Acts 17:17

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Acts 17:17 (KJV) describes the Apostle Paul's immediate and multifaceted approach to evangelism upon arriving in Athens. Confronted by the city's pervasive idolatry, Paul didn't remain silent but actively engaged with its inhabitants in diverse settings, demonstrating a powerful model of outreach.

Context

This verse follows Paul's arrival in Athens after being persecuted in Thessalonica and Berea. Upon seeing the city "wholly given to idolatry," his spirit was deeply stirred within him (Acts 17:16). Acts 17:17 details his strategic response: engaging both religious and secular audiences. This public discourse set the stage for his famous sermon on Mars' Hill (the Areopagus), where he addressed Epicurean and Stoic philosophers (Acts 17:18-34).

Key Themes

  • Strategic Evangelism: Paul's ministry often began in the synagogue, reaching out to his fellow Jews and "devout persons" (Gentile God-fearers) who were already familiar with the Old Testament scriptures. This was a consistent pattern in his missionary journeys (e.g., Acts 9:20). However, in Athens, he extended his outreach to the public square, adapting his message to different audiences, a principle he articulates in 1 Corinthians 9:22.
  • Public Discourse and Reasoning: The word "disputed" (KJV) or "reasoned" (ESV, NASB) indicates Paul engaged in thoughtful dialogue and debate, presenting logical arguments for the Christian faith. He wasn't merely proclaiming but interacting, inviting questions and challenges.
  • Daily Witness: Paul's commitment was not a one-time event but a consistent, daily presence "in the market." This highlights the importance of persistent and regular engagement in sharing the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "disputed" is dialegomai (διαλέγομαι), from which we get "dialogue." It signifies reasoning, lecturing, or conversing, often in a debating style. This wasn't merely an argument but an intellectual exchange where Paul presented the truth of Christ. The "market" refers to the agora (ἀγορά), the central public space in ancient Greek cities, serving as a hub for commerce, politics, and philosophical discussion. It was the ideal place to reach a wide and diverse audience, including philosophers and ordinary citizens.

Practical Application

Acts 17:17 provides a timeless blueprint for engaging with the world. Believers today are called to:

  • Engage Diverse Audiences: Like Paul, we should be prepared to share our faith in both familiar, faith-centric environments and secular, public spaces.
  • Reason and Dialogue: Instead of merely asserting beliefs, we should strive to understand others' perspectives and present the Gospel with clarity, logic, and grace, ready to answer questions and address objections.
  • Maintain a Consistent Witness: Evangelism isn't just for special events but an ongoing, daily commitment, woven into the fabric of our lives as we interact with those around us.
This verse encourages believers to be bold, strategic, and consistent in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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