Bible Commentaries

Acts 17:1. Amphipolis and Apollonia— Were two cities of Macedonia; the first was built by Cimon the Athenian, who sent 10,000 Athenians as a colony thither. It stood in an island of the river Strymon, and had the name of Amphipolis, from the river's running on both sides of the city. The latter was a colony of Corinthians and Corcyreans, near the sea-side. St. Luke seems to have gone no further than Philippi with the apostle at this time; but Silas and Timothy still accompanied him; and passing through these two cities, they came to Thessalonica, another celebrated city, and the metropolis of that part of Macedonia; very famous for its origin, situation, and amplitude: it was a maritime town remarkable for its trade and commerce, in which many Jews had settled. It stood upon the Termaian bay, and was anciently called Thermae; but being rebuilt and enlarged by Philip the father of Alexander the Great, upon his victory over the Thessalians, it was in memory of the fact called Thessalonica, which signifies, "The victory of Thessalia." It is now, by a corrupt pronunciation, called Saloniki, and is a maritime trading town inthe possession of the Turks. Where was a synagogue of the Jews, might perhaps be rendered more properly, where was the synagogue of the Jews; the only synagogue, possibly, which they had in Macedonia.

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Acts 17:2. Three sabbath days reasoned with them, &c.— It has been hence concluded, that St. Paul continued but threeweeks at Thessalonica: but as it evidently appears, that while he was in this city he not only wrought with his own hands to procure subsistence, (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:0; 1 Thessalonians 2:0. Thess. Acts 3:8.) but also received supplies more than once from Philippi, (comp. Philippians 4:16.) it seems much more probable, that after the Jews appeared so obstinate in their infidelity, as most of them did, he desisted from disputing or teaching in their synagogue after the third sabbath; and then preached for some time among the Gentiles, before the assault mentioned, Act 17:5 which drove him from this city. It appears that, during his stay here, great numbers of Gentile idolaters received the gospel with remarkable zeal and affection: 1Th 1:9-10 so that in the midst of their persecutions a church was founded which became famous in all Macedonia and Achaia; (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8.) and though the apostle after having treated the new converts with extraordinary tenderness during his abode with them, was quickly forced to leave them, (1Th 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:20.) and they about the same time lost some Christian brethren by death, who were dear to them, and might have been remarkably useful; (1 Thessalonians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:18.) yet they continued to behave so well, that St. Paul received a comfortable accountof them by Timothy, and they afterwards advanced in faith, love, and courage, amid their growing trials. See 2 Thessalonians 1:0.

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Acts 17:3. Alledging,— Evidently shewing. The proper import of the word παρατιθεμενος is, "laying a thing open before the eyes of spectators." Grotius and Elsner think, that the last words of the preceding verse should be joined to the beginning of this; thus, opening and evincing from the scriptures, &c.

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Acts 17:5. Jason,— It seems from Rom 16:21 that Jason was a relation of St. Paul's, and probably an Hellenistic Jew. Instead of certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, Doddridge and others render it well, some mean and profligate fellows.

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Acts 17:6. That have turned the world upside down— "Have caused great confusion and disturbance in every place through which they have passed."

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Acts 17:7. Contrary to the decrees of Cesar, &c.— Though the Roman emperor did not pretend to be the only king or monarch, yet, in the conquered provinces or dependant states, there could be no king established without his consent; and it is not improbable that the title of Lord, so frequently and so justly given by Christians to their great Master, might be used as a handle of accusation on such an occasion as this.

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Acts 17:13. And stirred up the people.— The word σαλευοντες, rendered stirred up, signifies primarilyraising a storm. It expresses a violent agitation of the sea, and admirably illustrates the rage and fury of a seditious multitude. Comp. Psalms 90:3-4.Isaiah 17:12-13; Isaiah 17:12-13.Jeremiah 46:7-8; Jeremiah 46:7-8.

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Acts 17:14. To go as it were to the sea— Grotius supposes that St. Paul was brought down to the sea-coast, as one about to sail, and that the rumour thereof was spread; but that in reality he hastened by land to Athens. However, Raphelius has clearly and abundantly proved, that the proper translation is, to go towards or unto the sea; and as there is nothing said of his going by land, the propriety of Grotius's interpretation seems more than doubtful.

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