16:18 Lexical
“Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. He who marries one who is divorced from a husband…
Acts 5:14 Lexical
More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.
Interlinear
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Crucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
Paul explains Christ's necessary suffering through crucifixion as fulfillment of Scripture to the Thessalonians.
In Thessalonica and BereaResurrection
~30 ADJesus' victory over death through his bodily resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. This cornerstone event validates Jesus' divinity and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
The resurrection proves Jesus is the Messiah and validates Paul's message to both cities.
In Thessalonica and BereaResurrection
~30 ADJesus' victory over death through his bodily resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. This cornerstone event validates Jesus' divinity and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
Paul proclaims Jesus' resurrection as God's proof of coming judgment to the Athenians.
In Athens