Acts 17:4
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 24
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 #:
4 of 24
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
ἐπείσθησαν
believed
G3982
ἐπείσθησαν
believed
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
5 of 24
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσεκληρώθησαν
consorted
G4345
προσεκληρώθησαν
consorted
Strong's:
G4345
Word #:
7 of 24
to give a common lot to, i.e., (figuratively) to associate with
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
with Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
with Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
9 of 24
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἑλλήνων
Greeks
G1672
Ἑλλήνων
Greeks
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
16 of 24
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
πολὺ
a great
G4183
πολὺ
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
17 of 24
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 17:12Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.Acts 14:4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.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.Acts 15:22Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:Acts 13:43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
Historical Context
This occurred in Thessalonica around AD 50 during Paul's second missionary journey. Thessalonica was Macedonia's capital with a significant Jewish population and synagogue. The "devout Greeks" were God-fearers attracted to Jewish monotheism—a bridge demographic that often formed the nucleus of early Gentile churches. The prominence of women converts reflects Macedonian culture's relatively high status for women compared to other regions.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the mixed response ("some believed") teach about evangelism expectations and the sovereignty of God in conversion?
- How does the inclusion of God-fearers, prominent women, and various social classes demonstrate the universal scope of the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And some of them believed (ἐπείσθησαν, epeisthēsan)—the verb means "were persuaded," indicating intellectual conviction through Paul's reasoning from Scripture. The response was mixed: "some" believed while others rejected, a pattern throughout Acts.
Consorted with (προσεκληρώθησαν, proseklērōthēsan)—literally "were allotted to" or "joined by lot," suggesting divine election and permanent attachment to the apostolic mission. Devout Greeks (σεβομένων Ἑλλήνων, sebomenōn Hellēnōn)—God-fearers, Gentiles who worshiped Yahweh but hadn't fully converted to Judaism. This group proved remarkably receptive to the gospel. Chief women (γυναικῶν τῶν πρώτων, gynaikōn tōn prōtōn)—prominent, high-status women, showing Christianity's appeal across social classes and Luke's emphasis on women in Acts.