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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 17:4

And some of them believed ,.... That is, some of the Jews, power went along with the word, and faith came by it, and they believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah, and that what the apostle preached concerning him was the truth; and this they received in the love of it, and cordially embraced it, and made a profession of it: and consorted with Paul and Silas ; associated with them, and privately conversed with them, as well as publicly attended their ministry; for when souls... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not ,.... The Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, and Syriac versions leave out the words, "which believed not"; but whether this character is expressed or not, it is certain that the unbelieving Jews are here intended: moved with envy ; at the success of the apostles, many of their own people and of their proselytes, and some of the better sort being converted by them: or "with zeal"; for what they called the glory of God, but it was not according to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 17:4

The devout Greeks - That is, Gentiles who were proselytes to the Jewish religion, so far as to renounce idolatry, and live a moral life, but probably had not received circumcision. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 17:5

The Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them - Instead of this sentence, the most correct MSS. and versions read simply, προσλαβομενοι δε οἱ Ιουδαιοι . But the Jews taking, etc., leaving out the words, ζηλωσαντες, απειθουντες , which believed not, moved with envy: these words do not appear to be genuine; there is the strongest evidence against them, and they should be omitted. Certain lewd fellows of the baser sort - This is not a very intelligible translation. The... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 17:4

Verse 4− 4.Certain of them believed. We see here the fruit of Paul’s disputation. He proved flatly [plainly] that Jesus was for us, and whose resurrection is the life of the world. Yet only certain of the Jews believe; the rest are blind at noonday, and with deaf ears refuse the certain and plain truth. This is also worth the noting, that whereas only a few Jews believed, a great multitude of the Grecians, who were far farther off, came unto the faith. To what end can you say they were nousled... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 17:5

Verse 5− 5.And being moved with envy. We see how Paul could nowhere erect the kingdom of Christ without some conflict, for so soon as any fruit of doctrine appeared, there arose persecution therewithal; but because he knew that he was to war against Satan and the wickedness of the world, he was not only hardened against all assaults, but he was more encouraged more courageously to proceed. Therefore, all the servants of Christ must be content with this one example of him, if they see that... 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

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