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Acts 17:1-4 Paul preaching in the synagogue at Thessalonica, some

believe, both Jews and Greeks.

Acts 17:5-11 The unbelieving Jews raise an uproar.

Acts 17:10-12 Paul and Silas are sent to Berea: the Berean Jews are

commended for searching the Scriptures.

Acts 17:13-15 The Jews of Thessalonica follow and drive Paul from Berea.

Acts 17:16-21 At Athens Paul disputing is carried before the court

of Areopagus.

Acts 17:22-31 He preacheth the living God, to the Athenians

unknown: his general call to repentance; the

resurrection of Christ; and his coming to judgment.

Acts 17:32-34 Some mock, others believe.

Araphipolis, a city near to Philippi; so called, because the sea came up to it on both sides.

Apollonia, a city near to Thessalonica.

This

Thessalonica was one of the chiefest cities of Macedonia: unto the church in this place St. Paul wrote two of his Epistles. This city was built by Philip, in memory of a victory he obtained over the Thessali.

Where was a synagogue of the Jews: it seems that there was no synagogue in either of the other places, but that the Jews of the other cities resorted unto the synagogue in this, all these three cities being in Macedonia. The sending away of Paul and Silas, Acts 16:39, to gratify the mad multitude, was a means to bring the word of salvation to those places.

As his manner was; who was faithful unto him that had called him, and took all occasions to do his Master’s work.

Out of the Scriptures; the law and the prophets, which they owned to be of Divine authority; and from the Holy Scriptures alone, all knowledge in the things of God and of our salvation must be fetched. If any speak of these matters not according to them,

it is because they have no light in them, Isaiah 8:20. What scriptures St. Paul alleged are not set down; but they were such as our Saviour had made use of, Luke 24:27, for the same purpose. This was customary with Paul, to preach these things unto the Jews first, as Acts 13:46, till they had put the word of God from them by their incredulity.

Opening the scriptures which he had quoted. The very entrance into God’s word giveth light, Psalm 119:130.

And alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered; making the truth concerning our Saviour, which he preached, so plain to the eye of their understanding, as any thing which is exposed to the view of our bodily eyes. Comparing the words of the prophets concerning Christ, with those things which were done and suffered by him, Psalm 22:6 Isaiah 53:1-12 Matthew 16:21 Luke 24:26,46.

That this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ; that Jesus whom Paul preached was the true and only Messiah, and that what was written of the Messiah was fulfilled in him.

Consorted with Paul and Silas; were so affected towards them, as that they were willing to take the same part or lot with them. The word imports the nearest and most intimate friendship and union; even such as is conjugal.

Devout Greeks; such of that nation as were become proselytes, who had renounced the idolatry and wicked conversation of the heathen, amongst whom they lived; and had joined themselves to the Jews; at least so far as to hear the law and the prophets read and expounded in their synagogues; and did worship but one God, and did injury unto none. Of these we frequently read in this book; as Acts 17:17 13:42,43.

Of the chief women not a few; a considerable number of these believed; yet, Acts 13:50, such had stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas.

Believed not; or were not convinced, or persuaded by St. Paul’s sermons and arguments.

Moved with envy, or zeal; which, as fire in the chimney, its due place, is useful and necessary; but when scattered abroad, and out of its place, is most dangerous and destructive.

Lewd fellows; such as stand in markets and public places, gazing, and having nothing to do.

Of the baser sort: to what meat and base acts do not blind zeal and the rage of persecutors descend!

Jason; some think this to be the Greek name which the Hellenists did use for Joshua, or Jesus. This man was one of the dispersion, who came from Judea into Syria, and from thence into Macedonia; and is famous, so far as the word of God is preached, for being the host to Paul and Silas; and is mentioned, Romans 16:21.

To bring them out to the people, for to slay them. Nothing but their blood could quench the thirst of their persecutors; but having no just cause for the spilling of it, they are willing to have others to bear the odium of it.

Being withdrawn, to avoid the popular rage against them, they charge innovation upon them, as knowing how jealous rulers are of any alteration. Thus whatsoever mischief befell the state, or whatsoever was odious and abominable, was in the primitive times still charged upon the Christians. The enemies of God’s church clothe his servants in beasts’ skins, (painting and representing them in what forms they please), that every one may hunt and worry them.

Hath received; privily, and with design.

Contrary to the decrees of Caesar: the Romans, before they were brought under their emperors, (and after that), did not suffer any to be called king without their allowance and approbation; which was also much valued by such unto whom that honour was bestowed by them.

Another king, besides Caesar, who was called the lord of the world. This is like to the charge laid against our Saviour; but most maliciously both then and now, and wholly against their own consciences; for they themselves expected the Messiah to be a king, and refused and rejected him because his kingdom was a spiritual kingdom, and not of this world, John 18:36,37.

They troubled the people; hearing something to have been done against the Roman state, under whom they were, and not knowing what it might come to, or how it might be construed.

And the rulers; for fear of an insurrection and tumult.