Acts 17:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τινες

G5100

some

some or any person or object

ἐξ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν

G846

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

ἐπείσθησαν

G3982

believed

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

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσεκληρώθησαν

G4345

consorted

to give a common lot to, i.e., (figuratively) to associate with

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παύλῳ

G3972

with Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

Σιλᾷ

G4609

Silas

silas, a christian

#13

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#15

σεβομένων

G4576

of the devout

to revere, i.e., adore

#16

Ἑλλήνων

G1672

Greeks

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

#17

πολὺ

G4183

a great

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#18

πλῆθος

G4128

multitude

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

#19

γυναικῶν

G1135

women

a woman; specially, a wife

#20

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#21

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

πρώτων

G4413

of the chief

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#23

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#24

ὀλίγαι

G3641

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 simile or metaphorical language. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

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