Acts 17:2
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
as
G2596
κατὰ
as
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰωθὸς
his manner was
G1486
εἰωθὸς
his manner was
Strong's:
G1486
Word #:
4 of 18
to be used (by habit or conventionality); neuter perfect participle usage
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
6 of 18
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 18
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
G1909
ἐπὶ
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
σάββατα
sabbath
G4521
σάββατα
sabbath
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
12 of 18
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
διελέγετο
days reasoned
G1256
διελέγετο
days reasoned
Strong's:
G1256
Word #:
14 of 18
to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 18
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
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Acts 9:20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.Acts 13:5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.Isaiah 1:18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.Acts 18:4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.Acts 8:35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.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.Acts 17:17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.Acts 17:10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.John 18:20Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Luke 4:16And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Historical Context
Paul's synagogue ministry in Thessalonica followed his typical pattern: begin with Scripture, demonstrate Jesus as Messiah, invite response. His three-week teaching established the church Paul later addressed in his Thessalonian epistles.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you combine biblical reasoning with spiritual persuasion in sharing the gospel?
- What does Paul's systematic, Scripture-based approach teach about engaging people's minds as well as hearts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's custom was reasoning with Jews 'out of the scriptures' for 'three sabbath days,' showing his systematic biblical approach. The verb 'reasoned' (Greek 'dialegomai') indicates dialogue and explanation, not mere assertion. This pattern of Scripture-based persuasion models how to engage minds while trusting the Spirit to convince hearts.