Act 17:4-5 | RWP | e4.org | Some of them ( τινες εξ αυτων ). That is of the Jews who were evidently largely afraid of the rabbis. Still "some" were persuaded ( επεισθησαν , effective first aorist passive indicative) and "consorted with" ( προσεκληρωθησαν ). This latter verb is also first aorist passive indicative of προσκληροω , a common verb in late Greek (Plutarch, Lucian), but only here in the N.T., from προς and κληρος , to assign by lot. So then this small group of Jews were given Paul and Silas by God's grace. And of the devout Greeks a great multitude ( των τε σεβομενων Hελληνων πληθος πολυ ). These "God-fearers" among the Gentiles were less under the control of the jealous rabbis and so responded more readily to Paul's appeal. In Paul expressly says that they had "turned to God from idols," proof that this church was mainly Gentile (cf. also ). And of the chief women not a few ( γυναικων τε των πρωτων ουκ ολιγα ). Literally, "And of women the first not a few." That is, a large number of women of the very first rank in the city, probably devout women also like the men just before and like those in in Antioch in Pisidia who along with "the first men of the city" were stirred up against Paul. Here these women were openly friendly to Paul's message, whether proselytes or Gentiles or Jewish wives of Gentiles as Hort holds. It is noteworthy that here, as in Philippi, leading women take a bold stand for Christ. In Macedonia women had more freedom than elsewhere. It is not to be inferred that all those converted belonged to the higher classes, for the industrial element was clearly large ( ). In Paul speaks of the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, but with Philippi mainly in mind. Ramsay thinks that Paul won many of the heathen not affiliated at all with the synagogue. Certain it is that we must allow a considerable interval of time between verses , to understand what Paul says in his Thessalonian Epistles.

‏ Acts 17:4-5

Some of them ( τινες εξ αυτων ). That is of the Jews who were evidently largely afraid of the rabbis. Still "some" were persuaded ( επεισθησαν, effective first aorist passive indicative) and "consorted with" ( προσεκληρωθησαν ). This latter verb is also first aorist passive indicative of προσκληροω, a common verb in late Greek (Plutarch, Lucian), but only here in the N.T., from προς and κληρος, to assign by lot. So then this small group of Jews were given Paul and Silas by God's grace.

And of the devout Greeks a great multitude ( των τε σεβομενων Hελληνων πληθος πολυ ). These "God-fearers" among the Gentiles were less under the control of the jealous rabbis and so responded more readily to Paul's appeal. In 1Th 1:9 Paul expressly says that they had "turned to God from idols," proof that this church was mainly Gentile (cf. also 1Th 2:14).

And of the chief women not a few ( γυναικων τε των πρωτων ουκ ολιγα ). Literally, "And of women the first not a few." That is, a large number of women of the very first rank in the city, probably devout women also like the men just before and like those in 13:50 in Antioch in Pisidia who along with "the first men of the city" were stirred up against Paul. Here these women were openly friendly to Paul's message, whether proselytes or Gentiles or Jewish wives of Gentiles as Hort holds. It is noteworthy that here, as in Philippi, leading women take a bold stand for Christ. In Macedonia women had more freedom than elsewhere. It is not to be inferred that all those converted belonged to the higher classes, for the industrial element was clearly large (1Th 4:11). In 2Co 8:2 Paul speaks of the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, but with Philippi mainly in mind. Ramsay thinks that Paul won many of the heathen not affiliated at all with the synagogue. Certain it is that we must allow a considerable interval of time between verses 4, 5 to understand what Paul says in his Thessalonian Epistles.

Moved with jealousy ( ζηλωσαντες ). Both our English words,

zeal and

jealousy, are from the Greek ζηλος. In 13:45 the Jews (rabbis) "were filled with jealousy" ( επλησθησαν ζηλου ). That is another way of saying the same thing as here. The success of Paul was entirely too great in both places to please the rabbis. So here is jealousy of Jewish preachers towards Christian preachers. It is always between men or women of the same profession or group. In 1Th 2:3-10 Paul hints at some of the slanders spread against him by these rabbis (deceivers, using words of flattery as men-pleasers, after vain-glory, greed of gain, etc.).

Took unto them ( προσλαβομενο ). Second aorist middle (indirect, to themselves) participle of προσλαμβανω, old and common verb.

Certain vile fellows of the rabble ( των αγοραιων ανδρας τινας πονηρους ). The αγορα or market-place was the natural resort for those with nothing to do (Mt 20:4) like the court-house square today or various parks in our cities where bench-warmers flock. Plato (Protagoras 347 C) calls these αγοραιο (common word, but in N.T. only here and 19:38) idlers or good-for-nothing fellows. They are in every city and such "bums" are ready for any job. The church in Thessalonica caught some of these peripatetic idlers (2Th 3:10f.) "doing nothing but doing about." So the Jewish preachers gather to themselves a choice collection of these market-loungers or loafers or wharf-rats. The Romans called them subrostrani (hangers round the rostrum or subbasilicari).

Gathering a crowd ( οχλοποιησαντες ). Literally, making or getting ( ποιεω ) a crowd ( οχλος ), a word not found elsewhere. Probably right in the αγορα itself where the rabbis could tell men their duties and pay them in advance. Instance Hyde Park in London with all the curious gatherings every day, Sunday afternoons in particular.

Set the city on an uproar ( εθορυβουν ). Imperfect active of θορυβεω, from θορυβος (tumult), old verb, but in the N.T. only here and 20:10; Mt 9:23; Mr 4:39. They kept up the din, this combination of rabbis and rabble.

Assaulting the house of Jason ( επισταντες τη οικια Ιασονος ). Second aorist (ingressive) active of εφιστημ, taking a stand against, rushing at, because he was Paul's host. He may have been a Gentile (Jason the name of an ancient king of Thessaly), but the Jews often used it for Joshua or Jesus (II Macc. 1:7).

They sought ( εζητουν ). Imperfect active. They burst into the house and searched up and down.

Them ( αυτους ). Paul and Silas. They were getting ready to have a lynching party.