And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

ACTS 19:8KJV
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Acts 19:8 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:8 mean?

Acts 19:8 describes Paul entering the synagogue and speaking boldly for three months, where he argued and tried to convince people about the kingdom of God. The verse highlights both the length and the courage of Paul's efforts to explain and persuade his listeners about God's reign.

Paul is the speaker here, addressing Jewish listeners in the synagogue at Ephesus. The verse shows Paul not just teaching, but actively debating and reasoning with his audience, trying to persuade them over an extended period. This sets the scene for the challenges and mixed responses Paul faced as he shared his message about God's kingdom.

The Greek behind Acts 19:8

  • The word "boldly" comes from παρρησιάζομαι (parrēsiazomai), which means to speak openly or with confidence. This emphasizes Paul's courage and willingness to speak plainly, even in a setting where his message might not be welcomed.
  • "Disputing" is from διαλέγομαι (dialegomai), which often means to reason or discuss back and forth. This shows Paul was engaging in real dialogue, not just giving a speech, but answering questions and objections.
  • "Persuading" comes from πείθω (peithō), meaning to convince or win over. This highlights Paul's aim: he was not simply informing but trying to move people to accept his message.
  • "Kingdom" is βασιλεία (basileia), which refers to God's rule or reign. Paul’s focus was not on abstract ideas, but on the reality of God's active rule, which was central to his teaching.

Why Acts 19:8 matters

  • Acts 19:8 shows that Paul’s approach involved both courage and patience, spending months in open discussion rather than a single sermon or confrontation.
  • The verse clarifies that early Christian teaching often involved debate and persuasion, not just proclamation, especially in Jewish synagogues where listeners were familiar with Scripture but might not agree with Paul’s message.
  • This verse sets up the tension that follows in the chapter, as not everyone was convinced, and opposition eventually arose, shaping the direction of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.

Where else these words appear

“boldly” Greek G3955 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
  • Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

“disputing” Greek G1256 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
  • Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
  • Acts 24:12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

“months” Greek G3376 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

“persuading” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
  • Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.