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

ACTS 17:1KJV
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Acts 17:1 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:1 mean?

Acts 17:1 describes how Paul and his companions traveled through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia before arriving in Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue belonging to the Jewish community. This sets the stage for the events that will take place in Thessalonica, highlighting the presence of a Jewish place of worship.

The book of Acts is written by Luke and records the journeys of Paul as he spreads the message about Jesus. In this verse, the focus is on the route Paul takes through Macedonia, mentioning specific cities to show the path of his mission. The mention of a synagogue is important because it was Paul’s usual practice to begin teaching in Jewish synagogues when he entered a new city.

The Greek behind Acts 17:1

  • συναγωγή (synagōgē, "synagogue"): This word refers to a gathering place for Jewish worship and community life. Its mention signals that Paul will have an audience familiar with the Jewish Scriptures, shaping how he presents his message.
  • Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi, "Jews"): This term points to the ethnic and religious group present in Thessalonica, indicating that Paul’s first interactions in the city are with the Jewish community.

Why Acts 17:1 matters

  • Acts 17:1 clarifies that Paul’s missionary work followed established travel routes and targeted cities with significant populations, especially those with Jewish communities.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s consistent strategy of starting his teaching in synagogues, which shaped the early spread of the Christian message.
  • By naming specific cities, Acts 17:1 connects Paul’s journey to real historical locations, grounding the narrative in a concrete setting.

Where else these words appear

“through” Greek G1353 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

“Thessalonica” Greek G2332 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 17:11 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.
  • Acts 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
  • Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

“synagogue” Greek G4864 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

“where” Greek G3699 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
  • John 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.