Acts 18:4 kjv
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Acts 18:4 nkjv
And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:4 niv
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:4 esv
And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:4 nlt
Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.
Acts 18 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 18:1 | Paul came to Corinth. | General background |
| Acts 18:2 | Met Aquila and Priscilla. | Associates in ministry |
| Acts 18:3 | Worked with them as a tentmaker. | Paul's trade and interdependence |
| Acts 18:5 | Silas and Timothy joined Paul. | Strengthened missionary team |
| Acts 18:6 | Paul turned to the Gentiles. | Shift in evangelistic focus |
| Acts 18:7 | Moved to the house of Justus. | New meeting place |
| Acts 18:8 | Crispus believed. | Firstfruit of Corinthian ministry |
| Acts 18:11 | Paul stayed in Corinth a year and a half. | Length of successful ministry |
| Acts 13:14 | Paul and companions went to the synagogue. | Pattern of ministry |
| Acts 13:43 | Many Jews and devout converts followed Paul. | Jewish outreach success |
| Acts 14:1 | Paul and Barnabas spoke and so many Jews and Greeks believed. | Pattern of mixed audience |
| Acts 16:13 | On the Sabbath, Paul went out by the riverside where prayer was wont to be made. | Sabbath day observance |
| Acts 17:1-4 | Paul reasoned with Jews and Greeks in the synagogue. | Pattern of persuasive preaching |
| Acts 17:17 | Paul argued in the synagogue and marketplace. | Diverse locations for witness |
| Rom 1:16 | The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. | Paul's evangelistic priority |
| Rom 3:29 | God is God of Jews and Gentiles. | Universal scope of God's salvation |
| 1 Cor 1:18-24 | The message of the cross is foolishness to some, but power to others. | Nature of gospel proclamation |
| 1 Cor 9:19-23 | Paul became all things to all people to save some. | Paul's flexible approach |
| 2 Cor 4:2 | Paul did not shy away from declaring the whole counsel of God. | Integrity of ministry |
| 1 Thess 1:5 | Gospel came with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction. | Effectiveness of preaching |
Acts 18 verses
Acts 18 4 Meaning
This verse describes a weekly practice by Paul and his companions. They met on the Sabbath day, the day of rest prescribed in the Old Testament. In this gathering, Paul engaged in reasoned discourse and persuasion. His primary audience was Jews and Greeks, indicating a missionary outreach to both people groups. The location was the synagogue, the traditional Jewish place of worship and community gathering, showing Paul’s continued engagement with Jewish communities even while spreading the gospel.
Acts 18 4 Context
Following his expulsion from Philippi and a brief stay in Thessalonica and Berea, Paul arrived in Athens. While in Athens, his spirit was provoked by the city's idolatry. After departing Athens, he came to Corinth, a major commercial and cultural hub in Achaia. This verse marks the beginning of his significant ministry in Corinth. He had just been joined by Silas and Timothy from Macedonia. Corinth's strategic location and diverse population presented both opportunities and challenges for evangelism.
Acts 18 4 Word analysis
- δ{.smvktc} (.de) smektos: meaning "Sabbath". This refers to the Jewish day of rest commanded in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:8-11).
- δ{.smvktc} (.de) smektos: referring to "Sabbath day".
- ε{.smvktc} (.eis) eis: "into". Indicates entering or joining with.
- δ{.smvktc} (.de) de: "but" or "and". A common conjunction connecting clauses.
- ε{.smvktc} (.eis) eis: "into" or "among".
- τ{.smvktc} (.ta) ta: "the" (neuter plural article).
- σ{.smvktc} (.syn) synagogai: "synagogues" (plural of synagogue). The place of Jewish worship and community assembly.
- π{.smvktc} (.pro) prosephoney: "was speaking" or "reasoned" or "called out to". It implies engaging in discussion, urging, or appealing to someone.
- κα{.smvktc} (.kai) kai: "and".
- π{.smvktc} (.pro) prosekalei: "persuaded" or "exhorted". It suggests convincing or urging someone to believe or act in a certain way through argumentation.
- π{.smvktc} (.pro) pros "to" or "towards".
- π{.smvktc} (.po) tous "the" (masculine plural article).
- Ί{.smvktc} (.Iou) Ioudas "Jews".
- τε{.smvktc} (.te) te "and" or "also".
- Έ{.smvktc} (.He) Hellenas "Greeks". Referring to both Gentile proselytes to Judaism and unconverted Gentiles.
Word groups analysis
- "On the Sabbath day": This phrase highlights the consistent observance of the Jewish Sabbath as a day for ministry, a pattern established by Paul (cf. Acts 13:14, 16:13).
- "went into the synagogue": Indicates Paul’s primary initial approach was to evangelize within Jewish communities.
- "reasoned with and persuaded": This describes Paul’s method of evangelism: logical argument, thoughtful discussion, and earnest appeal to accept the Gospel.
- "Jews and Greeks": Shows the broad spectrum of people Paul sought to reach, encompassing both Jewish people and Gentiles who were open to religious discourse.
Acts 18 4 Bonus section
This practice of "reasoning and persuading" aligns with the prophetic instruction for spiritual leaders to teach God’s people. Isaiah 58:1 talks about "crying aloud, sparing not, lifting up voice like a trumpet, shewing my people their transgression." Paul's method was the spiritual equivalent of proclaiming truth and calling for repentance and faith. The reference to "Greeks" would include both Jewish proselytes and Gentile God-fearers, showing the inclusive nature of the early Christian mission. This verse showcases the intentionality and method of early Christian evangelism in a pagan cultural setting, utilizing existing religious structures to share the Good News.
Acts 18 4 Commentary
Paul consistently ministered on the Sabbath, demonstrating respect for Jewish tradition and leveraging established community gatherings. His approach was not confrontational but persuasive, using reasoned arguments to present the Gospel. The synagogue served as a crucial initial point of contact, allowing Paul to reach both his Jewish brethren and Gentile sympathizers. This reflects his commission to be a light to both Jews and Gentiles, making him "all things to all people" (1 Cor 9:19-23) for the sake of the Gospel. The focus on persuasion underscores the intellectual and volitional aspect of faith, requiring a response from the listeners' minds and wills.