Acts 17:12
Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Original Language Analysis
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 16
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 16
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 16
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
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 16
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
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐσχημόνων
of honourable
G2158
εὐσχημόνων
of honourable
Strong's:
G2158
Word #:
12 of 16
well-formed, i.e., (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.Acts 14:1And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Historical Context
Berea was a Macedonian city 50 miles southwest of Thessalonica. Paul and Silas fled there after Thessalonian persecution (vv.5-10). The Berean synagogue proved more receptive than Thessalonica's. The mention of prominent Greek women reflects Macedonian women's unusual freedom and influence compared to other regions. This occurred around AD 50 during Paul's second missionary journey.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Berean pattern—Scripture examination leading to belief—inform evangelistic confidence?
- Why does Luke repeatedly emphasize conversions among prominent women in Macedonia and Asia Minor?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore many of them believed—the Bereans' noble character (v.11) bore fruit in belief. Their Scripture-searching confirmed Paul's gospel, demonstrating that biblical investigation leads to faith, not away from it. Also of honourable women which were Greeks (Ἑλληνίδων γυναικῶν τῶν εὐσχημόνων)—Luke highlights high-status Greek women's conversions, a recurring pattern in Acts (13:50, 17:4). The phrase euschēmonōn (honourable/prominent) indicates social standing and respectability.
And of men, not a few—the Greek litotes (understatement through negation) emphasizes substantial male converts. Luke documents Christianity's appeal across gender, ethnicity (Jews and Greeks), and social class. The Berean response vindicates Paul's method: proclaim Christ from Scripture, invite examination, trust the Spirit to convince through biblical truth.