Acts 17:1

¶ Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

Now {G1161} when they had passed through {G1353} Amphipolis {G295} and {G2532} Apollonia {G624}, they came {G2064} to {G1519} Thessalonica {G2332}, where {G3699} was {G2258} a synagogue {G4864} of the Jews {G2453}:

After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Sha’ul and Sila came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue.

When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

Acts 17:1 opens a new chapter in the dynamic spread of Christianity during Paul's second missionary journey. This verse concisely outlines the apostolic team's route and destination, setting the stage for significant evangelistic efforts and subsequent challenges in Thessalonica.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse places Paul, Silas, and likely Timothy (though not explicitly named in this verse, he is part of the mission team as seen in Acts 16:3 and Acts 17:14) firmly within the Roman province of Macedonia. Having recently left Philippi (Acts 16:40), they journeyed southwest. Amphipolis and Apollonia were cities along the famous Via Egnatia, a major Roman road connecting the Adriatic coast to Byzantium. The mention of "passing through" suggests they did not establish a prolonged ministry in these towns but were focused on reaching larger, more strategic centers.

Their ultimate destination, Thessalonica, was a bustling, prosperous port city and the capital of Macedonia. As a "free city" (a Roman colony with its own laws), it held significant political and economic influence, making it an ideal hub for the Gospel to radiate outwards. The presence of "a synagogue of the Jews" was crucial for Paul's established missionary strategy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Strategic Evangelism: Paul's consistent method was to begin his ministry in the Jewish synagogue. This approach allowed him to leverage common theological ground (the Old Testament Scriptures) and engage with a community already familiar with monotheism and messianic expectations. This is seen repeatedly in Acts, such as in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14) and Corinth (Acts 18:4).
  • Missionary Progression: The verse highlights the relentless travel and geographical expansion inherent in the early Christian mission. The apostles were not static; they were actively moving through the Roman world, intentionally seeking out centers of population where the message of Christ could take root and spread.
  • Divine Direction: While not explicit in this single verse, the journey to Thessalonica is part of a larger narrative of God guiding Paul's movements, even redirecting him through visions, as seen earlier in the Macedonian Call (Acts 16:9-10).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "synagogue" (synagōgē) literally means "a gathering together" or "assembly." It refers to the central place of worship and community life for Jews in the diaspora. For Paul, the synagogue was not just a building but a ready-made audience of people who knew the Scriptures and were awaiting the Messiah, providing a natural starting point for his proclamation of Jesus.

Practical Application

Acts 17:1 reminds us of the importance of strategic thinking in spreading the Gospel. Paul sought out key locations and utilized existing community structures (the synagogue) to introduce the message of Christ. For us today, this can mean identifying influential communities, engaging with people where they naturally gather, and finding common ground to share the truth of the Bible. It also underscores the commitment and perseverance required for missionary work, whether across continents or in our local neighborhoods, following the example of those who "passed through" to reach their intended destination for the sake of the Gospel.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 4:16

    For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Acts 20:4

    And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

  • 2 Timothy 4:10

    For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

  • Acts 17:13

    But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

  • Acts 27:2

    And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; [one] Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

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