Acts 18:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he reasoned {G1256} in {G1722} the synagogue {G4864}{G2596} every {G3956} sabbath {G4521}, and {G5037} persuaded {G3982} the Jews {G2453} and {G2532} the Greeks {G1672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha’ul also began carrying on discussions every Shabbat in the synagogue, where he tried to convince both Jews and Greeks.

Berean Standard Bible

Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:4 offers a succinct yet profound glimpse into the apostle Paul's consistent and strategic evangelistic methodology in Corinth. It reveals his regular practice of engaging both the Jewish community and Gentile converts within the synagogue setting, employing a blend of intellectual reasoning and spiritual persuasion to present the transformative message of the Gospel. This verse encapsulates Paul's unwavering dedication to his mission and the universal scope of the good news he proclaimed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's arrival in Corinth from Athens, as detailed in [Acts 18:1](/acts/18-1 "Paul Arrives in Corinth"). Paul, having experienced mixed results in Athens, arrives in a new city, a major Roman commercial hub known for its diverse population and moral complexities. The preceding verse, [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Paul Works with Aquila and Priscilla"), establishes that Paul, true to his custom, supported himself by working as a tentmaker alongside Aquila and Priscilla, fellow believers who would become vital partners in his ministry. Acts 18:4 then sets the stage for his public ministry in Corinth, indicating his immediate and consistent engagement with the local community, specifically starting in the Jewish synagogue. This pattern of beginning his evangelistic efforts in the synagogue is a recurring motif throughout the book of Acts, reflecting Paul's strategic approach to reach those already familiar with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah before turning to a broader Gentile audience, often in response to Jewish rejection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a strategically important city, serving as the capital of the Roman province of Achaia and a major trade center due to its location on the Isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. Its bustling ports attracted a diverse population of Romans, Greeks, Jews, and various other ethnicities, making it a melting pot of cultures and religions. The city was also notorious for its opulence and moral laxity, often associated with pagan idolatry and sexual immorality, particularly linked to the temple of Aphrodite. Within this vibrant but challenging environment, Jewish communities established synagogues, which served not only as places of worship but also as social and educational centers. These synagogues often attracted "God-fearers," Gentiles who were drawn to Jewish monotheism and ethical standards but had not fully converted. Paul's choice to begin his ministry in the synagogue was culturally astute, providing a ready-made audience familiar with the Scriptures and the concept of a Messiah, offering a natural bridge for the Gospel message.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 18:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights **Paul's consistent evangelistic strategy**, demonstrating his established pattern of entering a city and immediately seeking out the Jewish synagogue. This approach, seen previously in [Acts 17:2](/acts/17-2 "Paul's Custom in Thessalonica") and [Acts 13:14](/acts/13-14 "Paul Preaches in Antioch Synagogue"), underscores his conviction that the Gospel was "to the Jew first and also to the Greek," as he would later articulate in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Gospel for Jew and Gentile"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **nature of Paul's communication**, described as "reasoning" and "persuading." This points to an intellectual and Spirit-empowered engagement, not merely a declaration, but a thoughtful presentation of truth designed to convince. Finally, the mention of "the Jews and the Greeks" underscores the **universal scope of the Gospel**, a central theme of Acts, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan extends beyond ethnic boundaries to encompass all humanity, inviting both Jew and Gentile into the new covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reasoned (Greek, _dialégomai'_):** This word, from which we derive "dialogue," signifies more than a simple lecture. According to G1256, it means "to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation)." Paul was not merely delivering monologues but engaging in interactive discussions, debating, presenting arguments, and responding to questions and objections. This implies a thoughtful, intellectual engagement with his audience, rooted in the Scriptures, aiming to demonstrate the truth of Christ.
* **Persuaded (Greek, _peíthō'_):** G3982 defines this as "to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty)." Paul's goal was not just to inform but to convince and win over his listeners, leading them to a change of mind or conviction. This persuasion was both intellectual (through reasoning) and spiritual (through the power of the Holy Spirit accompanying his words), aiming for genuine belief and commitment.
* **Greeks (Greek, _Héllēn'_):** As per G1672, this term refers to "a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew." In the context of the synagogue, these "Greeks" would primarily be Gentile "God-fearers" who attended Jewish services and were drawn to monotheism and Jewish ethics, but had not fully converted. Their presence highlights the synagogue as a vital bridge for Paul's ministry to the Gentiles, allowing him to reach a receptive non-Jewish audience already somewhat familiar with the biblical narrative and moral framework.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath":** This clause highlights Paul's consistent and methodical approach to evangelism. "Every sabbath" emphasizes his regularity and commitment to reaching the community during their traditional day of worship and gathering. His choice of the "synagogue" as his initial platform was strategic, providing an audience already familiar with the Old Testament and the concept of a Messiah, making them a natural starting point for presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. The act of "reasoning" signifies an intellectual and argumentative engagement, where Paul presented logical and scriptural proofs for the claims of the Gospel.
* **"and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks":** This second clause reveals the dual audience Paul targeted and the intended outcome of his efforts. "The Jews" were the native members of the synagogue, while "the Greeks" (likely Gentile "God-fearers") were non-Jews who attended. Paul's aim was to "persuade" both groups, meaning to convince them of the truth of his message and lead them to belief. This demonstrates the universal appeal of the Gospel and Paul's mission to reach both covenant people and those outside the covenant, breaking down traditional barriers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey Paul's ministry. **Repetition** is subtly present in "every sabbath," emphasizing the consistent and unwavering nature of Paul's evangelistic efforts. This highlights his dedication and methodical approach rather than sporadic outreach. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the phrase "the Jews and the Greeks," which underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and Paul's mission to bridge the divide between these two primary groups of humanity. This pairing is a recurring motif in Paul's epistles, emphasizing the unity found in Christ. Furthermore, the active **verb choices** "reasoned" and "persuaded" are crucial. They portray Paul's ministry not as passive declaration but as an active, intellectual, and Spirit-empowered engagement, requiring both logical presentation and a divine enablement to bring about conviction and belief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:4 is a microcosm of Paul's missionary theology, demonstrating his strategic commitment to presenting the Gospel first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles, employing a method rooted in rational discourse and divine persuasion. This approach reflects the continuity of God's redemptive plan, which began with Israel but was always intended to extend to all nations. Paul's consistent presence in the synagogue underscores the importance of engaging with existing religious frameworks as a bridge to the new covenant. The dual outcome of "persuading the Jews and the Greeks" foreshadows the diverse composition of the early church, a community where ethnic and cultural distinctions are transcended by common faith in Christ. This verse thus speaks to the universal call of the Gospel and the Spirit-empowered means by which it spreads.

* [Acts 17:2](/acts/17-2 "Paul's Custom in Thessalonica")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Gospel for Jew and Gentile")
* [2 Corinthians 5:11](/2_corinthians/5-11 "Paul's Persuasion for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding evangelism and spiritual discipline. Paul's commitment to "reasoning" and "persuading" reminds us that sharing our faith is not merely about reciting doctrines, but about engaging thoughtfully with others, understanding their questions, and presenting the truth of the Gospel in a compelling and understandable way. This requires both intellectual preparation and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds. His consistent presence "every sabbath" underscores the value of regularity and perseverance in ministry, even when immediate results are not apparent or opposition arises. Furthermore, Paul's outreach to "the Jews and the Greeks" challenges us to embrace an inclusive vision for evangelism, recognizing that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or current beliefs. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and intentionally engage with diverse communities, trusting that God desires all people to come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's approach of "reasoning" and "persuading" inform our own methods of sharing the Gospel in a diverse and often skeptical world?**
* **What does Paul's consistency ("every sabbath") teach us about the discipline and perseverance required in our personal spiritual practices and witness?**
* **In what ways can we, like Paul, intentionally seek to reach both those who are familiar with biblical truths and those who are completely unchurched or from different cultural backgrounds?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul always start his ministry in the synagogue?**

Answer: Paul's consistent practice of beginning his ministry in the synagogue, as seen in [Acts 18:4](/acts/18-4 "Paul's Ministry in Corinth") and other passages like [Acts 17:2](/acts/17-2 "Paul's Custom in Thessalonica"), was a strategic and theologically grounded decision. Firstly, it provided a ready-made audience already familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, which formed the foundation for understanding Jesus as the Messiah. This allowed Paul to build upon existing knowledge and prophecies. Secondly, the synagogue often attracted Gentile "God-fearers" who were drawn to Jewish monotheism, offering a natural bridge for the Gospel to reach a receptive non-Jewish audience. This aligned with Paul's understanding that the Gospel was "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Gospel for Jew and Gentile")), reflecting God's historical covenant with Israel and the universal scope of His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:4, while describing Paul's missionary activity, deeply resonates with the Christ-centered nature of the Gospel. Paul's "reasoning" and "persuading" were not about his own wisdom or philosophy, but about presenting Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all Old Testament promises and the sole means of salvation. Just as Jesus Himself "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Jesus Explains the Scriptures")), Paul's reasoning aimed to reveal Christ as the ultimate truth. The "persuasion" he sought was not merely intellectual assent but a Spirit-empowered conviction that led to faith in the resurrected Lord, echoing the transforming power of the Holy Spirit sent by Christ ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "The Spirit Will Convict the World")). Furthermore, Paul's mission to "the Jews and the Greeks" directly reflects Christ's own work of breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between them, making "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Christ Our Peace")). Paul's persistent proclamation in the synagogue, despite eventual opposition, mirrors Christ's unwavering commitment to His mission, even unto the cross. Thus, Paul's ministry in Corinth, as depicted in this verse, is a powerful extension of Christ's ongoing work to gather His church from every nation, tribe, and tongue, bringing all into saving relationship with the Lamb of God ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")).

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

2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

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 28:23

¶ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.

Acts 19:8

¶ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Acts 17:11

These were 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.

Acts 26:28

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

2 Chronicles 32:11

Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The LORD our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?