Acts 19:8
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγὴν
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγὴν
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
5 of 18
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
ἐπαῤῥησιάζετο
and spake boldly
G3955
ἐπαῤῥησιάζετο
and spake boldly
Strong's:
G3955
Word #:
6 of 18
to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor
ἐπὶ
for the space
G1909
ἐπὶ
for the space
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 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
διαλεγόμενος
disputing
G1256
διαλεγόμενος
disputing
Strong's:
G1256
Word #:
10 of 18
to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πείθων
persuading
G3982
πείθων
persuading
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
12 of 18
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
the things concerning
G4012
περὶ
the things concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 1:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:Acts 28:23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.Jude 1:3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Historical Context
Paul's three-month synagogue ministry in Ephesus was longer than in most cities, suggesting greater initial receptivity. Ephesus's large Jewish population provided substantial audience for messianic argumentation.
Questions for Reflection
- How should gospel proclamation combine reason and persuasion?
- What does sustained teaching in one place accomplish?
- How can we balance boldness with patient, thorough instruction?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul 'went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.' The combination of 'disputing' (Greek 'dialegomai' - reasoned dialogue) and 'persuading' (Greek 'peithō' - convincing) shows Paul's method: intellectual engagement aimed at conversion. Three months of sustained teaching demonstrates patient, thorough ministry.