Acts 17:2

"Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue."

Key Reflection

In Acts 17:2, Luke narrates the journey of Paul and his companions from Amphipolis and Apollonia to Thessalonica, noting that this particular city had a significant Jewish population as evidenced by the presence of a synagogue. This detail is important because it indicates where Paul would begin his missionary work, highlighting the strategic importance of engaging with both Jewish and non-Jewish communities in his evangelistic efforts. The mention of the synagogue also underscores the ongoing presence of Judaism in the region, providing context for how early Christian missionaries approached their ministry among Jews before expanding to Gentiles.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. His manner was. His custom was to attend on the worship of the synagogue, and to preach the gospel to his countrymen first, Ac 9:20; 13:5,14. Reasoned with them. Discoursed to them, or attempted to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. The word used here (dielegeto) means often no more than to make a public address or discourse. See Barnes "Ac 24:25". Out of the Scriptures. By many critics this is connected with the following verse, "Opening and alleging from the Scriptures, that Christ must needs have suffered," etc. The sense is not varied materially by the change.

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