King James Version

What Does Acts 17:1 Mean?

Acts 17:1 in the King James Version says “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:” — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:”

Acts 17:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. whom: or, whom, said he, I preach

Read Acts 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia—These cities along the Via Egnatia (the major Roman highway connecting Asia to Rome) received no recorded ministry, illustrating Paul's selective strategy guided by the Spirit. The Greek verb diodeuo (διοδεύω) means "to travel through" without stopping—a significant omission suggesting divine direction toward strategic population centers.

They came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews (συναγωγὴ τῶν Ἰουδαίων)—Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia with a population of ~200,000, a major commercial port, and home to a substantial Jewish community. Paul's consistent pattern was "to the Jew first" (Romans 1:16), using synagogues as beachheads for gospel proclamation. The presence of a synagogue (requiring 10 Jewish men) indicated an established Jewish community that would provide access to God-fearing Gentiles already familiar with Scripture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during Paul's second missionary journey (~50 AD). The Via Egnatia was Rome's strategic highway built in 146 BC, spanning 500 miles from Dyrrhachium to Byzantium. Amphipolis (33 miles from Philippi) and Apollonia (30 miles further) were smaller cities. Thessalonica, founded in 315 BC and named after Alexander the Great's half-sister, was the most important city in Macedonia—serving as the provincial capital and a free city with its own government.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty in directing ministry (bypassing some cities for others) challenge your assumptions about "successful" evangelism?
  2. What can we learn from Paul's strategic focus on major population centers with established Jewish communities rather than attempting to reach every town?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Διοδεύσαντες1 of 15

“when they had passed through”

G1353

to travel through

δὲ2 of 15

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὴν3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀμφίπολιν4 of 15

“Amphipolis”

G295

a city surrounded by a river; amphipolis, a place in macedonia

καὶ5 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἀπολλωνίαν6 of 15

“Apollonia”

G624

apollonia, a place in macedonia

ἦλθον7 of 15

“they came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς8 of 15

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Θεσσαλονίκην9 of 15

“Thessalonica”

G2332

thessalonice, a place in asia minor

ὅπου10 of 15

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἦν11 of 15

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἥ12 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συναγωγὴ13 of 15

“a synagogue”

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

τῶν14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίων15 of 15

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 17:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 17:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 1:1Philippians 4:162 Thessalonians 1:1Acts 20:42 Timothy 4:10Acts 17:11

Places in This Verse

AmphipolisSettlement · Modern: Amphipolis · 40.82°N, 23.85°E1 verse across 1 book
ApolloniaSettlement · Modern: Apollonia · 40.62°N, 23.47°E1 verse across 1 book
ThessalonicaSettlement · Modern: Thessaloniki · 40.64°N, 22.95°E9 verses across 5 books
View all places in Acts 17 →

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