Acts 19 8

Acts 19:8 kjv

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Acts 19:8 nkjv

And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

Acts 19:8 niv

Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.

Acts 19:8 esv

And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

Acts 19:8 nlt

Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God.

Acts 19 verses

Acts 19 8 Meaning

Paul, upon arriving in Ephesus, continued his established missionary practice by entering the Jewish synagogue. For a period of three months, he preached with confident clarity, engaging in reasoned discussions and seeking to convince his listeners regarding the central truths of God's sovereign rule and purpose, commonly known as the Kingdom of God.

Acts 19 8 Context

Acts chapter 19 describes Paul's significant ministry in Ephesus, a major Roman city and a center for idol worship, especially the cult of Artemis. This verse immediately follows Paul's initial encounter with twelve disciples who only knew of John's baptism, indicating the need for further spiritual instruction and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. His going into the synagogue in Ephesus marks the beginning of his formal evangelistic efforts in the city, aligning with his usual missionary strategy to first reach out to the Jewish community before turning to the Gentiles, as seen in previous cities. This period sets the stage for a powerful spiritual confrontation with the idolatry and occult practices prevalent in Ephesus, which is detailed later in the chapter.

Acts 19 8 Word analysis

• And he went: This refers to Paul (see Acts 18:27 and the context of Acts 19:1). It highlights his purposeful action and adherence to his established missionary methodology.
• into the synagogue: (Greek: eis tēn synagōgēn, "into the assembly/gathering place"). The synagogue was the heart of Jewish community life, a place for worship, reading of scripture, prayer, and discussion. Paul habitually began his ministry in synagogues (e.g., Acts 13:5, 14; 17:1-2; 18:4), as it provided a ready audience already familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, making it a natural starting point for presenting Jesus as the Messiah.
• and spoke boldly: (Greek: parrēsia - literally "all speech," implying freedom of speech, confidence, outspokenness, frankness). This word suggests speaking without fear or hesitation, often despite opposition or potential danger. It denotes conviction and clarity, not merely volume. Paul was unashamed and direct in his proclamation of the gospel, exercising a spiritual boldness enabled by God (Acts 4:29-31, Eph 6:19).
• for three months: This specifies the duration of Paul's synagogue ministry in Ephesus. Three months indicates a substantial period of consistent engagement, allowing for thorough teaching and repeated opportunities for persuasion. This extended time might suggest initial receptivity or a significant challenge in convincing his audience before encountering stronger opposition (Acts 19:9).
• reasoning: (Greek: dialegomenos, from dialogizomai or dialegomai, meaning "to discuss, dispute, argue, engage in discourse"). This describes Paul's intellectual and interactive method of teaching. It implies more than mere declaration; Paul engaged in dialogues, presenting logical arguments, answering questions, and explaining how Old Testament prophecies pointed to Jesus as the Christ. He did not simply preach but engaged in profound, often extended, theological discussions.
• and persuading: (Greek: peithōn, from peithō, meaning "to convince, to win over, to appeal to, to prevail upon"). This describes the aim and desired outcome of Paul's reasoning. His goal was not just to present information but to move his listeners from skepticism or unbelief to conviction and acceptance of the truth. It was an appeal to the will and heart, urging a personal response to the message.
• concerning the things of the kingdom of God: (Greek: peri tēs basileias tou theou, "concerning the kingdom of God"). This identifies the central theme of Paul's message. The "Kingdom of God" was the core of Jesus' teaching and foundational to the early Christian message. It signifies God's sovereign rule, actively being established in the world through Christ's death, resurrection, and the Holy Spirit, manifesting both presently in the hearts of believers and definitively in the future. Paul explained how Jesus ushered in this divine reign, its nature, and its implications for human life, salvation, and eternity. It encompassed themes of repentance, faith, righteousness, God's salvific plan, and future hope.

• "spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading": These three actions describe the dynamic nature of Paul's preaching ministry. It was a fearless, articulate, and intentional effort to bring about spiritual transformation through intellectual engagement and spiritual conviction. The `parrhesia` gave courage, `dialegomenos` provided intellectual groundwork, and `peithon` aimed at the spiritual harvest.
• "the things of the kingdom of God": This phrase emphasizes the breadth and depth of the gospel message. It's not just a single point but encompasses the entirety of God's redemptive plan and His supreme authority over all creation and in the lives of His people. It touches upon prophecy, salvation, new covenant realities, and ethical living.

Acts 19 8 Bonus section

The three-month period described in Acts 19:8 represents a common pattern in Paul's missionary journeys where initial success and prolonged ministry in a synagogue would often give way to increased opposition (e.g., Acts 13:45-46; 18:6). Following these three months in Ephesus, Acts 19:9 indicates that "some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude." This resistance led Paul to withdraw from the synagogue and establish a new base for teaching in the school of Tyrannus, a significant shift from a largely Jewish audience to one more open to Gentiles, ultimately resulting in an even more impactful ministry for two years, as described later in the chapter. This strategic adaptation highlights Paul's flexibility in ministry and his determination to ensure the gospel continued to be preached to those who would receive it.

Acts 19 8 Commentary

Acts 19:8 vividly portrays Paul's characteristic approach to evangelism: initiating contact in the synagogue as a logical entry point for Jews and God-fearers. For three months, he consistently delivered the message with an uncommon blend of confident authority (boldness) and thoughtful engagement (reasoning). This was no mere declaration, but a compelling, scripture-backed appeal aimed at convicting the minds and hearts of his listeners (persuading). The essence of his proclamation was the "Kingdom of God"—God's ultimate reign, breaking into human history through Jesus, demanding a response of repentance and faith. This diligent, sustained effort demonstrates Paul's patience and strategic depth, utilizing the existing Jewish infrastructure to communicate the transformative power of Christ's message, thereby setting the stage for significant spiritual developments in Ephesus.