Acts 17:12

KJV

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767}{G3303} many {G4183} of {G1537} them {G846} believed {G4100}; also {G2532} of honourable {G2158} women {G1135} which {G3588} were Greeks {G1674}, and {G2532} of men {G435}, not {G3756} a few {G3641}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Many of them came to trust, as did a number of prominent Greek women and not a few Greek men.

Berean Standard Bible

As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.

American Standard Version

Many of them therefore believed; also of the Greek women of honorable estate, and of men, not a few.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:12 recounts the fruitful outcome of Paul and Silas's ministry in Berea, where a significant number of people, including many prominent Greek women and numerous men, embraced faith in Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the widespread receptivity to the Gospel among a diverse populace, demonstrating the transformative power of God's Word when received with an open mind and diligently examined against the Scriptures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate culmination and positive report of Paul and Silas's evangelistic efforts in Berea, a city they fled to after facing intense persecution and opposition in Thessalonica (compare [Acts 17:5-9](/acts/17-5-9 "Persecution in Thessalonica") with [Acts 17:10](/acts/17-10 "Paul and Silas Arrive in Berea")). It stands in stark contrast to the hostile reception in Thessalonica, emphasizing the unique and commendable character of the Bereans. The preceding verse, [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "The Noble Bereans Examine the Scriptures"), provides the crucial explanation for this success, describing the Bereans as "more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Therefore, Acts 17:12 directly presents the spiritual harvest resulting from their diligent, open-minded, and scripturally-grounded approach to Paul's message about Jesus as the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Berea was a city in the Roman province of Macedonia, situated inland from the major coastal city of Thessalonica. As was Paul's custom, he began his ministry in the local Jewish synagogue ([Acts 17:10](/acts/17-10 "Paul and Silas Arrive in Berea")), indicating the presence of a Jewish community. However, the verse's specific mention of "honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few" points to a significant Gentile response. "Honourable women" (εὐσχήμων) typically refers to women of high social standing, influence, or wealth within the community. In Greco-Roman society, such women often had more freedom and influence than in some other cultures, and they frequently participated in religious activities, including attending synagogues as "God-fearers" or proselytes. Their conversion, along with that of "not a few" men, would have provided a strong foundation for the fledgling church in Berea, leveraging their social networks and resources for the spread of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 17:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **receptivity and open-mindedness** required for genuine faith, contrasting the Bereans' "readiness of mind" with the Thessalonians' resistance (compare [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "The Noble Bereans Examine the Scriptures") with [Acts 17:5](/acts/17-5 "Jewish Opposition in Thessalonica")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **authority and centrality of Scripture** in validating truth; the Bereans did not blindly accept Paul's message but diligently "searched the scriptures daily" ([Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "The Noble Bereans Examine the Scriptures")) to confirm his teachings about Jesus. This practice serves as a model for discerning truth. Thirdly, it powerfully illustrates the **universal appeal and inclusivity of the Gospel**, demonstrating that salvation is for all people, regardless of gender, social status, or ethnic background, as it reached both prominent women and numerous men, Jews and Greeks alike. Finally, the verse subtly points to the **power of the Holy Spirit** working through the preached Word, enabling hearts to believe and bringing about conversion even in the face of ongoing persecution, showcasing the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This word signifies not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust and reliance upon the message Paul proclaimed about Jesus. The Bereans moved from examining the evidence to placing their faith in Christ.
* **honourable (Greek, _euschḗmōn'_):** From G2158, meaning "well-formed, i.e. (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)." This term indicates that these women were of good standing, respectable, and likely influential within the Berean community. Their conversion would have lent significant credibility and social weight to the nascent Christian movement in the city.
* **Greeks (Greek, _Hellēnís'_):** From G1674, the feminine form of _Hellēn_, meaning "a Grecian (i.e. non-Jewish) woman." This specification clarifies that these "honourable women" were Gentiles, not Jewish women. Their conversion underscores the Gospel's reach beyond the Jewish community, fulfilling the Great Commission's call to make disciples of all nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore many of them believed":** This phrase directly links the belief of the Bereans to their preceding actions described in [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "The Noble Bereans Examine the Scriptures"). Their "readiness of mind" to receive the word and their diligent "searching the scriptures daily" led directly to a widespread embrace of the Gospel message. The term "many" (G4183, _polýs_) indicates a substantial number, signifying a significant spiritual harvest.
* **"also of honourable women which were Greeks":** This clause highlights a specific and important demographic among the new believers. The "honourable women" (G2158, _euschḗmōn_ and G1135, _gynḗ_) were women of social standing and influence. The addition "which were Greeks" (G1674, _Hellēnís_) specifies their Gentile ethnicity, indicating that the Gospel was effectively reaching beyond the Jewish community into the broader Greco-Roman society. Their conversion would have been particularly impactful due to their societal position.
* **"and of men, not a few":** This final clause further elaborates on the composition of the new believers. The phrase "not a few" (G3756, _ou_ and G3641, _olígos_) is a literary device called litotes, meaning "many" or "a considerable number." It emphasizes that a significant male population also came to faith, reinforcing the widespread and diverse nature of the conversions in Berea.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Litotes** with the phrase "not a few," which is a rhetorical understatement that actually emphasizes the opposite—that a great number of men believed. This device effectively communicates the significant numerical success of Paul's ministry without explicitly stating "many men," adding a subtle layer of emphasis. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through specific demographic detailing, highlighting the "honourable women which were Greeks" and "men," underscoring the diverse social and ethnic backgrounds of the new believers. This specific mention serves to illustrate the broad appeal and inclusive nature of the Gospel message. Finally, the verse functions as a point of **Narrative Progression** within the book of Acts, demonstrating the continued advancement of the Gospel despite opposition, showcasing God's power to draw people to Himself in various contexts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:12 profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine truth and human receptivity. The theological significance lies in the demonstration that genuine faith is not a blind leap but often a reasoned response to truth, validated by God's inspired Word. The Bereans' example underscores the principle that God's Spirit works through the diligent study of Scripture, opening hearts and minds to believe the Gospel. This passage affirms the universal scope of God's saving grace, extending beyond ethnic and social boundaries, proving that the message of Christ is for all who will receive it. It also highlights the strategic importance of reaching influential individuals, as their conversion can ripple through their social networks, further accelerating the spread of the kingdom.

* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "The Inspiration and Profitability of Scripture")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")
* [James 1:21](/james/1-21 "Receiving the Implanted Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Bereans and the resulting conversions in Acts 17:12 offers powerful and enduring lessons for believers today. In an age of abundant information and diverse teachings, the Bereans' example calls us to cultivate a spirit of critical discernment coupled with an eager readiness to receive truth. We are challenged to be more than passive listeners; we are to be active investigators of God's Word, diligently searching the Scriptures daily to confirm what we hear and to deepen our understanding of God's will. This practice not only safeguards us from error but also strengthens our faith, grounding it firmly in the revealed truth of God. Furthermore, the diversity of the Berean believers reminds us that the Gospel is for everyone, irrespective of their background, social status, or perceived worthiness. It compels us to embrace and foster inclusivity within our churches, actively reaching out to all people with the transformative message of Christ, reflecting the broad embrace of God's love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How diligently do I search the Scriptures daily to verify what I hear and to deepen my understanding of God's truth?**
* **In what areas of my life or understanding might I need to cultivate a greater "readiness of mind" to receive God's Word, even if it challenges my preconceived notions?**
* **How does the diverse composition of the Berean believers (honourable women, Greeks, men) challenge or encourage my own efforts to share the Gospel and foster inclusivity within my community?**

### FAQ
**Why are the Bereans called "more noble" in the context of their belief?**

Answer: The Bereans are described as "more noble" in [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "The Noble Bereans Examine the Scriptures") primarily because of their commendable approach to Paul's teaching. Unlike the hostile reception in Thessalonica, the Bereans demonstrated two key characteristics: first, they "received the word with all readiness of mind," indicating an open and eager disposition to hear and consider the message; and second, they "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so," meaning they diligently cross-referenced Paul's claims against the Old Testament Scriptures. Their nobility wasn't merely about social status but about their intellectual honesty, spiritual discernment, and commitment to truth, which ultimately led them to believe in Jesus, as highlighted in [Acts 17:12](/acts/17-12 "Many Bereans Believe").

**What is the significance of "honourable women" believing in Berea?**

Answer: The conversion of "honourable women" (εὐσχήμων γυνές) is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates that the Gospel message resonated with and was embraced by individuals of high social standing and influence within the community. In Greco-Roman society, such women often held considerable respect and could influence their households and wider social circles. Their conversion would have provided a strong foundation for the early church in Berea, potentially opening doors for the Gospel's spread among other prominent citizens. Secondly, it highlights the inclusive nature of the early Christian movement, which transcended gender and social hierarchies, offering spiritual equality and dignity to all, as famously articulated in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ"). This also contrasts with some ancient religions that offered limited roles or access to women.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The belief of the Bereans, stemming from their diligent search of the Old Testament Scriptures, serves as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered nature of all Scripture. When Paul preached to them, he was not introducing a new, disconnected religion, but rather revealing the fulfillment of the very prophecies and promises found in the Hebrew Bible that they were already studying. The Bereans' "readiness of mind" and daily examination of the Scriptures were not ends in themselves, but a means by which the Holy Spirit illuminated the truth of Jesus as the promised Messiah. Their faith in [Acts 17:12](/acts/17-12 "Many Bereans Believe") is the direct result of recognizing that the entire Old Testament bears witness to Christ, as Jesus Himself declared in [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Jesus Explains Himself in All the Scriptures"), explaining "in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." This episode underscores that the ultimate purpose of God's revelation, from Genesis to Revelation, is to point humanity to His Son, Jesus, in whom "all the promises of God find their Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). The Bereans found not just truth, but The Truth, the living Word who is the culmination of all God's redemptive history ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Acts 13:50

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:

Acts 17:2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Acts 17:4

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.

James 1:10

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.