King James Version

What Does Acts 17:10 Mean?

Acts 17:10 in the King James Version says “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of... — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Acts 17:10 · KJV


Context

8

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

9

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

10

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily , whether those things were so.

12

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea—The Thessalonian believers demonstrated spiritual wisdom and protective love by swiftly evacuating Paul and Silas under cover of darkness. The Greek εὐθέως (eutheōs, "immediately") emphasizes the urgency; the mob violence instigated by jealous Jews (v. 5-9) made delay dangerous. Berea lay 50 miles southwest, off the main Egnatian Way, offering strategic obscurity.

Who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews—Paul's unshakable missionary pattern: despite persecution in Thessalonica, he returned first to the synagogue in Berea (cf. Romans 1:16, "to the Jew first"). This reflects both theological priority (Israel's covenant privilege) and practical strategy (God-fearers in synagogues formed the initial nucleus of Gentile churches). The text hints at Paul's apostolic resilience—beaten, mobbed, and night-fled, yet immediately resuming gospel proclamation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Acts 17 documents Paul's second missionary journey (AD 49-52) through Macedonia. Berea (modern Veria, Greece) was a Macedonian city with a significant Jewish community. The synagogue strategy was standard for Diaspora Judaism: Saturday Sabbath gatherings provided natural access to both Jews and "God-fearing" Gentiles who attended. Luke wrote Acts circa AD 60-62, emphasizing the gospel's spread despite opposition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the Thessalonian believers model protective care for gospel ministers facing persecution today?
  2. What does Paul's immediate return to synagogue ministry reveal about mission priority versus personal safety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Οἱ1 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδελφοὶ3 of 24

the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

εὐθέως4 of 24

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

διὰ5 of 24

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς6 of 24
G3588

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

νυκτὸς7 of 24

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

ἐξέπεμψαν8 of 24

sent away

G1599

to despatch

τόν9 of 24
G3588

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

τε10 of 24
G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

Παῦλον11 of 24

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ12 of 24

and

G2532

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

τὸν13 of 24
G3588

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

Σιλᾶν14 of 24

Silas

G4609

silas, a christian

εἰς15 of 24

into

G1519

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

Βέροιαν16 of 24

Berea

G960

beroea, a place in macedonia

οἵτινες17 of 24

who

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

παραγενόμενοι18 of 24

coming

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

εἰς19 of 24

into

G1519

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

τὴν20 of 24
G3588

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

συναγωγὴν21 of 24

the synagogue

G4864

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

τῶν22 of 24
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων23 of 24

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἀπῄεσαν24 of 24

thither went

G549

to go away


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 17:10 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 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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