2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Other Translations of Acts 17:2

King James Version

2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

English Standard Version

2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

The Message

2 Paul went to their meeting place, as he usually did when he came to a town, and for three Sabbaths running he preached to them from the Scriptures.

New King James Version

2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

New Living Translation

2 As was Paul's custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 17:2

Commentary on Acts 17:1-9

(Read Acts 17:1-9)

The drift and scope of Paul's preaching and arguing, was to prove that Jesus is the Christ. He must needs suffer for us, because he could not otherwise purchase our redemption for us; and he must needs have risen again, because he could not otherwise apply the redemption to us. We are to preach concerning Jesus that he is Christ; therefore we may hope to be saved by him, and are bound to be ruled by him. The unbelieving Jews were angry, because the apostles preached to the Gentiles, that they might be saved. How strange it is, that men should grudge others the privileges they will not themselves accept! Neither rulers nor people need be troubled at the increase of real Christians, even though turbulent spirits should make religion the pretext for evil designs. Of such let us beware, from such let us withdraw, that we may show a desire to act aright in society, while we claim our right to worship God according to our consciences.

18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

Other Translations of Acts 17:18

King James Version

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler babbler: or, base fellow say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

English Standard Version

18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"--because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

The Message

18 He got to know some of the Epicurean and Stoic intellectuals pretty well through these conversations. Some of them dismissed him with sarcasm: "What an airhead!" But others, listening to him go on about Jesus and the resurrection, were intrigued: "That's a new slant on the gods. Tell us more."

New King James Version

18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.

New Living Translation

18 He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, "What's this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he's picked up?" Others said, "He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 17:18

Commentary on Acts 17:16-21

(Read Acts 17:16-21)

Athens was then famed for polite learning, philosophy, and the fine arts; but none are more childish and superstitious, more impious, or more credulous, than some persons, deemed eminent for learning and ability. It was wholly given to idolatry. The zealous advocate for the cause of Christ will be ready to plead for it in all companies, as occasion offers. Most of these learned men took no notice of Paul; but some, whose principles were the most directly contrary to Christianity, made remarks upon him. The apostle ever dwelt upon two points, which are indeed the principal doctrines of Christianity, Christ and a future state; Christ our way, and heaven our end. They looked on this as very different from the knowledge for many ages taught and professed at Athens; they desire to know more of it, but only because it was new and strange. They led him to the place where judges sat who inquired into such matters. They asked about Paul's doctrine, not because it was good, but because it was new. Great talkers are always busy-bodies. They spend their time in nothing else, and a very uncomfortable account they have to give of their time who thus spend it. Time is precious, and we are concerned to employ it well, because eternity depends upon it, but much is wasted in unprofitable conversation.

4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Other Translations of Acts 18:4

King James Version

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

English Standard Version

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

The Message

4 But every Sabbath he was at the meeting place, doing his best to convince both Jews and Greeks about Jesus.

New King James Version

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

New Living Translation

4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 18:4

Commentary on Acts 18:1-6

(Read Acts 18:1-6)

Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his calling. An honest trade, by which a man may get his bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt by any. It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade, though they gave them learning or estates. Paul was careful to prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable. The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the communings of the saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ, and blasphemed. They would not believe themselves, and did all they could to keep others from believing. Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his work; for though Israel be not gathered, Christ and his gospel shall be glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the first offer. When some oppose the gospel, we must turn to others. Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ.

19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

Other Translations of Acts 18:19

King James Version

19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

English Standard Version

19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

The Message

19 They landed in Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquila got off and stayed. Paul left the ship briefly to go to the meeting place and preach to the Jews.

New King James Version

19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

New Living Translation

19 They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 18:19

Commentary on Acts 18:18-23

(Read Acts 18:18-23)

While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren. Disciples are compassed about with infirmity; ministers must do what they can to strengthen them, by directing them to Christ, who is their Strength. Let us earnestly seek, in our several places, to promote the cause of Christ, forming plans that appear to us most proper, but relying on the Lord to bring them to pass if he sees good.