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Text -- Acts 17:17 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
17:17 So he was addressing the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, and in the marketplace every day those who happened to be there.
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Gentile a non-Jewish person
 · Jews the people descended from Israel


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Zeal | TRUTH | TROPHIMUS | THESSALONIANS, THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE | Synagogue | REASON; REASONABLE; REASONING | Paul | PHILIPPI | Marketplace | Market-place | MARS HILL | MARKET; MARKETPLACE; MART | Greeks | God-fearer | Gentiles | DEVOUT | Athens | ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 8-12 | ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 13-OUTLINE | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Combined Bible , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Act 17:17 - -- So he reasoned ( dielegeto men oun ). Accordingly therefore, with his spirit stirred by the proof of idolatry. Imperfect middle of dialegō , same v...

So he reasoned ( dielegeto men oun ).

Accordingly therefore, with his spirit stirred by the proof of idolatry. Imperfect middle of dialegō , same verb used in Act 17:2which see. First he reasoned in the synagogue at the services to the Jews and the God-fearers, then daily in the agora or marketplace (southwest of the Acropolis, between it and the Areopagus and the Pnyx) to the chance-comers, "them that met him"(pros tous paratugchanontas ). Simultaneously with the synagogue preaching at other hours Paul took his stand like Socrates before him and engaged in conversation with (pros ) those who happened by. This old verb, paratugchanō , occurs here alone in the N.T. and accurately pictures the life in the agora. The listeners to Paul in the agora would be more casual than those who stop for street preaching, a Salvation Army meeting, a harangue from a box in Hyde Park. It was a slim chance either in synagogue or in agora, but Paul could not remain still with all the reeking idolatry around him. The boundaries of the agora varied, but there was always the Poikilē Stoa (the Painted Porch), over against the Acropolis on the west. In this Stoa (Porch) Zeno and other philosophers and rhetoricians held forth from time to time. Paul may have stood near this spot.

JFB: Act 17:16-17 - -- "covered with idols"; meaning the city, not the inhabitants. Petronius, a contemporary writer at Nero's court, says satirically that it was easier to ...

"covered with idols"; meaning the city, not the inhabitants. Petronius, a contemporary writer at Nero's court, says satirically that it was easier to find a god at Athens than a man. This "stirred the spirit" of the apostle. "The first impression which the masterpieces of man's taste for art left on the mind of St. Paul was a revolting one, since all this majesty and beauty had placed itself between man and his Creator, and bound him the faster to his gods, who were not God. Upon the first contact, therefore, which the Spirit of Christ came into with the sublimest creations of human art, the judgment of the Holy Ghost--through which they have all to pass--is set up as "the strait gate," and this must remain the correct standard for ever" [BAUMGARTEN].

JFB: Act 17:17 - -- Or, discussed.

Or, discussed.

JFB: Act 17:17 - -- The sense is not, "Therefore went he to the Jews," because the Gentile Athenians were steeped in idolatry; but, "Therefore set he himself to lift up h...

The sense is not, "Therefore went he to the Jews," because the Gentile Athenians were steeped in idolatry; but, "Therefore set he himself to lift up his voice to the idol city, but, as his manner was, he began with the Jews."

JFB: Act 17:17 - -- Gentile proselytes. After that,

Gentile proselytes. After that,

JFB: Act 17:17 - -- The Agora, or place of public concourse.

The Agora, or place of public concourse.

JFB: Act 17:17 - -- Or "came in his way."

Or "came in his way."

Clarke: Act 17:17 - -- Disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews - Proving that Jesus was the Messiah: and with the devout persons, probably heathens, proselyted to the J...

Disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews - Proving that Jesus was the Messiah: and with the devout persons, probably heathens, proselyted to the Jewish religion. And in the market: I suppose the αγορα here means some such place as our exchange, where people of business usually met, and where the philosophers conversed and reasoned. The agora was probably like the Roman forum, and like places of public resort in all countries, where people of leisure assembled to converse, hear the news, etc.

Calvin: Act 17:17 - -- 17.With the Jews and religious men It was an ordinary thing with Paul, wheresoever the Jews had synagogues, there to begin, and to offer Christ to hi...

17.With the Jews and religious men It was an ordinary thing with Paul, wheresoever the Jews had synagogues, there to begin, and to offer Christ to his own nation. After that he went to the Gentiles, who, having tasted of the doctrine of the law, though they were not as yet thoroughly nousled up in [imbued with] true godliness, did, notwithstanding, worship the God of Israel, and being desirous to learn, did not refuse those things which they knew were taken out of Moses and the prophets; and because such aptness to be taught was an entrance unto faith, yea, was a certain beginning of faith, the Spirit vouchsafeth them an honorable title, who being only lightly sprinkled with the first rudiments, drew nearer unto the true God; for they be called religious. But let us remember that all the religion of the world may be brought to nought. Those are called worshippers of God spiritually who gave their name to the God of Israel. Religion is attributed to them alone; therefore there remaineth nothing else for the rest but the reproach of atheism, howsoever they toil and moil − 274 in superstition. And that for good considerations; for of whatsoever pomp the idolaters make boast, if their inward affection be examined, there shall be nothing found there but horrible contempt of God, and it shall appear that it is a mere feigned color wherewith they go about to excuse their idols. −

TSK: Act 17:17 - -- disputed : Act 17:2-4, Act 14:1-4 devout : Act 8:2, Act 10:2, Act 13:16 daily : Pro 1:20-22, Pro 8:1-4, Pro 8:34; Jer 6:11; Mat 5:1, Mat 5:2; Mar 16:1...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Act 17:17 - -- Therefore disputed he - Or reasoned. He engaged in an argument with them. With the devout persons - Those worshipping God after the manne...

Therefore disputed he - Or reasoned. He engaged in an argument with them.

With the devout persons - Those worshipping God after the manner of the Jews. They were Jewish proselytes, who had renounced idolatry, but who had not been fully admitted to the privileges of the Jews. See the notes on Act 10:2.

And in the market - In the forum. It was not only the place where provisions were sold, but was also a place of great public concourse. In this place the philosophers were not infrequently found engaged in public discussion.

Poole: Act 17:17 - -- Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews as Act 17:2 , still giving the Jews, if there were any, the priority; or, having by that means a...

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews as Act 17:2 , still giving the Jews, if there were any, the priority; or, having by that means an opportnnily to speak unto the proselytes of the Gentiles, who are the devout persons here meant: see Act 13:43 .

In the market because of the concourse thither; throwing the net of the Gospel where there were most fish; and he himself preaching, as he exhorted others to do, in season and out of season, 2Ti 4:2 .

Gill: Act 17:17 - -- Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews,.... There being a synagogue of the Jews here, and there being many Jews settled in this place, h...

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews,.... There being a synagogue of the Jews here, and there being many Jews settled in this place, hence we read in Jewish writings c of men going from Jerusalem to Athens, and from Athens to Jerusalem; and hence it may be accounted for, how many of the Athenian philosophers came to be acquainted with the books and sentiments of the Jews, from whom they borrowed may things; since there were so many that dwelt among them, and doubtless had for years past, as well as by their travels into Egypt: and a Jewish synagogue being here, the apostle went into it, according to his usual manner, and began with them, as he was wont to do, preaching the Gospel to the Jews first, and then unto the Gentiles: with them he disputed, not about idolatry, or the worship of many gods, to which they were not addicted; nor about the one true and living God, whom they knew and professed; but about the Son of God, about the Messiah, contending and proving that Jesus of Nazareth was he:

and with the devout persons; that is, with the Gentiles, who were proselytes to the Jewish religion, and worshipped the God of Israel with the Jews, in their synagogues, but knew nothing of Jesus Christ, and the way of salvation by him:

and in the market daily with them that met him; where there was a concourse of people; and where, after the apostle had been once or twice, the people came purposely to meet with him, and to hear his discourses, and reason with him about points in religion: the Syriac version renders it, "in the street"; and then the sense seems to be, that as he met persons in the street, day by day, as he walked along, he would stop and talk with them, about religious things, and about their idolatry, vanity, and superstition.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Act 17:17 BDAG 437 s.v. ἡμέρα 2.c has “every day” for this phrase in this verse.

Geneva Bible: Act 17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with ( h ) them that met with him. ( h ) W...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Act 17:1-34 - --1 Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,5 and others persecute him.10 He is sent to Berea, and preaches there.13 Being persecuted by Jews ...

Combined Bible: Act 17:17 - --notes on verse 15     

MHCC: Act 17:16-21 - --Athens was then famed for polite learning, philosophy, and the fine arts; but none are more childish and superstitious, more impious, or more credulou...

Matthew Henry: Act 17:16-21 - -- A scholar that has acquaintance, and is in love, with the learning of the ancients, would think he should be very happy if he were where Paul now wa...

Barclay: Act 17:16-21 - --When he fled from Beroea, Paul found himself alone in Athens. But, with comrades or alone, Paul never stopped preaching Christ. Athens had long s...

Constable: Act 9:32--Rom 1:1 - --III. THE WITNESS TO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH 9:32--28:31 Luke next recorded the church's expansion beyond...

Constable: Act 16:6--19:21 - --C. The extension of the church to the Aegean shores 16:6-19:20 The missionary outreach narrated in this ...

Constable: Act 17:16--18:18 - --3. The ministry in Achaia 17:16-18:17 Luke recorded this section to document the advance of the ...

Constable: Act 17:16-21 - --Paul's preliminary ministry in Athens 17:16-21 17:16 Athens stood five miles inland from its port of Piraeus, which was on the Saronic Gulf of the Aeg...

College: Act 17:1-34 - --ACTS 17 9. The Visits at Amphipolis and Apollonia (17:1a) 1 When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, After leaving Philippi Paul's st...

McGarvey: Act 17:15-17 - --15-17. (15) " Now they who conducted Paul led him to Athens; and having received a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as qu...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES By Way of Introduction But for the Acts we should know nothing of the early apostolic period save what is told in the Epi...

JFB: Acts (Book Introduction) THIS book is to the Gospels what the fruit is to the tree that bears it. In the Gospels we see the corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying: in...

JFB: Acts (Outline) INTRODUCTION--LAST DAYS OF OUR LORD UPON EARTH--HIS ASCENSION. (Act 1:1-11) RETURN OF THE ELEVEN TO JERUSALEM--PROCEEDINGS IN THE UPPER ROOM TILL PEN...

TSK: Acts (Book Introduction) The Acts of the Apostles is a most valuable portion of Divine revelation; and, independently of its universal reception in the Christian church, as an...

TSK: Acts 17 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Act 17:1, Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe, Act 17:5, and others persecute him; Act 17:10, He is sent to Berea, and prea...

Poole: Acts 17 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 17

MHCC: Acts (Book Introduction) This book unites the Gospels to the Epistles. It contains many particulars concerning the apostles Peter and Paul, and of the Christian church from th...

MHCC: Acts 17 (Chapter Introduction) (Act 17:1-9) Paul at Thessalonica. (Act 17:10-15) The noble conduct of the Bereans. (Act 17:16-21) Paul at Athens. (Act 17:22-31) He preaches there...

Matthew Henry: Acts (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Acts of the Apostles We have with an abundant satisfaction seen the foundation of our holy religion...

Matthew Henry: Acts 17 (Chapter Introduction) We have here a further account of the travels of Paul, and his services and sufferings for Christ. He was not like a candle upon a table, that give...

Barclay: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES A Precious Book In one sense Acts is the most important book in the New Testament. It is the simple truth t...

Barclay: Acts 17 (Chapter Introduction) In Thessalonica (Act_17:1-9) On To Beroea (Act_17:10-15) Alone In Athens (Act_17:16-21) A Sermon To The Philosophers (Act_17:22-31) The Reactions...

Constable: Acts (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The title "Acts of the Apostles" is very ancient. The Anti-Marcioni...

Constable: Acts (Outline) Outline I. The witness in Jerusalem 1:1-6:7 A. The founding of the church 1:1-2:46 ...

Constable: Acts Acts Bibliography Albright, William Foxwell. The Archaeology of Palestine. 1949. Revised ed. Pelican Archaeolog...

Haydock: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. INTRODUCTION. St. Luke, who had published his gospel, wrote also a second volume, which, from the first ages, hath bee...

Gill: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ACTS This book, in some copies, is called, "The Acts of the holy Apostles". It contains an history of the ministry and miracles of ...

College: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION As early as the second century the title "The Acts of the Apostles" was given to this document. Before that time the work probably circu...

College: Acts (Outline) OUTLINE I. THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM - 1:1-8:1a A. INTRODUCTION OF THE BOOK - 1:1-3 B. THE COMMISSIONING OF THE APOSTLES - 1:4-8 C. THE ASCENSI...

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