Act 17:2, 18:4, 19, 19:8-9, 24:12 | Barnes | STEP | 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, . Reasoned with them . Discoursed to them, or attempted to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. The word used here (διελεγετο) means often no more than to make a public address or discourse. . 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. (d) "went in unto them"

Acts 17:2

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, Acts 9:20, 13:5,14.

Reasoned with them. Discoursed to them, or attempted to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. The word used here (διελεγετο) means often no more than to make a public address or discourse. Acts 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.

(d) "went in unto them" Lk 4:16, Acts 9:20, 13:5,14

Acts 18:4

Verse 4. And he reasoned. Acts 17:2.

(*) "reasoned" "discoursed" (a) "synagogue" Acts 17:2

Acts 18:19

Verse 19. And he came to Ephesus. This was a celebrated city in Ionia, in Asia Minor, about forty miles south of Smyrna. It was chiefly famous for the temple of Diana, usually reckoned one of the seven wonders of the world. Pliny styles this city the ornament of Asia. In the times of the Romans it was the metropolis of Asia. This city is now under the dominion of the Turks, and is almost in a state of ruin. Dr. Chandler, in his travels in Asia Minor, says--"The inhabitants are a few Greek peasants, living in extreme wretchedness, dependence, and insensibility; the representatives of an illustrious people, and inhabiting the wreck of their greatness; some in the substructions of the glorious edifices which they raised; some beneath the vaults of the stadium, once the crowded scene of their diversions; and some in the sepulchres which received their ashes."--Travels, p. 131, Oxford, 1775. The Jews, according to Josephus, were very numerous in Ephesus, and had obtained the privilege of citizenship.

Left them there. That is, Aquila and Priscilla, Acts 18:24-26.

Reasoned with the Jews. Acts 17:2.

(*) "reasoned" "Discoursed" (a) "reasoned with the Jews" Acts 17:2

Acts 19:8-9

Verse 8. Persuading the things. Endeavouring to persuade them of the truth of what was affirmed respecting the kingdom of God.

(n) "disputing" Acts 18:19 (**) "persuading" "discoursing and stating" (o) "the things concerning" Acts 28:23 Verse 9. But when divers. When some were hardened.

Were hardened. When their hearts were hardened, and they became violently opposed to the gospel. When the truth made no impression on them. The word harden, as applied to the heart, is often used to denote insensibility and opposition to the gospel.

But spake evil of that way. Of the gospel--the way, path, or manner in which God saves men. See Acts 16:17, 18:26, Mt 7:13,14.

Separated the disciples. Removed them from the influence and society of those who were seeking to draw them away from the faith. This is often the best way to prevent the evil influence of others. Christians, if they wish to preserve their minds calm and peaceful; if they wish to avoid the agitations of conflict, and the temptations of those who would lead them astray, may often find it necessary to withdraw from their society, and should seek the fellowship of their Christian brethren.

Disputing daily. This is not a happy translation. The word used here--διαλεγομενος-- does not of necessity denote disputation or contention, but is often used in a good sense of reasoning, Acts 17:2; 18:4,19; 24:25; or of public preaching, Acts 20:7,9. It is used in this sense here, and denotes that Paul taught publicly, or reasoned on the subject of religion in this place.

In the school of one Tyrannus. Who this Tyrannus was, is not known. It is probable that he was a Jew, who was engaged in this employment, and who might not be unfavourable to Christians. In his school, or in the room which he occupied for teaching, Paul instructed the people when he was driven from the synagogue. Christians at that time had no churches, and they were obliged to assemble in any place where it might be convenient to conduct public worship.

(*) "divers" "Some" (a) "hardened" Rom 11:7, Heb 3:13 (b) "evil" 2Ti 1:15 (c) "that way" Acts 19:25 (d) "departed from" 1Timm 6:5 (+) "disputing daily" "discoursing"

Acts 24:12

Verse 12. And they neither found me, etc. The first charge of Tertullus against Paul was, Acts 24:5, that he was "a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition." The charge of his being a pest was so general, that Paul did not think it necessary to attempt to refute it. To the specification, that he was a mover of sedition, he replies by a firm denial, and by a solemn declaration that they had not found him in any synagogue, or in the city, or in the temple, either disputing or exciting a tumult. His conduct there had been entirely peaceable; and they had no right to suppose that it had been otherwise anywhere.

(h) "neither found me" Acts 25:8, 28:17