Acts 17:1-8
Summary for Acts 17:1-9: 17:1-9 a After traveling through Macedonia to Thessalonica, Paul preached to the Jews first (Rom 1:16 b) in the synagogue. Here, as elsewhere, there was a mixed response.Summary for Acts 17:1-3: 17:1-3 c Amphipolis was a Roman military post located on the Egnatian Way in the northeastern part of Macedonia.
• Apollonia, named after the Greek god Apollo, was also situated on the Egnatian Way.
• Thessalonica offered a starting point for ministry because it had a Jewish synagogue (see study note on 9:2). Paul was able to preach for three consecutive Sabbaths, explaining the Scriptures and showing their fulfillment in Jesus.
17:4 d God-fearing Greek men: See study note on 10:2.
• Luke regularly draws attention to women who joined the Christian movement (17:4 e, 12 f, 34 g; see also 5:14 h; 8:12 i; 16:13-15 j, 31-34 k; 18:26 l; 21:9 m).
Summary for Acts 17:5-7: 17:5-7 n Once again, the enemies of the Christian faith saw it as a disruptive threat (cp. 16:19-21 o). Ironically, they gathered some troublemakers and then accused Paul and Silas of causing trouble by disturbing the peace and committing treason against Caesar—serious charges of threatening the stability of the empire (cp. Luke 23:2 p).
Summary for Acts 17:8-9: 17:8-9 q The charges did not hold up under scrutiny, so the officials released Jason and the other believers after they posted bond. Christianity, Luke contended, was politically harmless to the Roman Empire and should therefore be recognized as a permitted religion and not subjected to political attack.
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