Acts 17 8

Acts 17:8 kjv

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

Acts 17:8 nkjv

And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things.

Acts 17:8 niv

When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.

Acts 17:8 esv

And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.

Acts 17:8 nlt

The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports.

Acts 17 verses

Acts 17 8 Meaning

This verse describes the specific actions and reception of the message by the Thessalonians in Berea, highlighting their commendable response compared to those in Thessalonica. It emphasizes a key characteristic of genuine discipleship: diligent examination of the scriptures to verify the truth of apostolic teaching.

Acts 17 8 Context

Following the turmoil in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9), Paul and Silas are sent away by the brethren to Berea. This new location is introduced, and the Bereans are immediately presented as a contrasting example of receptivity. Unlike the Thessalonians who were more volatile, the Bereans were noble in spirit and diligently searched the Scriptures. This demonstrates a foundational principle for evaluating teaching within the early church. The preceding events highlight the often contentious reception of the Gospel, making the Bereans' response a notable and exemplary departure.

Acts 17 8 Word analysis

• Ὥστε (hōste): So, therefore, consequently. Introduces a result or consequence of previous actions or a statement.
• οἱ μὲν (hoi men): As for them; these indeed. Used to set up a contrast with a subsequent group (οἱ δὲ, hoi de - but they).
• Θεσσαλονικέων (Thessalonikéōn): Of Thessalonians (genitive plural). Refers to the people of Thessalonica.
• ἦσαν (ēsan): Were (imperfect indicative of εἰμί, eimi - to be). Describes a state or condition.
• εὐγενέστεροι (eugenésteri): More noble (comparative adjective of εὐγενής, eugenēs - noble, well-born). This nobility is spiritual, characterized by a willingness to examine things closely, rather than solely by social standing. It suggests an eagerness and open-mindedness.
• ἤ (ē): Than. Connects the comparison.
• τοῦ ἐν (tou en): That in.
• Θεσσαλονίκῃ (Thessaloníkē): Thessalonica (dative case). Refers to the city.
• τοῦς τε (tous te): Both... and. Introduces the two actions of the Bereans.
• δὲ (de): But. Indicates a contrast or a transition.
• ὑποδέξαμενοι (hypodexaméni): Having received, welcomed (aorist participle). Implies an active reception and embrace of the message.
• τὸν λόγον (ton lógon): The word (accusative singular of λόγος, logos - word, message, discourse). Refers specifically to the Gospel message preached by Paul and Silas.
• μετὰ (meta): With.
• πάσης (pásēs): All, every (genitive feminine singular of πᾶς, pas - all). Emphasizes the completeness of their disposition.
• προθυμίας (prothymías): Eagerness, readiness, willingness, zeal (genitive singular of προθυμία, prothymia). Indicates their enthusiastic approach to receiving the word.
• τὸν λόγον (ton lógon): The word (accusative singular). Again, refers to the Gospel.
• καθ’ (kath'): According to, daily. When used with a temporal noun, it can mean each or every. In this context, it relates to the frequency of their examination.
• ἡμέραν (hēméran): Day (accusative singular of ἡμέρα, hēméra - day).
• καὶ (kai): And.
• ἀνάκρινόντες (anákrinontes): Examining, scrutinizing, inquiring (present participle). This is a key verb suggesting a thorough, investigative process, not superficial agreement. It implies seeking out the facts and corroboration.

Word Groups

• "εὐγενέστεροι ἤ": The comparative "more noble" implies a standard against which the Thessalonians (or at least the agitated crowd in Thessalonica) are being implicitly measured. Their nobility lay not in lineage but in intellectual and spiritual disposition towards divine truth.
• "ὑποδέξαμενοι τὸν λόγον": This phrase captures the initial openness and welcome given to the Gospel message, signifying a positive first step in their spiritual journey.
• "μετὰ πάσης προθυμίας": This conveys the heart-attitude of the Bereans—a full and unreserved eagerness to engage with the teaching. It's not merely intellectual curiosity but a fervent desire to embrace truth.
• "τὸν λόγον... καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνάκρινόντες": This critical phrase encapsulates their ongoing, active engagement with the Scriptures. It signifies a habitual practice of verifying teaching against a known standard, demonstrating a robust faith rooted in the written Word.

Acts 17 8 Bonus Section

The Greek term "ἀνακρίνω" (anakrinō) used here carries a strong sense of forensic investigation. It's the same word used for the examination of suspects in a legal trial or the sifting of evidence. This emphasizes the thoroughness and rigor expected in assessing teachings. The comparative "εὐγενέστεροι" (eugenésteri), meaning "more noble," does not necessarily imply aristocratic lineage, but rather a character marked by intellectual honesty and spiritual integrity, a disposition willing to search for truth diligently. The juxtaposition with the Thessalonians, who stirred up a mob mentality, underscores the contrast between thoughtful, faith-driven examination and emotional, populist reaction to the Gospel. This behavior reflects a core tenet of Sola Scriptura—the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.

Acts 17 8 Commentary

The Bereans are celebrated for their "noble" spirit, a term suggesting a discernment that is not gullible. Their nobility manifested in two ways: first, a hearty welcome to the message (πᾶσαν προθυμίαν, with all eagerness), and second, a rigorous, daily examination of the Scriptures (τὸν λόγον καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνακρίνοντες) to confirm its truth. This practice was not optional; it was the standard by which the early church tested teachings, even those of apostles, to ensure they aligned with the Old Testament. This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers to be well-grounded in biblical truth, possessing both an open heart and a discerning mind. Genuine faith embraces the truth with enthusiasm but always verifies it against God's revealed Word, thereby guarding against deception and building a solid foundation. It encourages active, lifelong learning and testing of doctrine, rather than passive acceptance.