Acts 17:2
New International Version
As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

New Living Translation
As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people.

English Standard Version
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

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

Berean Literal Bible
And according to the custom with Paul, he went in to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

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

New King James Version
Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

New American Standard Bible
And according to Paul’s custom, he visited them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

NASB 1995
And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

NASB 1977
And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Legacy Standard Bible
And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Amplified Bible
And Paul entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and for three Sabbaths he engaged in discussion and friendly debate with them from the Scriptures,

Christian Standard Bible
As usual, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As usual, Paul went to the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days 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,

Contemporary English Version
So as usual, Paul went there to worship, and on three Sabbaths he spoke to the people. He used the Scriptures

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As usual, Paul went into the synagogue. On three consecutive days of worship, he had discussions about Scripture with the synagogue members.

Good News Translation
According to his usual habit Paul went to the synagogue. There during three Sabbaths he held discussions with the people, quoting

International Standard Version
As usual, Paul entered there and on three Sabbaths discussed the Scriptures with them.

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

NET Bible
Paul went to the Jews in the synagogue, as he customarily did, and on three Sabbath days he addressed them from the scriptures,

New Heart English Bible
Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Paul, as his manner was, went in to them, and on three sabbaths reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Weymouth New Testament
Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, and for three successive Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

World English Bible
Paul, as was his custom, went in to them; and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and according to the custom of Paul, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths he was reasoning with them from the Writings,

Berean Literal Bible
And according to the custom with Paul, he went in to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Young's Literal Translation
and according to the custom of Paul, he went in unto them, and for three sabbaths he was reasoning with them from the Writings,

Smith's Literal Translation
And according to custom to Paul, he went in to them, and upon three sabbaths discussed with them from the writings,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Paul, according to his custom, went in unto them; and for three sabbath days he reasoned with them out of the scriptures:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Paul, according to custom, entered to them. And for three Sabbaths he disputed with them about the Scriptures,

New American Bible
Following his usual custom, Paul joined them, and for three sabbaths he entered into discussions with them from the scriptures,

New Revised Standard Version
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three sabbath days argued with them from the scriptures,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Paul, as was his custom, went in to join them, and for three sabbaths, he spoke to them from the scriptures,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Paulus entered as he was accustomed with them, and on the third Sabbath he spoke with them from the Scripture,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Paul, according to his custom, went in to them, and, for three sabbath-days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Godbey New Testament
And according to custom to Paul, he came in unto them, and for three Sabbaths he expounded unto them from the scriptures,

Haweis New Testament
And Paul, according to his usual custom, went in to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the scriptures,

Mace New Testament
Paul, as was his custom, us'd to go there, and for three sabbath-days discours'd to the Jews from the scriptures,

Weymouth New Testament
Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, and for three successive Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Worrell New Testament
and, according to Paul's custom, he went in to them; and for three sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Worsley New Testament
And according to his custom Paul went in among them, and for three sabbath-days discoursed to them from the scriptures;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Preaches at Thessalonica
1When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he declared.…

Cross References
Acts 9:20
Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”

Acts 13:5
When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper.

Acts 18:4
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike.

Acts 19:8
Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.

Luke 4:16
Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read,

Acts 14:1
At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so well that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.

Acts 28:23
So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 9:20
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Acts 17:17
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day.

Acts 13:14
And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down.

Acts 16:13
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river, where it was customary to find a place of prayer. After sitting down, we spoke to the women who had gathered there.

Acts 24:14
I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

Acts 26:22-23
But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: / that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

as.

Luke 4:16
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

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.

went.

Acts 17:10,17
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews…

Acts 9:20
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

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.

reasoned.

Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

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.

1 Samuel 12:7
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

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Argued Custom Discussions Following Generally Holy Manner Paul Paul's Reasoned Reasoning Sabbath Sabbaths Scriptures Successive Synagogue Three Usual Weeks Writings
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Argued Custom Discussions Following Generally Holy Manner Paul Paul's Reasoned Reasoning Sabbath Sabbaths Scriptures Successive Synagogue Three Usual Weeks Writings
Acts 17
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 from Thessalonica,
16. he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown;
32. whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ.














As was his custom
Paul's approach to ministry often involved going first to the Jewish synagogues. This strategy is consistent with his background as a Pharisee and his deep understanding of Jewish law and tradition (Philippians 3:5). It reflects his commitment to the principle of "to the Jew first" (Romans 1:16), recognizing the Jews as God's chosen people and the initial recipients of His promises.

Paul went into the synagogue
The synagogue served as a central place for teaching and discussion of the Scriptures among the Jewish community. It was a natural starting point for Paul to share the message of Jesus as the Messiah. This practice is seen throughout Acts (Acts 13:14, Acts 14:1), highlighting the importance of engaging with those who had a foundational understanding of the Old Testament.

and on three Sabbaths
The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship for the Jewish people, making it an opportune time for Paul to engage with them. The mention of "three Sabbaths" indicates a period of persistent teaching and dialogue, suggesting that Paul was committed to thoroughly presenting his message and addressing any questions or objections.

he reasoned with them from the Scriptures
Paul's method involved reasoning, which implies a logical and persuasive presentation of the Gospel. He used the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) to demonstrate that Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. This approach is seen in other parts of Acts (Acts 18:4, Acts 19:8) and underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It also reflects the Berean approach to Scripture, where the audience is encouraged to examine the Scriptures daily to verify the truth (Acts 17:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
A key figure in the early Christian church, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a Pharisee who converted to Christianity and became a missionary to the Gentiles.

2. Synagogue
A Jewish place of worship and community gathering. It was customary for Paul to begin his ministry in a new city by visiting the local synagogue.

3. Thessalonica
A major city in Macedonia where Paul preached. It was a significant location for trade and culture, making it a strategic place for spreading the Gospel.

4. Sabbath Days
The Jewish day of rest and worship, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Paul used these days to engage with the Jewish community.

5. Scriptures
Refers to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), which Paul used to explain and prove the message of Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
Customary Engagement
Paul’s approach was consistent and intentional. He had a strategy for sharing the Gospel, starting with those who had a foundational understanding of the Scriptures.

Reasoning from the Scriptures
Paul used the Scriptures to reason and engage in dialogue, showing the importance of grounding our faith discussions in the Bible.

Persistence in Ministry
Paul’s commitment over three Sabbaths demonstrates perseverance. We should be persistent in our efforts to share the Gospel, even when immediate results are not visible.

Cultural Contextualization
Paul’s method of starting in the synagogue shows the importance of understanding and respecting cultural contexts when sharing the Gospel.

Scriptural Foundation
The use of the Scriptures as the basis for reasoning highlights the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible to effectively communicate our faith.(2) Paul, as his manner was . . .--What we read of as occurring in the Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14-15), was, we may believe, now reproduced. That he was allowed to preach for three Sabbaths in succession, shows the respect commanded by his character as a Rabbi, and, it may be, by his earnest eloquence. Though he came with the marks of the scourge upon him, he was as fearless as ever, speaking the gospel of God "with much contention," "not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance" (1Thessalonians 1:5). And with this boldness there was also a winning gentleness, "even as a nurse cherisheth her children" (1Thessalonians 2:7). And not a few Gentiles "turned from idols to serve the living and true God" (1Thessalonians 1:9).

Verse 2. - Custom for manner, A.V.; for three for three, A.V.; from for out of, A.V. Reasoned (see note on ver. 17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As was
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[his]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

custom,
εἰωθὸς (eiōthos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1486: To be accustomed, custom, what was customary. A primary verb; to be used; neuter perfect participle usage.

Paul
Παύλῳ (Paulō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

went into
εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

[the synagogue],
αὐτοὺς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

three
τρία (tria)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

Sabbaths
σάββατα (sabbata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4521: The Sabbath, a week.

he reasoned
διελέξατο (dielexato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1256: To converse, address, preach, lecture; I argue, reason. Middle voice from dia and lego; to say thoroughly, i.e. Discuss.

with them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Scriptures,
γραφῶν (graphōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1124: (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.


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