Bible Strands
Acts 17:4
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul and Silas address a synagogue audience after explaining and proving that Jesus is the Christ who suffered and rose. Their message draws a specific demographic response while hostile Jews simultaneously organize a mob to seize them.
The words — The Greek ἐπεὶσθησαν (epeistēsan) literally means "were persuaded" or "were obedient," denoting a decisive shift in allegiance. προσεκληρώθησαν (proseklerōthēsan) translates to "they joined themselves," marking formal association with the apostles.
The thread — The text records similar demographic responses when many Jews and devout converts follow Paul and Barnabas after synagogue meetings (Acts 13:43). It also parallels the divided civic reactions where populations split between supporting Jewish opponents and backing the apostles (Acts 14:4).
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to acknowledge that conviction produces tangible alignment with the messengers of the gospel. It demands recognition that faith frequently emerges within immediate social and political opposition.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 17:12 As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.
- Acts 13:43 After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
- Acts 14:4 The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
- Acts 13:50 The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district.
- Acts 15:22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,
- Acts 28:24 Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.
- 2 Corinthians 8:5 And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God.
- Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
- Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
- Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions?