Preface: Paul, as a missionary, goes to Thessalonica, Berea and Athens. In Thessalonica, the Greeks respond to Paul’s teaching with positive volition, but the leaders of the Jewish synagogue organize a mob and blame the actions of the mob on Paul. Paul and Silas then go down to Berea, where the people are very interested in Paul’s teaching. However, the Jews from Thessalonica come to Berea and organize against Paul there. Paul, by himself, is guided over to Athens. Here, Paul teaches at the synagogue; but during the week, he studies the Greek culture there and teaches in their marketplace. He is taken to Mars Hill and he proclaims the Greeks’ own unknown God to them. He receives a mixed reaction there.

Bible Summary: They taught in Thessalonica and Berea. In Athens Paul said, "I proclaim the God who gives life to all. He will judge the world." 

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 17 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 17 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Outline of Chapter 17:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–9           Paul and Silas in Thessalonica (Greeks Respond; Jewish Leaders Form a Mob)

         vv.    10–14         Paul and Silas in Berea (with a More Positive Response than in Thessalonica)

         vv.    15–34         Paul in Athens

         vv.        16–18        Paul in the synagogues and in the marketplace

         vv.        19–31        Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill

         vv.        32–34        The mixed response of the Greeks

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 17 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 17 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 17 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 17

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 17

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 17

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 17

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 17

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 17 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 17 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 13–18)

         Introduction         Paragraph Divisions of Modern Translation for Acts 17

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

         v.       1              Via Agnatha (a map)

         v.       1              Thessalonica (map)

         v.       3              Ancient Via Egnatia in Kavala (a photograph)

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         v.       7              The Rabble of Acts 7 Compared to Antifa

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         v.      14              Berea and Athens in Macedonia (a map)

         v.      14              Macedonia and Achaia (a map)

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         v.      18              Epicureanism (Hastings Dictionary of the Bible; W. M. Macdonald)

         v.      18              Stoics (Hastings Dictionary of the Bible; W. M. Macdonald)

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         v.      19              Areopagus (by A. Souter; Easton)

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         v.      24              To the Unknown God, from Wikipedia:

         v.      24              The actual altar (a photograph)

         v.      25              Saint Paul Preaching in Athens (Raphael—1515)

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 17 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 17

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 17

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 17:1 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary Note for Acts 17:1–4

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary Note for Acts 17:5–9

         Addendum          Lengthy Note on the Bereans Double-Checking Paul (The 2001 Commentaries)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary Note for Acts 17:10–14

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 17:16 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary Note for Acts 17:15–21

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary Note for Acts 17:22–28

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary Note for Acts 17:29–34

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 17

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 17

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 17

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 17

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An Introduction to Acts 17

I ntroduction: Acts 17 picks up where Acts 16 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD) left off. This is a continuation of the second missionary tour. Acts 17 has Paul (and Silas) teaching in 3 different cities (Thessalonica, Berea and Athens); getting a mixed response from the people. Luke concentrates on the gentiles as much as the Jews and upon women as much as men. The highlight of this chapter is Paul’s extended message on Mars’ Hill.

Paul and Silas have come to Europe (represented by Macedonia), and they are moving more and more towards the gentiles. In Thessalonica, Paul teaches three Saturdays in a row in the synagogue, receiving, generally speaking, a positive response. However, the Jewish leaders of the synagogue who do not believe Paul’s message plot against them. They pay off a mob, which causes some destruction, which is then blamed on Paul and Silas. Paul’s opposition continues to work dishonestly against Silas and him.

They both go to Berea next and the Berean spend a great deal of time checking up on the Scriptures to which Paul refers when teaching them. They respond well to Paul’s teaching, but the Jews from Thessalonica come down to Berea and stir up trouble against Paul (he appears to be the primary speaker of this group).

Paul, then, by himself, goes down to Athens (he is guided there). Although he speaks in the synagogues on Saturday, Paul goes to the marketplace on the other days. He both speaks to the people there and absorbs the Greek culture. He is taken to council of Areopagus, and they seem to give him a relatively free hearing (that is, he is allowed to speak freely and this is not a pretext by which they imprison him). Having spoken a marvelous sermon to the people on Mars’ Hill (= Areopagus), there is a mixed response to Paul. Some believe in Jesus and many do not.

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Paul and Silas in Thessalonica (Greeks Respond; Jewish Leaders Form a Mob)

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now passing through the Amphipolis and the Apollonia, they went towards Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. Now, according to the habit for Paul, he entered in face to face with them, and over Sabbaths three he discussed with them from the Scriptures, opening [them] up and placing beside [them] that the Christ was necessary to keep being affected and to be raised up out from deaths. “And keeps on being the Christ the Jesus, Whom I keep on proclaiming to you [all].”

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Now traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

And according to Paul's custom, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

interpreting and pointing out that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer, and to arise from the dead, and saying that "This is the Christ, Jesus, whom I proclaim to you."

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

And Paul, according to his custom, went in unto them. And for three sabbath days he reasoned with them out of the scriptures:

Declaring and insinuating that the Christ was to suffer and to rise again from the dead; and that this is Jesus Christ, whom I preach to you.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And they passed by Amphipulis {Amphipolis} and Apalunia {Apollonia} cities, and they came unto Thesaluniqi {Thessalonica}, where there was a Kenushtha d'Yehudaye {a Synagogue of Judeans/the Jews}.

And Paulus {Paul} went in unto them, as was his custom, and for three Shabe {Sabbaths} was speaking with them from The Kathabe {The Scriptures},

where he was explaining and was showing that Meshikha {The Anointed One} had been destined that He should suffer, and that He should rise from the place of the dead, that is to say, Eshu Meshikha {Yeshua, The Anointed One}, this One whom I am Declaring unto you.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And they passed through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, and came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews.

And Paul, as was his custom, went in to them; and during three sabbaths he discoursed with them from the scriptures;

expounding and showing, that the Messiah was to suffer, and to arise from the dead, and that this Jesus whom I announce to you is the Messiah.

Original Aramaic NT              They passed unto the cities Amphipolis and Apollonia and they came to Thessaloniqa where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

And Paulus entered as he was accustomed with them, and on the third Sabbath he spoke with them from the Scripture,

As he was expounding and showing: "The Messiah was going to suffer and rise from the grave, and he is Yeshua The Messiah, this one whom I proclaim to you."

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Now when they had gone through Amphipolis and Apollonia they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Synagogue of the Jews: 

And Paul, as he generally did, went in to them, and on three Sabbath days had discussions with them from the holy Writings, 

Saying to them clearly and openly that Christ had to be put to death and come back to life again; and that this Jesus, whom, he said, I am preaching to you, is the Christ.

Bible in Worldwide English     Paul and Silas went through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia. Then they reached the town of Thessalonica. Here the Jews had a meeting place. As he had done in other places, Paul went into it. On three Sabbath days he explained what was written in the holy writings. He proved these things from the writings. He said. It was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise again from death. And this Jesus, whom I am talking about, is the Christ.

Easy English                          What happened in Thessalonica

Paul and his friends continued their journey. They went through the two towns called Amphipolis and Apollonia. Then they arrived in the city of Thessalonica. There was a Jewish meeting place there. Paul went to the meeting place, as he usually did on a Jewish day of rest. On three rest days, he spoke God's message to the people there. He read from the Bible and he explained what it meant. He told the people what was true about God's Messiah. He used the Bible to show them clearly that the Messiah had to suffer and die. He also showed them that the Messiah had to become alive again. Paul said to them, ‘I have been telling you about Jesus. He is the Messiah that God has sent to us.’

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Paul and Silas traveled through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia. They came to the city of Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. Paul went into the synagogue to see the Jews as he always did. The next three weeks, on each Sabbath day, he discussed the Scriptures with them. He explained the Scriptures to show them that the Messiah had to die and then rise from death. He said, "This Jesus that I am telling you about is the Messiah."

God’s Word™                         Paul and Silas traveled through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to the city of Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. As usual, Paul went into the synagogue. On three consecutive days of worship, he had discussions about Scripture with the synagogue members. He explained and showed them that the Messiah had to suffer, die, and come back to life, and that Jesus, the person he talked about, was this Messiah.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Paul and Silas traveled on through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. According to his usual habit Paul went to the synagogue. There during three Sabbaths he held discussions with the people, quoting and explaining the Scriptures, and proving from them that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from death. "This Jesus whom I announce to you," Paul said, "is the Messiah."

J. B. Phillips                           Bitter opposition at Thessalonica—

Next day they journeyed through Amphipolis and Apollonia and arrived at Thessalonica. Here there was a synagogue of the Jews which Paul entered, following his usual custom.

On three Sabbath days he argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and quoting passages to prove the necessity for the death of Christ and his rising again from the dead. “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you,” he concluded, “is God’s Christ!”

The Message                         Thessalonica

They took the road south through Amphipolis and Apollonia to Thessalonica, where there was a community of Jews. Paul went to their meeting place, as he usually did when he came to a town, and for three Sabbaths running he preached to them from the Scriptures. He opened up the texts so they understood what they’d been reading all their lives: that the Messiah absolutely had to be put to death and raised from the dead—there were no other options—and that “this Jesus I’m introducing you to is that Messiah.”

NIRV                                      Paul and Silas Arrive in Thessalonica

Paul and those traveling with him passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia. They came to Thessalonica. A Jewish synagogue was there. Paul went into the synagogue as he usually did. For three Sabbath days in a row he talked with the Jews about the Scriptures. He explained and proved that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am telling you about is the Messiah!” he said.

New Life Version                    Paul and Silas Start a Church in Thessalonica

After Paul and Silas had gone through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to the city of Thessalonica. The Jews had a place of worship there. Paul went in as he always did. They gathered together each Day of Rest for three weeks and he taught them from the Holy Writings. He showed them that Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. He said, “I preach this Jesus to you. He is the Christ.”

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 17

PAUL WORKING THE GREEK CROWD

LOCATION THESSALONICA: PAUL STIRS UP ANOTHER RIOT

Paul and Silas headed southwest and passed through the coastal towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia. [1] They came to the town of Thessalonica. [2] Jews worshiped at a synagogue there. Paul did his usual thing: he went to synagogue services every Sabbath day. He did that for three weeks, trying to reason with the people by supporting his arguments with Scripture. He pointed out Bible passages that said the Messiah had to suffer, die, and rise from the dead. [3] Paul told the people, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.”

¹17:1Both towns were near the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, a body of water that lies between what is now Turkey in the east and Greece in the west. The towns were on a famous Roman road called the Via Egnatia, which ran east and west across northern Greece.

²17:1Thessalonica was a fishing town directly on the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. Now called Thessaloniki, it was roughly a 300-mile (482-km) walk along the coastal roads north of Athens. It was about the same distance by sea. The walk would take a couple of weeks. The voyage, with favorable winds, could take just three or four days.

³17:3One of the Bible passages Paul may have used to support his argument that the Messiah needed to suffer and die: Isaiah 52:13—53:12. Some Bible experts call this the “Suffering Servant” passage. Many Jews who read this passage, however, say they don’t believe it refers to Jesus. They argue that the suffering servant is the Jewish nation.

Contemporary English V.       After Paul and his friends had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they went on to Thessalonica. A Jewish meeting place was in that city. So as usual, Paul went there to worship, and on three Sabbaths he spoke to the people. He used the Scriptures to show them that the Messiah had to suffer, but that he would rise from death. Paul also told them that Jesus is the Messiah he was preaching about.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           Paul Preaches in Thessalonica

Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 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. He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.”

The Passion Translation        After passing through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas arrived at Thessalonica.  As they customarily did, they went to the synagogue to speak to the Jews from the Torah scrolls. For three weeks Paul challenged them by explaining the truth and proving to them the reality of the gospel—that the Messiah had to suffer and die, then rise again from among the dead. He made it clear to them, saying, “I come to announce to you that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah!”

Plain English Version             Paul told people in Thessalonica about Jesus

Paul and Silas went through the towns called Amfipolis and Apollonia, and they got to a town called Thessalonica. There was a Jewish meeting house there, so Paul went to that meeting house on the next Saturday to tell the people about Jesus. He used to do that in all the towns and cities that he went to. Paul went to that meeting house in Thessalonica each Saturday for 3 weeks, and he read some parts of God’s book and talked about them to the people there. They were the parts where God’s men wrote about the special man that God promised to send, called the Christ. They wrote that people will hurt God’s special man, and kill him, but then God will make him alive again. And Paul said, “Jesus is that special man that God sent to save us. People killed him, but God made him alive again.”

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  They traveled through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to the city of Thessalonica. There was a Jewish meeting place there. On the sabbath Paul went to the meeting place as he usually did. For three weeks he went there on each sabbath day. He spoke to the people about how the scriptures said that Jesus would be the Messiah. He showed from the scriptures that the prophets wrote that the Messiah would have to die and come alive again. He said, "This man Jesus is the Messiah. He died and became alive again, just like the prophets said he would."

Williams’ New Testament      Now they traveled on through Amphipolis and Apollonia until they reached Thessalonica. Here there was a Jewish synagogue. So Paul, as he usually did, went to the synagogue, and for three sabbaths discussed with them the Scriptures, explaining them and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and said, "This very Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ."

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          From there they traveled through AmphiPolis and Apollonia to ThesSalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. And as it was Paul’s custom, he went inside and reasoned with [the Jews] from the Scriptures for three Sabbaths.

He opened [the scriptures] and proved that the Anointed One had to suffer and be resurrected from the dead.

Then he said:

‘This Jesus whom I’m preaching to you is that Anointed One!’

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            After making their way through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they went into Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jewish people. According to what had been a custom for Paul, he went in to them and over three Sabbaths had discussions with them out of the Old Testament writings, completely opening and placing beside them that it was necessary for the Anointed King to suffer and to come back to life from the dead. And, "This is the Anointed King Jesus whom I announce to you."

Common English Bible           More troubles for Paul

Paul and Silas journeyed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, then came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was Paul’s custom, he entered the synagogue and for three Sabbaths interacted with them on the basis of the scriptures. Through his interpretation of the scriptures, he demonstrated that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. He declared, “This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ.”

Len Gane Paraphrase           Now after they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue. Then Paul, as was his habit, went in to them and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, explaining and proving that Christ must have had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and that this Jesus whom I preach to you is Christ.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles And taking their journey through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica; where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul's custom, he entered in among them, and discoursed to them for three Sabbaths from the scriptures; opening them, and evidently showing that the Messiah ought to suffer, and to rise from the dead; and that this is the Messiah, even Jesus, whom I declare to you.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       They continued their journey through Amphipolis and Apollonia, and so reached Thessalonica. Here the Jews had a synagogue, and Paul, as his custom was, paid them a visit there. Over a space of three sabbaths he reasoned with them out of the scriptures, expounding these and bringing proofs from them that the sufferings of Christ and his rising from the dead were fore-ordained; the Christ, he said, is none other than the Jesus whom I am preaching to you.

NT for Everyone                     Another king!

Paul and Silas traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. Paul went there, as he usually did, and for three sabbaths he spoke to them, expounding the scriptures, interpreting and explaining that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead, and that “This Jesus, that I am announcing to you, is the Messiah.”

20^th Century New Testament After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica. Here the Jews had a Synagogue; And, following his usual custom, Paul joined them, and for three Sabbaths addressed them, drawing his arguments from the Scriptures. He laid before them and explained that the Christ must undergo suffering and rise from the dead; and "It is this man," he declared, "who is the Christ--this Jesus about whom I am telling you."

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Christian Standard Bible        A Short Ministry in Thessalonica

After they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As usual, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.”

Conservapedia Translation    Now when they has traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where a Jewish synagogue was located. Paul, as usual, went in to them, and debated with them on three Sabbath days, arguing from Scripture, explaining and showing logically, "Christ had to suffer, and rise again from the dead, and this Jesus, Whom I preach to you, is Christ."

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Persecution at Thessalonica.

Travelling then through Amphipolis, and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. And Paul, as was his custom, went in among them, and for three Sabbaths discussed with them from the Scriptures, illustrating and proving that the Messiah must suffer, and rise again from the dead; "and that this Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Messiah."

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           As they made their journey through Amphipolis, and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where was a Synagogue of the Jewes. And Paul as his manner was went in unto them, and three Saboth days declared out of the scripture unto them, opening and alleging that Christ must needs have suffered and risen again from death, and that this Jesus was Christ, whom (said he) I preach to you.

International Standard V        Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

Paul and Silas [Lit. They] traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

As usual, Paul entered there and on three Sabbaths discussed the Scriptures with them. He explained and showed them that the Messiah [Or Christ] had to suffer and rise from the dead: “This very Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Messiah.” [Or Christ]

Weymouth New Testament    Then, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they went to Thessalonica. Here there was a synagogue of the Jews.

Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, and for three successive Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, which he clearly explained, pointing out that it had been necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise again from the dead, and insisting, "The Jesus whom I am announcing to you is the Christ."

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Difficulties in Thessalonica

• Paul and Silas took the road through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As Paul used to do, he went to the synagogue and on three Sabbaths he held discussions with them about the Scriptures. He explained and proved to them that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and he said, “Such a Messiah is this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you.”

The footnote for Acts 16:1 has been placed in the Addendum.

1Thes 2:2

13:14

9:20; 18:5

The Heritage Bible                          And traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they came into Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews;

And according to custom with Paul, he went in to them, and upon three Sabbaths spoke thoroughly with them from the Scriptures,

Opening thoroughly and setting forth that Christ must have suffered, and to have risen again out of the dead, and that he is the Christ, Jesus, whom I preach to you.

New American Bible (2011)   Paul in Thessalonica.

When they took the road through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they reached Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.^a

Following his usual custom, Paul joined them, and for three sabbaths he entered into discussions with them from the scriptures, expounding and demonstrating that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and that “This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I proclaim to you.”^b

a. [17:1] 1 Thes 2:1–2.

b. [17:3] 3:18; Lk 24:25–26, 46.

New Catholic Bible                 Paul in Thessalonica.^[a] After they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they reached Thessalonica^[b] where there was a Jewish synagogue. Following his usual practice, Paul went in, and for three Sabbaths he argued with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise from the dead. “And the Christ,” he said, “is this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you.”

[a] Jewish groups resent the rise of Christian communities as a rival enterprise and a risk for their peaceful establishment in the cities of the Empire—something that is always precarious. Unless the Jews accept Jesus as the fulfillment of the Scriptures, they can do nothing but be opposed to such communities.

The community of the Thessalonians will later receive the first two Letters written by Paul, which enable us to glimpse the fervor and anxieties of a young Church. The substance of Paul’s preaching at Thessalonica is summed up in verse 3: there we find the general structure of the discourses of Acts. A woman once again appears in a new role (Acts 17:12; 18:2) and is even named for her own sake, with no reference to a man (Acts 17:34). Christian lay people suffer in the name of the apostles. The opposition they encounter is on the juridical level. The confrontation with the Roman world will take place on a political level, where Roman culture and civilization are better expressed.

[b] Amphipolis . . . Thessalonica: cities on the so-called Egnatian Way, which ran east and west through Greece and also included Philippi. Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia with a population of more than 200,000, and it lay about 100 miles from Philippi.

New Jerusalem Bible             Passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they eventually reached Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. Paul as usual went in and for three consecutive Sabbaths developed the arguments from scripture for them, explaining and proving how it was ordained that the Christ should suffer and rise from the dead. 'And the Christ', he said, 'is this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you.'

Revised English Bible–1989   THEY now travelled by way of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

Following his usual practice Paul went to their meetings; and for the next three sabbaths he argued with them, quoting texts of scripture which he expounded and applied to show that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “And this Jesus”, he said, “whom I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.”

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Sha’ul and Sila came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. According to his usual practice, Sha’ul went in; and on three Shabbats he gave them drashes from the Tanakh, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and that “this Yeshua whom I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.”

Hebraic Roots Bible               And traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul's custom, he went in to them and reasoned with them from the Scriptures on three Sabbaths, opening and setting forth that the Messiah must have suffered and to have risen from the dead, and that this is the Messiah, Yahshua, whom I preach to you.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Paul and Silas traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia. Then they came to the city of Thessalonica. In that city there was a Jewish house of worship. According to Paul’s custom, he went to them in this house of worship, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. Paul explained and clearly showed that the Messiah must die and then rise from death. Paul said, "This Jesus, whom I announce to you, is the Messiah!"

The Scriptures 2009              And having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonike, where there was a congregation of the Yehuim. 

And according to his practice, Sha’ul went in unto them, and for three Sabbaths was reasoning with them from the Scriptures, 

explaining and pointing out that the Messiah had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This is the Messiah, יהושע, whom I proclaim to you.”

Tree of Life Version                After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went to the Jewish people; and for three Shabbatot, he debated the Scriptures with them. He opened them and gave evidence that Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, saying, “This Yeshua, whom I declare to you, is the Messiah.”

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Traveling but the amphipolis and the apollonia [Men] come to thessalonica where was Assembly [of] the jews in but the [thing] having practiced [by] the paul [He] enters to them and to breaks (weekly) three [He] discusses [with] them from the writings Opening {them} and Presenting for the christ was (necessary) to suffer and to stand (up) from [men] dead and for This is The Christ The Jesus whom I announce [to] you*...

Alpha & Omega Bible            NOW WHEN THEY HAD TRAVELED THROUGH AMPHIPOLIS AND APOLLONIA, THEY CAME TO THESSALONICA, WHERE THERE WAS A SYNAGOGUE OF THE [local] JEWS.

AND ACCORDING TO PAULOS' (Paul's) NORMAL ROUTINE, HE WENT TO THEM, AND FOR THREE SABBATHS (7th Day of Rest & Worship. i.e. Saturdays) REASONED WITH THEM FROM THE SCRIPTURES (Greek Septuagint Old Testament),

EXPLAINING AND GIVING EVIDENCE THAT THE CHRIST HAD TO SUFFER AND RISE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD, AND SAYING,“THIS JESUS WHOM I AM PROCLAIMING TO YOU IS THE CHRIST.”

Awful Scroll Bible                   And proceeding-through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they come into Thessalonica, where was the drawing-together of the Jews.

Moreover Paul, having been accustomed along down, goes-in with regards to them, and over three sabbaths, he was speaking-through with them of the Writings,

thoroughly-opening-up and himself setting-before them that, the Anointed One was necessitating to sadly suffer, and to rise-up out of the dead and that, "This-same Jesus, whom I accordingly-herald to yous, is the Anointed One."

Concordant Literal Version    Now, traversing Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews."

Now, as was Paul's custom, he entered to them, and on three sabbaths he argues with them from the scriptures, opening up and placing before them that the Christ must suffer and rise from among the dead, and that "This One is the Christ - the Jesus Whom I am announcing to you."

exeGeses companion Bible   ON TO THESSALONIKEE

And passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia

they come to Thessalonikee;

where there is a synagogue of the Yah Hudiym:

and as his custom, Paulos comes to them,

and for three shabbaths

reasons with them from the scriptures

- opening and setting forth

that the Messiah needed to suffer

and rise from the dead;

and that this Yah Shua whom I evangelize to you,

is the Messiah.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Now having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Rav Sha'ul and Sila came to Thessalonica, where there was a shul.

And as he did bekvius (regularly), Rav Sha'ul joined their minyan, and on shloshah Shabbatot, he gave them drashot from the Kitvei HaKodesh,

Making a Messianic midrash (homiletical interpretation of the Scriptures) and giving the pshat (rationale) for the yissurim of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, that it was necessary for him to suffer and to stand up alive from the Mesim, saying, "This one is the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, this Yehoshua whom I am proclaiming to you."

Rotherham’s Emphasized B.          § 28. Paul proceeds by Thessalonica and Beroea to Athens.

Chapter 17.

And |travelling through Amphipolis and Apollonia| they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews; and |according to Paul’s custom| he went in unto them, and |for three sabbaths| reasoned with them from the Scriptures,—opening upˎ and setting forth, that it was needful for ||the Christ|| to sufferˎ and to arise from among the dead; and [saying]

||This|| is the Christ,—||Jesus|| whom ||I|| am declaring unto you.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Paul at Thessalonica

Now after Paul and Silas had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul entered the synagogue, as was his ^[a]custom, and for three Sabbaths he engaged in discussion and friendly debate with them from the Scriptures, explaining and pointing out [scriptural evidence] that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you, is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).”

[a] Paul had earlier announced that he was turning to the Gentiles (13:46), but he nevertheless kept to his practice of speaking to Jews first while focusing primarily on Gentiles.

An Understandable Version   Now when they [Note: A change from the use of “we” to “they” suggests that the writer Luke remained behind in Philippi at this point] had traveled through the [Macedonian] towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to [the city of] Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue. As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, [and] for three Sabbath days [in a row] he taught them from the Scriptures, explaining and declaring that it was necessary for Christ to suffer and [then] rise again from the dead. Paul was saying, “This Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you, is the Christ.”

The Expanded Bible              Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

·Paul and Silas [^L They] traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica [^C a city on the Via Egnatia, the major road on the northern Aegean coast] where there was a synagogue. Paul went into the synagogue as he ·always [customarily] did [^C speaking to the Jews first], and on each Sabbath day for three weeks, he ·talked [discussed; or argued; reasoned] with ·his fellow Jews [^L them] about the Scriptures. He explained and proved that the ·Christ [Messiah; ^C Christ in Greek and Messiah in Hebrew mean “anointed one”] must ·die [^L suffer] and then rise from the dead [3:18]. He said, “This Jesus I am ·telling you about [proclaiming to you] is the ·Christ [Messiah].”

Jonathan Mitchell NT             So after making their way through Amphipolis and then Ampollonia, they came into Thessalonica – where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

Now corresponding to the custom having been normally practiced by Paul, he went into [their] midst to face them (= to join their meeting), and thus, upon three [consecutive] sabbaths he laid out thoughts and ideas to them through reasoning from the Scriptures (or: he held thorough discussion with them from out of the writings; he led a dialogue through [a path] from the midst of the Scriptures for them),

thoroughly and progressively opening [them] up and repeatedly placing [them] side-by-side (= explaining and setting forth proofs) that it had continued binding and necessary for the Anointed One (the Christ) to experience, and at some point to suffer, but then to rise (stand back up again) from out of the midst of dead folks – and [saying] that "This Jesus, Whom I myself am now fully announcing to (or: progressively publishing down among) you folks, is the Anointed One (the Christ)."

Syndein/Thieme                     Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews.

{Note: Change of tense indicates Luke departed from them at this point. The rest went on.}

{Note: Through big cities, Paul must have been aware there were no pockets of people with positive volition at the point of God consciousness so he passed through to where there were positive people - in this case Thessalonica.}

And Paul, according to his established custom, went in face to face with them {speaking opportunity}, and three Sabbath days engaged in dialogs {communicated doctrine categorically} with them from the ultimate source of the scriptures, opening their minds and depositing {doctrine}, that the Messiah {Christ} was always obligated to have suffered, and risen again from the dead . . . and that this Jesus, Whom I keep on preaching unto you, is Christ.

{Note: Christ was revealed in the Old Testament scriptures. Paul, using the dialog technique was explaining to the Jews in the synagogue the meaning of the rituals and 'Shadow Christology of the Old Testament'.}

Translation for Translators      In Thessalonica, Paul convinced many people that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 17:1-4

Paul and Silas traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia towns and arrived at Thessalonica city. There was a Jewish meeting place there. ◂On the Sabbath/On the Jewish rest day► Paul went into the meeting house, as he usually did. For three weeks he went there on each Jewish day of rest. Referring to the Scriptures about the Messiah, he spoke to the people who were there. He explained and showed that the prophets wrote that the Messiah needed to die and ◂to become alive again/to be raised from the dead afterwards►. He told them: “This man Jesus, whom I am telling you about, is our Messiah. He died and became alive again, just like the prophets predicted.”

The Voice                               After leaving Philippi and passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica. There was a Jewish synagogue there. As he had done in other cities, Paul attended the synagogue and presented arguments, based on the Hebrew Scriptures, that the Anointed had to suffer and rise from the dead.

Paul: Who is this suffering and rising Anointed One I am proclaiming to you? He is Jesus.

He came back the next two Sabbaths—repeating the same pattern.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Attacked by a Mob in Thessalonica

Now after they [*Here “after ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“traveled through”) which is understood as temporal] traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And as was his custom, [Literally “and in accordance with what he was accustomed to”] Paul went in to them and on three Sabbath days he discussed with them from the scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that it was necessary for the Christ [Or “Messiah”] to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying , “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” [Or “Messiah”]

NET Bible®                             Paul and Silas at Thessalonica

After they traveled through¹ Amphipolis² and Apollonia,³ they came to Thessalonica,⁴ where there was a Jewish synagogue.⁵ Paul went to the Jews in the synagogue,⁶ as he customarily did, and on three Sabbath days he addressed⁷ them from the scriptures, explaining and demonstrating⁸ that the Christ⁹ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,¹⁰ saying,¹¹ “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”¹²

^1tn BDAG 250 s.v. διοδεύω 1 has “go, travel through” for this verse.

^2sn Amphipolis. The capital city of the southeastern district of Macedonia (BDAG 55 s.v. Αμφίπολις). It was a military post. From Philippi this was about 33 mi (53 km).

^3sn Apollonia was a city in Macedonia about 27 mi (43 km) west southwest of Amphipolis.

^4sn Thessalonica (modern Salonica) was a city in Macedonia about 33 mi (53 km) west of Apollonia. It was the capital of Macedonia. The road they traveled over was called the Via Egnatia. It is likely they rode horses, given their condition in Philippi. The implication of v. 1 is that the two previously mentioned cities lacked a synagogue.

^map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-Category #1.

^5sn See the note on synagogue in 6:9.

^6tn Grk “he went in to them”; the referent (the Jews in the synagogue) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

^7tn Although the word διελέξατο (dielexato; from διαλέγομαι, dialegomai) is frequently translated “reasoned,” “disputed,” or “argued,” this sense comes from its classical meaning where it was used of philosophical disputation, including the Socratic method of questions and answers. However, there does not seem to be contextual evidence for this kind of debate in Acts 17:2. As G. Schrenk (TDNT 2:94-95) points out, “What is at issue is the address which any qualified member of a synagogue might give.” Other examples of this may be found in the NT in Matt 4:23 and Mark 1:21.

^8tn BDAG 772 s.v. παρατίθημι 2.b has “demonstrate, point out” here.

^9tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”

^sn See the note on Christ in 2:31.

^10sn The Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead. These two points (suffering and resurrection) would have been among the more controversial aspects of Paul’s messianic preaching. The term translated “had to” (δει, dei) shows how divine design and scripture corresponded here.

^11tn The Greek words used here (καὶ ὅτι, kai {oti, “and that”) mark the switch from indirect to direct discourse. Contemporary English requires the use of an introductory verb of speaking or saying to make this transition.

^12tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”

^sn See the note on Christ in 2:31. The identification of the Messiah with Jesus indicates Paul was proclaiming the fulfillment of messianic promise.

The Spoken English NT         A Riot in Thessalonica
When they had gone through Amphipolis^a and Apollonia,^b they came to Thessalonica.^c There was a Jewish synagogue there.

And as usual, Paul went to it.^d And over three Sabbaths he discussed things out of the scriptures with them.

He was explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and be raised from among the dead. And he was saying, “This Jesus that I’m proclaiming to you is the Messiah!”

^a.Prn. am-fipp-o-liss.

^b.Prn. app-o-loe-nee-a.

^c.Prn. thess-a-lo-nye-ka.

^d.Lit. “And according to the custom with Paul, he went inside to them.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Thessalonica
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. So Paul, as was his custom, went in to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Messiah had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and that “this Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Messiah”.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  And after journeying through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.  And as was the custom with Paul, he went in to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,  Expounding and demonstrating that it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and testifying, "This Jesus, Whom I am proclaiming to you, is the Christ."

Analytical-Literal Translation  Now having traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where the synagogue of the Jews was.

Then according to the custom with Paul, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, opening up and placing before [them] [fig., explaining and demonstrating] that it was necessary [for] the Christ to suffer and to rise again from [the] dead, and [saying], "This [One] is the Christ—Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you_p."

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Now after they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue.

And Paul, according to his custom, entered face-to-face to them and for three sabbaths he led a discussion with them on the basis and source of the [prophetic] Scriptures,

Interpreting and demonstrating [pointing-out] that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise again from the dead and that this Man is Jesus Christ, whom I myself am proclaiming to you .

Bond Slave Version               Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in to them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach to you, is Christ.

Charles Thomson NT             Now when they came out of prison, they went to Lydia's where seeing the brethren, they comforted them and departed; and passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to his custom, Paul went in among them; and for three sabbaths discoursed to them from the scriptures, opening and stating that the Christ was to suffer .and rise from the dead, and that this Jesus whom I announce to you is The Christ. Acts 16:40 is included for context.

Context Group Version          Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a community center of the Judæans: and Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days dialogued with them from the Scriptures, opening and alleging that it behooved the Anointed to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that Jesus, whom I proclaim to you (pl), is the Anointed.

Modern English Version         The Uproar in Thessalonica

When they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. According to his custom, Paul went in, and on three Sabbaths he lectured to them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I preach to you, is the Christ.”

Modern Literal Version 2020  {52 AD. Thessalonica, Berea. Preaching in Macedonia.}

Now having traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was the synagogue of the Jews.

Now according-to his custom, Paul entered to them and upon three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, opening and placing before them that it was essential for the Christ to suffer and to rise* up from the dead, and that this Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you°, is the Christ.

New American Standard B.    Paul in Thessalonica

Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he visited them [Lit entered to them], and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining [Lit opening] and giving [Lit placing before] evidence that the Christ [I.e., Messiah] had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ [I.e., Messiah].”

Niobi Study Bible                   Paul Preaching Christ at Thessalonica

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

And Paul, as was his custom, went in unto them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,expounding and alleging that it was necessary for Christ to have suffered and risen again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ."

The gist of this passage:     Traveling upon the Egnatian Highway, Pauland company stop at Thessalonica and locate a Jewish synagogue to begin their ministry of teaching there.

1-3

Translation: Having passed through Amphipolis...

Paul had a memorable time in Philippi (which is where he came from). This information is all found in Acts 16.

At this point, we are continuing on Paul’s second missionary journey. He passes through Amphipolis, and there is nothing said about this city. It appears that he simply passed through it.

Translation: ...and Apollonia,...

Next, Paul and company find themselves in Apollonia, but nothing is said of this city. Nor is there any indication that Paul stopped there to teach.

Via Agnatha (a map); from Wikipedia; accessed November 12, 2023. This highway was constructed by the Roman Republic in the 2^nd century b.c.

We do not know why Paul would stop in one city and simply walk through another. I assume this is based upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

From Wikipedia: The Via Egnatia was a road constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. It crossed Illyricum, Macedonia, and Thracia, running through territory that is now part of modern Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and European Turkey as a continuation of the Via Appia. This highway is nearly 700 miles long.

We see many of Paul’s stops from this and the previous chapter on this map.

Translation: ...they traveled towards Thessalonica,...

In v. 1c, we notice something odd. Instead of we went to, it reads, they went to. So, at some point, Luke stopped and got off the tour bus. Is he still back in Philippi? Did he stop off at one of these large cities? What is the reason that he did not go on?

Because of Luke’s close association with Paul, he continues to collect information—probably at a later date—of these places where Paul and company are traveling (Paul, Silas, and Timothy).

Translation: ...where [there] was a synagogue of the Jews.

In Thessalonica, there is a synagogue, and Paul liked to go into these synagogues.

Obviously, Paul believed that this was the place to go to proclaim Jesus—he would be teaching Jesus to the Jews of that region, who already believed in the Messiah of their Scriptures. They were ready made to be evangelized (I am assuming that is Paul’s thinking). There would always be gentiles at these synagogues, who had been converted by the Jews (sometimes, simply offering up a moral life was good enough for some people, who did not want the debauchery which they viewed among the other people).

Acts 17:1 Having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they traveled towards Thessalonica, where [there] was a synagogue of the Jews. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Thessalonica (map); from Smoodock’s Blog; accessed November 12, 2023.

This map shows us where Paul has been traveling. At the top of the map, near the middle right, we find Philippi, where Paul spent most of Acts 16. He got there by crossing over the Aegean Sea, starting around Troas.

From Philippi, Paul travels to Amphipolis and then to Apollonia and finally to Thessalonica (which is where Paul is going to be for the first 9 verses of this chapter). This will be the city to where Paul will write two of his earliest epistles.

Translation: According to Paul’s custom, he entered in [to the synagogue and spoke] directly to them [that is, to the Jews there].

It was Paul’s custom to find the synagogue and go there to proclaim Jesus to the Jews (and gentiles) in the synagogues.

Certainly, some of the religious leaders may have felt put upon the Paul shows up and does this; but I suspect that there were some who had an interest in what he had to say; and there were some who were ready to debate what he had to say.

The most recalcitrant Jews would have rejected what Paul was saying, and some of them would try anything to discredit Paul or to persecute him.

Acts 17:2a According to Paul’s custom, he entered in [to the synagogue and spoke] directly to them [that is, to the Jews there]. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: Over three Sabbaths, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,...

The text for what Paul taught was the Old Testament (the Scriptures were not called that, of course). There was no New Testament; and the Jews accepted the Old Testament as authoritative.

Paul would go directly to these Scriptures and speak on the Messianic passages in them.

Bear in mind that, the concept of a local church, was in its nascent stage. Had anyone questioned Paul about what exactly a local church was, I think that he would have been stumped for an answer. I don’t think that he saw there being an organized meeting place which would take the place of the synagogue.

Translation: ...opening [them] up and placing [them beside the advent of Jesus, saying] “It was necessary for the Messiah to have suffered...

What Paul would be doing is opening up the Scriptures. That is, he would read them and begin to explain them. He would also place the Scriptures next to something, that something being the Person of Christ Jesus.