Acts 17:12

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

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}.

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

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

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

Acts 17:12 KJV provides a succinct summary of the positive outcome of Paul and Silas's ministry in Berea, highlighting the receptivity of a diverse group of people to the Gospel message.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Paul and Silas's ministry in Berea, a city to which they fled after facing persecution in Thessalonica (Acts 17:10). Unlike the Thessalonians, the Bereans were commended for their "more noble" character. The preceding verse, Acts 17:11, explicitly states that they "received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:12, therefore, presents the fruit of their diligent and open-minded examination of the Old Testament Scriptures in light of Paul's teachings about Jesus as the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Receptivity and Open-mindedness: The verse demonstrates how an open heart combined with a diligent search of the Scriptures leads to genuine faith. The Bereans weren't passive listeners; they actively investigated the claims made by Paul, leading to belief.
  • Spiritual Discernment: Their willingness to scrutinize the message against the established Word of God serves as a model for discerning truth. This critical yet receptive approach is foundational for a robust faith.
  • Diverse Believers: The mention of "honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few" emphasizes the broad appeal of the Gospel across social strata and genders. The early church was characterized by its inclusivity, drawing people from various backgrounds.
  • The Power of the Word: Ultimately, it was the power of God's Word, confirmed through the Bereans' diligent study, that brought about their conversion. This underscores the transformative power of the Gospel when it is received and examined.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "honourable women" translates the Greek word euschēmōn (εὐσχήμων), which means "well-formed," "graceful," or "of good standing/repute." This suggests that these women were likely prominent members of the community, possibly of higher social status or influence. Their conversion would have had significant implications for the spread of the Gospel in Berea, as their belief could influence others within their social circles. The inclusion of "Greeks" further specifies that these were not Jewish women but Gentiles who embraced the new faith.

Practical Application

Acts 17:12 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Examine the Scriptures: Like the Bereans, we are called to be diligent students of the Bible, not merely accepting teachings but verifying them against the inspired Word of God. This practice safeguards against error and strengthens faith, as highlighted in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
  • Openness to Truth: Cultivate a mind that is open to receiving truth, even if it challenges preconceived notions. The Bereans' "readiness of mind" was crucial to their understanding and acceptance of the Gospel.
  • Gospel for All: The verse reminds us that the message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of social standing, gender, or ethnicity. The church should reflect this diversity, welcoming all who genuinely seek God.
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.

  • 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.

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