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.

And {G2532} some {G5100} of {G1537} them {G846} believed {G3982}, and {G2532} consorted {G4345} with Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Silas {G4609}; and {G5037} of the devout {G4576} Greeks {G1672} a great {G4183} multitude {G4128}, and {G5037} of the chief {G4413} women {G1135} not {G3756} a few {G3641}.

Some of the Jews were persuaded and threw in their lot with Sha’ul and Sila, as did a great many of the Greek men who were “God-fearers,” and not a few of the leading women.

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women.

And some of them were persuaded, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Commentary

Context

Acts 17:4 describes the immediate fruit of Paul and Silas's ministry in the city of Thessalonica, a significant commercial and political center in the Roman province of Macedonia. Following Paul's custom, recorded in Acts 17:2-3, he had spent three Sabbaths in the synagogue, reasoning from the Scriptures and explaining that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. This verse highlights the diverse group of people who responded positively to the Gospel message.

Key Themes

  • The Broad Appeal of the Gospel: This verse beautifully illustrates how the message of Christ transcends various social, ethnic, and gender boundaries. It appealed not only to some Jews but also to a large number of Gentiles and influential women, demonstrating its universal power.
  • Inclusivity of the Early Church: The early Christian community was characterized by its openness to all who believed. Converts included those from a Jewish background, "devout Greeks" (Gentiles who revered the God of Israel), and prominent women, reflecting the transformative nature of faith in Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female in Christ Jesus.
  • Impact of Apostolic Preaching: Paul and Silas's bold and reasoned proclamation of the Gospel led directly to conversions, showing the effectiveness of sharing God's truth.

Linguistic Insights

  • "consorted with": The Greek word used here, prosklerousthai (προσκληροῦσθαι), means "to cast in one's lot with," "to join oneself to," or "to be allotted to." It signifies a deep commitment and association, indicating that these new believers closely allied themselves with Paul and Silas, becoming part of their company and mission, not just casual attendees.
  • "devout Greeks": This phrase typically refers to "God-fearers" (phoboumenoi ton Theon), Gentiles who were attracted to Judaism's monotheism and moral code, attended synagogue services, and worshipped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism. They were often ripe for the Gospel because they already had a foundation in the Old Testament and were seeking spiritual truth, making them a significant group for Gentile conversion in the early church, as seen in Acts 13:43.
  • "chief women": The Greek gynaikōn tōn prōtōn literally means "women of the first rank" or "leading women." This indicates women of social prominence, influence, or wealth in Thessalonica. Their conversion highlights the Gospel's appeal across all social strata and the significant role women played in the early church, often providing financial support and influence, as seen with Lydia in Philippi.

Practical Application

Acts 17:4 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Embrace Diversity: The church should continue to be a place where people from all backgrounds—ethnic, social, economic, and gender—feel welcomed and find spiritual home. The Gospel is for everyone.
  • Seek and Share Truth: Just as the "devout Greeks" were already seeking truth, we should be open to those who are spiritually curious and actively engage in sharing the clear message of Christ with them.
  • Committed Fellowship: The new believers "consorted with" Paul and Silas, indicating a deep commitment. New believers today are encouraged to closely associate with and commit to a community of faith for growth and support, reflecting the importance of Christian fellowship.
  • Recognize Every Believer's Value: The inclusion of "chief women" underscores that God uses all people, regardless of their social standing, gifts, or gender, to advance His kingdom. Every believer has a valuable role to play.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 17:12 (5 votes)

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

  • Acts 13:43 (4 votes)

    Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

  • Acts 14:4 (4 votes)

    But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • Acts 13:50 (3 votes)

    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 28:24 (3 votes)

    And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

  • Acts 15:22 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:5 (3 votes)

    And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.