Acts 17:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Paul {G3972}, as {G2596} his manner was {G1486}, went in {G1525} unto {G4314} them {G846}, and {G2532}{G1909} three {G5140} sabbath {G4521} days reasoned {G1256} with them {G846} out of {G575} the scriptures {G1124},

Complete Jewish Bible

According to his usual practice, Sha’ul went in; and on three Shabbats he gave them drashes from the Tanakh,

Berean Standard Bible

As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

American Standard Version

and Paul, as his custom was, went in unto them, and for three sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:2 offers a profound glimpse into the Apostle Paul's consistent and strategic evangelistic methodology during his second missionary journey, particularly his approach to sharing the Gospel in new cities. It underscores his commitment to engaging with Jewish communities first, utilizing their familiarity with the Old Testament Scriptures as a foundation for reasoned discourse to demonstrate Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. This verse highlights Paul's customary practice of patient, persistent, and biblically-grounded evangelism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 17:2 immediately follows Paul's arrival in Thessalonica, a significant city in Macedonia, after his departure from Philippi (Acts 16:40). The preceding chapter details the dramatic events in Philippi, including the conversion of Lydia and the Philippian jailer, and Paul's subsequent release from prison. This sets the stage for Paul's continued missionary efforts. Acts 17:1 notes that Paul, Silas, and Timothy passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia before reaching Thessalonica. The verse itself then describes Paul's immediate action upon arrival, establishing a pattern that recurs throughout his ministry as documented in Acts, particularly his initial engagement with the Jewish community in the synagogue, a practice also seen in [Antioch of Pisidia](/acts/13-14 "Paul's preaching in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia") and [Corinth](/acts/18-4 "Paul reasoning in the synagogue at Corinth"). The subsequent verses (Acts 17:3-4) detail the content of Paul's reasoning—that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead—and the initial positive response from some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Thessalonica was a bustling port city and the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, enjoying the status of a "free city" with its own assembly and magistrates. This meant it had a degree of self-governance, which could sometimes lead to more lenient treatment of foreign visitors like Paul, though it did not prevent opposition. As was common in major cities of the Roman Empire, Thessalonica had a Jewish synagogue, which served as the cultural and religious center for the Jewish diaspora. These synagogues were not exclusively for Jews; "God-fearers" (Gentiles who revered the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism) often attended, providing a natural bridge for Paul's message to reach a broader audience. Paul's strategy of beginning his ministry in the synagogue was both practical and theological: it provided an immediate audience familiar with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, allowing him to present Jesus as the fulfillment of those prophecies. This approach mirrored the early church's understanding that the Gospel was "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (cf. [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights **Paul's Evangelistic Strategy**, demonstrating his consistent method of targeting Jewish communities first in new cities, leveraging their existing scriptural knowledge. This was a deliberate and repeated pattern, as seen in [Acts 13:5](/acts/13-5 "Paul and Barnabas preaching in the synagogues of Salamis") and [Acts 18:4](/acts/18-4 "Paul reasoning in the synagogue at Corinth"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Authority and Centrality of Scripture** in Paul's preaching. He did not rely on philosophical arguments or personal charisma alone, but systematically "reasoned... out of the scriptures," affirming the Old Testament as the authoritative foundation for understanding Jesus as the Messiah. This aligns with the broader New Testament emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy, as exemplified by Jesus Himself explaining the Scriptures concerning Himself (cf. [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Jesus explaining the Scriptures concerning Himself")). Thirdly, the phrase "three sabbath days" underscores the theme of **Patience and Persistence in Ministry**. Paul dedicated significant, consistent time to teaching and discussion, recognizing that conversion is often a process of careful instruction and engagement rather than an immediate decision. This commitment to sustained teaching is a hallmark of effective discipleship and evangelism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reasoned (Greek, _dialégomai'_):** From this Greek word, we derive the English term "dialogue." It signifies more than a mere lecture or monologue; it implies an interactive process of discussion, debate, and logical argumentation. Paul was not simply proclaiming; he was engaging in a two-way conversation, presenting evidence, answering questions, and clarifying misunderstandings, demonstrating the truth of the Gospel through rational discourse. This term suggests a process of thorough communication, where ideas are exchanged and explored.
* **scriptures (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** This term refers to "holy Writ" or sacred writings, specifically the Old Testament. For Paul and his Jewish audience, these were the divinely inspired texts that contained God's revelation, prophecies, and covenant promises. Paul's reliance on the "scriptures" underscores his conviction that the Gospel message about Jesus was not a new, disconnected idea, but the culmination and fulfillment of what God had been revealing through the prophets for centuries. It highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
* **manner (Greek, _éthō'_):** This word denotes a custom, habit, or established practice. The phrase "as his manner was" indicates that Paul's action of going into the synagogue on the Sabbath to reason from the Scriptures was not an isolated event but a consistent, deliberate, and characteristic part of his evangelistic strategy. It speaks to his methodical and disciplined approach to ministry, always seeking out the most appropriate entry point for the Gospel message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Paul, as his manner was":** This opening clause immediately establishes Paul's consistent and customary practice. It highlights his disciplined approach to ministry, indicating that his actions in Thessalonica were not ad hoc but part of a well-established pattern. This "manner" refers to his habit of first engaging with the Jewish community in their synagogues upon entering a new city.
* **"went in unto them":** This specifies Paul's immediate action—he entered the synagogue, the central gathering place for the Jewish community on the Sabbath. This was a strategic choice, providing a ready audience familiar with the foundational texts of Judaism, which Paul would then use to present Christ.
* **"and three sabbath days":** This detail emphasizes the duration and consistency of Paul's engagement. He didn't just make a fleeting appearance but committed himself for three consecutive weeks, dedicating significant time and effort to teaching and reasoning. This speaks to the patience and persistence required in effective evangelism and discipleship.
* **"reasoned with them out of the scriptures":** This is the core action of the verse. Paul's method was not simply proclamation but reasoned discourse, engaging his audience intellectually and spiritually. Crucially, his arguments were not based on personal opinion or philosophy but were derived directly "out of the scriptures," meaning the Old Testament. He systematically demonstrated how the prophecies and themes of the Hebrew Bible pointed to Jesus as the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Repetition** and **Custom** to emphasize Paul's consistent evangelistic approach. The phrase "as his manner was" signals a recurring pattern in Paul's ministry, reinforcing the idea that his method was deliberate and not incidental. This custom of entering the synagogue first is a recurring motif in Acts (e.g., [Acts 13:5](/acts/13-5 "Paul and Barnabas in the synagogues of Salamis"), [Acts 18:4](/acts/18-4 "Paul reasoning in the synagogue at Corinth")), highlighting Paul's strategic and consistent engagement with Jewish communities. The mention of "three sabbath days" also signifies **Patience** and **Persistence**, indicating a sustained effort rather than a quick, one-time presentation. This numerical detail underscores the depth of Paul's commitment to thorough instruction. Furthermore, the phrase "reasoned with them out of the scriptures" uses **Source Attribution**, clearly identifying the authoritative basis of Paul's arguments, thereby lending credibility and weight to his message. This highlights the **Authority of Scripture** as the foundation of his teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:2 profoundly illustrates the theological conviction that the Gospel message is deeply rooted in and a fulfillment of God's prior revelation in the Old Testament. Paul's method of "reasoning out of the scriptures" demonstrates that Christianity is not a radical departure from Judaism but rather its divinely intended culmination. It affirms the continuity of God's redemptive plan, showing that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah foretold by the prophets. This approach also underscores the importance of intellectual engagement in faith, where belief is not blind but grounded in reasoned understanding of God's Word. The verse thus serves as a model for biblically-informed evangelism, emphasizing that the Old Testament provides the essential framework for understanding the person and work of Christ.

* [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Jesus explains the Scriptures concerning Himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus") – Jesus Himself modeled this approach, explaining "from Moses and all the Prophets" the things concerning Himself.
* [Romans 1:2](/romans/1-2 "The Gospel promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures") – Paul asserts that the Gospel he preaches was "promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures."
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching") – This verse affirms the divine inspiration and profitability of all Scripture for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, validating Paul's method.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:2 offers timeless principles for believers seeking to effectively share their faith in contemporary contexts. Paul's example calls us to be deeply rooted in God's Word, understanding its narrative flow and how it points to Christ, rather than relying on superficial arguments or personal opinions. Our witness should be characterized by thoughtful, respectful dialogue, engaging with others' questions and objections with grace, patience, and biblical truth, much like Paul "reasoned" with his audience. This means being prepared to explain the hope that is within us (cf. [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you")). Furthermore, Paul's commitment over "three sabbath days" reminds us that sharing the Gospel is often a process that requires persistence and sustained effort, not just a single conversation. It encourages us to invest time and build relationships, trusting that God works through our consistent sowing of His Word, even when immediate results are not apparent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's method of "reasoning out of the scriptures" challenge or affirm your current approach to sharing your faith?**
* **In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the Bible to be better equipped to "reason" with others about Christ?**
* **What does Paul's commitment of "three sabbath days" teach us about patience and persistence in evangelism and discipleship?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul always go to the synagogue first when he arrived in a new city?**

Answer: Paul's consistent practice of going to the synagogue first, as highlighted in [Acts 17:2](/acts/17-2 "Paul reasoning in the synagogue at Thessalonica"), was a strategic and theologically grounded approach. Firstly, it provided an immediate audience already familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, which were foundational to understanding the Messiah. This allowed Paul to present Jesus as the fulfillment of their long-held prophecies and expectations (cf. [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia")). Secondly, synagogues were not exclusive to Jews; "God-fearers" (Gentiles who were attracted to Judaism) also attended, offering a natural bridge to reach a broader, Gentile audience who were already seeking spiritual truth. This approach aligns with the early church's understanding that the Gospel was "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek")), reflecting God's historical covenant with Israel and then extending salvation to all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:2, though describing Paul's missionary method, powerfully points to Christ by illustrating the essential continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Paul's act of "reasoning with them out of the scriptures" underscores that Jesus Christ is not a deviation from God's plan but the very culmination of it. Every prophecy, type, and shadow within the Hebrew Scriptures finds its ultimate meaning and fulfillment in Him. Just as Jesus Himself, after His resurrection, "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets... interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Jesus explains the Scriptures concerning Himself")), Paul followed this divine pattern. He demonstrated that the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah, which he preached, were not arbitrary events but precisely what "it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead" ([Acts 17:3](/acts/17-3 "Paul explaining that the Christ must suffer and rise from the dead")), all foretold in the sacred texts. Thus, Paul's consistent "manner" of preaching from the Scriptures reveals Christ as the central theme of all divine revelation, the one to whom "all the prophets bear witness" ([Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Peter's sermon: all the prophets bear witness to Jesus")). His ministry was a living testament to the truth that the entire biblical narrative, from Genesis to Malachi, is ultimately a grand story of God's redemptive purpose realized in His Son, Jesus Christ, the promised King and Savior.

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

Acts 9:20

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

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.

Acts 18:4

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Acts 13:5

And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to [their] minister.

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.

Acts 17:10

¶ And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews.

John 18:20

Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.