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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 17:1-9

Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians, the first two he wrote by inspiration, give such a shining character of that church, that we cannot but be glad here in the history to meet with an account of the first founding of the church there. I. Here is Paul's coming to Thessalonica, which was the chief city of this country, called at this day Salonech, in the Turkish dominions. Observe, 1. Paul went on with his work, notwithstanding the ill usage he had met with at Philippi; he did not fail,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 17:1-9

17:1-9 When they had taken the road through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Paul, as his custom was, went in to them and, for three Sabbaths, he debated with them from the scriptures, opening the scriptures to them and presenting the evidence that Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, "and this man," he said, "is the Christ, Jesus whom I proclaim to you." Some of them believed and threw in their lot with Paul and Silas.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 17:8

And they troubled the people, and the rulers of the city ,.... Fearing some revolution would be made, and some new king, or rather tyrant, would start up, and usurp a power over them; or that they should come under some suspicion or charge with the Roman government, and should be called to an account, for admitting such men and tenets among them; with such fears were they possessed, when they heard these things ; alleged against the apostle and his company. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 17:8

And they troubled the people and the rulers - It is evident that there was no disposition in either the people or the rulers to persecute the apostles. But these wicked Jews, by means of the unprincipled, wicked lawyers, those lewd fellows of the baser sort, threw the subject into the form of law, making it a state question, in which form the rulers were obliged to notice it; but they showed their unwillingness to proceed in a matter which they saw proceeded from malice, by letting Jason and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 17:8

Verse 8− 8.They raised the multitude. We see how unjustly the holy men were handled. Because they had no place granted them to defend themselves, it was an easy matter to oppress them, though they were guiltless. We see, likewise, that it is no new matter for magistrates to be carried away with the rage of the people as with a tempest, especially when the injury toucheth those who are strangers and unknown, at whose hands they look for no reward; because they will not come in danger for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:1-9

A fulfilled and an unfulfilled prophecy. These verses would supply us with other material for thought. They present to us: 1. Christian workers patiently and conscientiously proceeding with their mission ( Acts 17:1 , Acts 17:2 ). 2. Christian advocates employing the weapon which was prepared for their use ( Acts 17:3 ). 3. Christian laborers reaping a blessed spiritual harvest ( Acts 17:4 ). 4. Faithful followers of the Lord partaking of his sufferings ( Acts... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:1-9

Paul at Thessalonica. I. HIS WORK . The synagogue was here again the scene of labor; the substance of the evangel again the theme of his discourse. 1. This is in contents ever the same; founded on the Scriptures. His special function as an apostle did not set him free from the authority of the past. Religion at any epoch is the fulfillment of all that has gone before and the prophecy of all that is to be. But let us beware of the slavery of the letter, and seek the truth of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:1-9

Thessalonica. Interest of the occasion, in view of the two Epistles afterwards written. The contrast between the Thessalonian and Philippian populations partly due to the presence of the Jewish synagogue. The Greek proselytes numerous. The Jews divided into two classes, the devout and the fanatical. The political element always ready to be called into use against the gospel, so that the multitude and the rulers were troubled. I. Take the whole narration as affording a glimpse into THE... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:1-15

The strange alliance. Among the hindrances to the progress of the gospel in the world we have often to notice the combination of the most discordant elements for the purpose of obstruction. Pilate and Herod were made friends together when they united in crucifying the Lord of glory. When the chief priests and Pharisees, in their blind hatred of the Lord Jesus Christ, sought his death, they did not scruple to invoke the aid of the Roman power, the object of their bitterest hatred and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:8

Multitude for people, A.V. ( τὸν ὔχλον , not δῆμον ). read more

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