Acts 17:17

KJV

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767}{G3303} disputed he {G1256} in {G1722} the synagogue {G4864} with the Jews {G2453}, and {G2532} with the devout persons {G4576}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the market {G58} daily {G2596}{G3956}{G2250} with {G4314} them that met with him {G3909}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he began holding discussions in the synagogue with the Jews and the “God-fearers,” and in the market square every day with the people who happened to be there.

Berean Standard Bible

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day.

American Standard Version

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with them that met him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:17 vividly portrays the Apostle Paul's dynamic and strategic evangelistic approach in Athens. Upon observing the city's pervasive idolatry, Paul's spirit was deeply provoked, compelling him to engage actively with its inhabitants. This verse details his dual-pronged method of outreach: reasoning in the Jewish synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and daily engaging with a broader, diverse audience in the bustling public marketplace, demonstrating a comprehensive and persistent model of gospel proclamation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Paul's arrival in Athens, following his ministry in Thessalonica and Berea. Acts 17:16 sets the stage, describing Paul's deep distress ("his spirit was stirred in him") at the sight of a city "wholly given to idolatry." Acts 17:17 then details his immediate and proactive response to this spiritual challenge, outlining the specific venues and audiences he targeted. This public discourse and daily engagement in the market directly precede and lay the groundwork for his renowned address on [Mars' Hill](/acts/17-22 "Acts 17:22 - Paul's Address on Mars' Hill"), where he would articulate the Christian message to Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, as recorded in [Acts 17:18-34](/acts/17-18-34 "Acts 17:18-34 - Paul's Areopagus Speech").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Athens was not merely a city but a vibrant intellectual and cultural hub, renowned for its philosophical schools (like the Epicureans and Stoics mentioned in [Acts 17:18](/acts/17-18 "Acts 17:18 - Paul Encounters Philosophers")), its democratic traditions, and its overwhelming devotion to numerous gods, evident in its countless idols and altars. The "synagogue" served as the primary gathering place for the Jewish community and "devout persons" (Gentile God-fearers) who were drawn to monotheism and Jewish scripture. The "market" (Greek: *agora*) was the heart of Athenian public life—a bustling town square where commerce, political debate, philosophical discourse, and social interaction converged. Paul's choice of these two distinct venues reflects a keen understanding of the city's social fabric and a strategic adaptation of his missionary efforts to reach both religious and secular minds.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 17:17 highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, **Strategic Evangelism** is paramount, as Paul intentionally targets both those familiar with monotheistic traditions in the synagogue (a common starting point for his missions, as seen in [Acts 9:20](/acts/9-20 "Acts 9:20 - Paul Preaches in Damascus Synagogues")) and the broader, diverse populace in the public square. This adaptability underscores the principle Paul later articulated about becoming "all things to all people" for the sake of the gospel ([1_corinthians/9-22](/1-corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul Becomes All Things")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Public Discourse and Reasoning**, indicated by the term "disputed." This was not merely proclamation but an active engagement in thoughtful dialogue, debate, and the presentation of logical arguments for the Christian faith, inviting interaction and challenge. Thirdly, the phrase "daily" underscores **Persistent Witness**, revealing Paul's unwavering commitment to consistent, ongoing engagement in sharing the Gospel, not as a one-off event but as an integral part of his daily life and ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **disputed (Greek, _dialégomai_):** (G1256) This term, derived from *dia* (through) and *legō* (to speak), signifies "to say thoroughly," implying a process of discussing, reasoning, or lecturing. It suggests an intellectual exchange, often in a debating or conversational style, rather than a mere argumentative quarrel. Paul engaged in a thoughtful dialogue, presenting coherent arguments for the Christian faith, inviting questions and counter-arguments.
* **market (Greek, _agorá_):** (G58) Properly referring to the town-square, the *agora* was the central public space in ancient Greek cities. It served as a hub for commerce, political assembly, and crucially, philosophical discussion. For Paul, it was an ideal venue to reach a wide and diverse audience, including philosophers, merchants, and ordinary citizens, allowing for spontaneous and widespread dissemination of the Gospel.
* **daily (Greek, _katá pâs hēméra_):** (G2596, G3956, G2250) This phrase literally means "according to every day" or "throughout every day." The combination of *katá* (down, through), *pâs* (all, every), and *hēméra* (day) strongly emphasizes the regularity, consistency, and persistence of Paul's evangelistic efforts. His witness was not sporadic but a continuous, integrated part of his presence in Athens.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews":** This clause indicates Paul's initial and customary approach upon entering a new city. His spirit was provoked by the idolatry (Acts 17:16), leading him to immediately engage. The synagogue was the logical starting point, providing a ready audience of his own countrymen who were familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, which prophesied of the Messiah.
* **"and with the devout persons":** This addition highlights Paul's broader reach within the synagogue setting. "Devout persons" refers to God-fearers, Gentiles who, while not fully converting to Judaism, attended synagogue services and adhered to certain Jewish practices, having rejected polytheism for monotheism. They were often spiritually receptive and a fertile ground for the Gospel message.
* **"and in the market daily":** This marks a significant expansion of Paul's ministry beyond the confines of the synagogue. The "market" (agora) was the public square, a bustling center of Athenian life. Paul's willingness to engage here demonstrates his commitment to reaching all segments of society, including those with no prior exposure to Jewish monotheism. The term "daily" underscores the consistent and persistent nature of his evangelism.
* **"with them that met with him":** This phrase implies an open, accessible, and responsive form of engagement. Paul did not merely preach *at* people but engaged *with* those who were willing to encounter him, whether out of curiosity, philosophical interest, or genuine spiritual hunger. It suggests interactive dialogue and a readiness to address individual questions and concerns.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the "synagogue" with the "market," highlighting Paul's strategic adaptation to different audiences and settings—one a structured religious environment, the other a chaotic public forum. This shows his versatility in ministry. The use of the word "daily" serves as **Emphasis** and **Hyperbole**, underscoring the relentless and persistent nature of Paul's evangelistic efforts, implying a constant, almost non-stop commitment to sharing the Gospel. The active verb "disputed" (KJV) or "reasoned" (ESV) signifies **Action** and **Engagement**, portraying Paul not as a passive observer but as an active participant in the intellectual and spiritual life of Athens, directly confronting its prevailing ideologies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:17 provides a profound theological blueprint for Christian engagement with the world. It underscores the importance of a Spirit-stirred passion for the lost, a strategic approach to evangelism that adapts to diverse audiences, and a commitment to intellectual and relational discourse. Paul's example teaches that the Gospel is to be proclaimed not only in sacred spaces but also in the public square, engaging with the prevailing philosophies and cultural norms of the day. His method of "disputing" or "reasoning" highlights the apologetic nature of Christian witness, where truth is presented with clarity, logic, and grace, inviting thoughtful consideration and response. This verse calls believers to be both bold in proclamation and wise in engagement, reflecting God's desire for all people to hear and understand the good news.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel is the Power of God for Salvation")
* [Colossians 4:5-6](/colossians/4-5-6 "Colossians 4:5-6 - Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1-peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give a Defense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:17 serves as a powerful mandate for contemporary believers, urging us to move beyond the comfort of our faith communities and actively engage the world around us with the Gospel. Paul's example challenges us to cultivate a heart that is deeply moved by the spiritual lostness and idolatry of our culture, prompting us to action rather than passive observation. We are called to be discerning in our approach, understanding the unique contexts and worldviews of those we seek to reach, whether in established religious settings or the bustling "marketplaces" of modern society—our workplaces, schools, social media, and public forums. True evangelism, as modeled by Paul, involves not just proclamation but also thoughtful dialogue, patient reasoning, and a willingness to listen and respond to questions and objections. It demands a consistent, "daily" commitment, integrating our witness into the fabric of our everyday lives, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ through both our words and our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where are my "synagogues" and "markets" in my daily life, and how am I engaging in them with the Gospel?**
* **How can I better "dispute" or "reason" about my faith in a way that is both intellectually sound and spiritually gracious?**
* **What does "daily" engagement look like for me in sharing the good news, and how can I be more consistent?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul choose to engage in both the synagogue and the market in Athens?**

Answer: Paul's dual engagement in the synagogue and the market was a strategic and comprehensive approach to evangelism. The synagogue provided a natural starting point, as it was a gathering place for Jews and "devout persons" (Gentile God-fearers) who already shared a monotheistic worldview and familiarity with the Old Testament scriptures, which provided a foundation for understanding the Messiah. This allowed Paul to build upon existing theological concepts. The market (agora), on the other hand, was the public square—a vibrant hub of Athenian life where philosophers, merchants, and ordinary citizens congregated. Engaging here allowed Paul to reach a much broader and more diverse audience, including those with no prior knowledge of Judaism or the God of Israel. This two-pronged approach demonstrates his commitment to reaching all people by adapting his message and method to the specific context and audience, a principle he articulates in [1 Corinthians 9:22](/1-corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People").

**What does the word "disputed" imply about Paul's method of evangelism?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "disputed" (from the Greek *dialégomai*) might suggest mere argument, but in this context, it implies a much richer and more nuanced form of engagement. It means Paul "reasoned," "discussed," or "lectured," engaging in thoughtful dialogue and intellectual exchange. This was not a quarrel but a presentation of logical arguments for the Christian faith, inviting questions, objections, and counter-arguments. Paul was not simply proclaiming a message but was actively interacting with his audience, seeking to persuade them through rational discourse and clear explanation of the Scriptures and the person of Christ. This method is evident in his subsequent address on [Mars' Hill](/acts/17-22 "Acts 17:22 - Paul's Address on Mars' Hill"), where he skillfully adapted his message to the philosophical framework of his listeners.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's ministry in Acts 17:17, characterized by passionate engagement, strategic outreach, and intellectual reasoning, profoundly reflects the very nature and mission of Christ. Just as Paul was "stirred" by the idolatry of Athens, Jesus himself was moved with compassion for the lost and the spiritually blind ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Christ's earthly ministry was not confined to synagogues; He taught in the temple courts, on hillsides, by the sea, and in homes, engaging with all who would listen, from religious leaders to the common people ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaching and Healing")). Paul's "disputing" or "reasoning" mirrors Jesus' own authoritative teaching and debates with the religious authorities, where He consistently presented truth with both wisdom and power ([Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus' Authority Questioned")). Ultimately, Paul's message in Athens, as everywhere, was centered on the resurrected Christ—the true God who calls all people to repentance ([Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30-31 "Acts 17:30-31 - God Commands All People Everywhere to Repent")). Paul's willingness to cross cultural and intellectual divides to bring the Gospel to the Athenians is a continuation of Christ's incarnational mission, where the Word became flesh to dwell among us and make God known ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, Paul's evangelistic zeal and methodology in Athens serve as a powerful Christ-centered example for all who seek to make Him known in a diverse and often idolatrous world.

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

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 13:16

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with [his] hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Proverbs 8:34

Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

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.

Luke 12:3

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Matthew 5:1

¶ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: