Acts 17:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πολλοὶ
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#2
μὲν
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#3
οὖν
Therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#4
ἐξ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
αὐτῶν
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
#7
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
Ἑλληνίδων
were Greeks
a grecian (i.e., non-jewish) woman
#10
γυναικῶν
women
a woman; specially, a wife
#11
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
εὐσχημόνων
of honourable
well-formed, i.e., (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)
#13
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἀνδρῶν
of men
a man (properly as an individual male)
#15
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
ὀλίγοι
a few
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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