Gann's Commentary on the Bible

Acts 17:1

Acts 17:2

Reasoned -- "to discourse using questions and answers" dialogue.

Acts 17:3

Opening -- explaining. Reading and explaining a part of the OT scripture.

Alleging -- Lit. "to lay beside" Put scripture before them orderly and showing how they harmonize with Christ.

Preach -- to proclaim, urge to receive Christ, 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

The church at Thessalonica seems to be mostly Gentile.

Acts 17:9

Taken security -- put under a bond.

Acts 17:10

Berea -- About 50 miles southwest.

Acts 17:11

Why does the writer call the Bereans "noble"?

1. The way they heard the word - v.11

2. The way they tested the word - v.11

3. The way they accepted the word - v. 12

Acts 17:24

1. Acts 17:24 - God made "all things"

2. Acts 17:25 - God gave "all life"

3. Acts 17:26 - God made "all nations"

4. Acts 17:30 - God would save "all men"

5. Acts 17:31 - God will judge "all men"

I. God is Maker of All - Acts 17:24-26

II. God is Within Reach of All - Acts 17:27 (b); Acts 17:28

III. God Would Save All - Acts 17:30

IV. God Will Be the Judge of All - Acts 17:31

Acts 17:30

Repent -- See James 2:24 note "Being Saved" Repentance and salvation.

JUDGMENT - Hebrews 9:27, Acts 17:30-31, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 11:31-32, 2 Peter 2:9, 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.

Acts 17:34

Certain men -- Athens seems a failure for Paul’s work, but in the first half of the second century the church produced Athenagoras and Aristide, who defended the faith against pagan ranks.