Acts 18:4 – “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes part of Paul’s regular routine while he was in Corinth. Each Sabbath, he would go to the synagogue and engage in discussion, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks about Jesus.
The word “reasoned” suggests that Paul was not just preaching but engaging in dialogue, answering questions, and making logical arguments based on Scripture. His approach wasn’t just emotional appeal—he used reason and persuasion to help people see that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
Paul’s focus on both Jews and Greeks shows the broad reach of the gospel. Even though the Jews were God’s chosen people, the message of Jesus was for everyone. Greeks (or Gentiles) who had some interest in the Jewish faith would often attend synagogue services, making it a key place for Paul to share the good news.
This verse highlights Paul’s commitment to evangelism. Despite working as a tentmaker during the week (Acts 18:3), he made time every Sabbath to share the gospel. His heart was focused on bringing people to Christ, whether they were Jews who had studied the Scriptures all their lives or Greeks who were just beginning to seek the truth.
Historical Context
The synagogue was the center of Jewish worship and teaching in most cities outside of Israel. In places like Corinth, where the Jewish population was a minority, the synagogue was a place where Jews gathered to read Scripture, pray, and discuss religious matters.
It was common for visiting teachers to be invited to speak, especially if they had religious training. Paul, being a former Pharisee trained under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), had credibility among Jewish audiences. This gave him an open door to present the message of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures.
However, Paul’s message was controversial. Many Jews rejected the idea that Jesus was the Messiah, leading to opposition and even persecution. Despite this, Paul remained persistent, using every opportunity to persuade those who would listen.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the importance of reasoning and persuasion in sharing the gospel. Faith is not blind—it is built on truth, and Paul used Scripture to make a clear and logical case for Jesus. This teaches us that evangelism is not just about telling people to believe, but helping them understand why they should believe.
It also highlights the universal call of the gospel. Paul did not limit his preaching to Jews—he reached out to Greeks as well. This reflects God’s plan to bring salvation to all people, fulfilling His promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:3).
Additionally, this verse shows the persistence required in evangelism. Paul didn’t just preach once and leave; he returned every Sabbath, building relationships and continuing conversations. Sharing the gospel is often a process, not just a one-time event.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “he reasoned” appears multiple times in Acts (Acts 17:2, 17:17, 19:8), showing Paul’s method of engaging with different audiences. Rather than simply proclaiming the gospel, he actively engaged in discussion, explaining and defending his beliefs.
The structure of this verse is straightforward but significant. It highlights three key actions:
- Paul reasoned – He engaged in discussion, using Scripture and logic.
- In the synagogue – He started where people were already seeking spiritual truth.
- Trying to persuade Jews and Greeks – His message was for everyone, and he was actively seeking to convince them.
This careful phrasing shows Paul’s intentionality in sharing the gospel, emphasizing both the method and the audience.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 17:2-3 – Paul used a similar method in Thessalonica, reasoning from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
- Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 – “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.”
- Luke 24:27 – Jesus Himself reasoned with His disciples, explaining from the Scriptures how He fulfilled prophecy.
- 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that sharing our faith requires more than just telling people what we believe—we need to be ready to explain why we believe it. Many people have doubts, questions, or misunderstandings about Christianity, and like Paul, we should be prepared to reason with them.
It also teaches us to be persistent. Paul didn’t give up after one conversation; he kept going back, engaging people week after week. Today, we may not always see immediate results when we share the gospel, but we should remain faithful, trusting that God is working in people’s hearts.
Additionally, this verse encourages us to engage both religious people and seekers. Some people, like the Jews, may be familiar with religious teachings but not truly know Jesus. Others, like the Greeks, may be spiritually curious but not yet committed. The gospel is for both, and we should be willing to reach out to different kinds of people.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He patiently reaches out to people, giving them time and opportunities to respond. Paul’s work in the synagogue reflects God’s heart—He does not force belief but invites people to understand and accept the truth.
This verse also shows that God meets people where they are. The Jews were seeking truth in the synagogue, and God sent Paul to reason with them. Likewise, God still reaches out to people today, whether through Scripture, conversations, or life circumstances. He desires that all would come to know Him (2 Peter 3:9).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Paul’s method of reasoning from Scripture reflects what Jesus did after His resurrection. In Luke 24:27, Jesus explained to His disciples how the Old Testament pointed to Him. Paul followed the same pattern, showing from Scripture that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ mission of reaching both Jews and Gentiles. In John 10:16, Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” Paul’s work in the synagogue, reaching both groups, reflects Jesus’ desire to bring all people into His kingdom.
Furthermore, Jesus Himself often used reasoning in His teaching. In Matthew 22:41-46, He challenged the Pharisees to think about the identity of the Messiah. Like Paul, Jesus engaged in discussions, asking questions and pointing people toward the truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you better prepare yourself to explain your faith to others?
- What lessons can we learn from Paul’s persistence in sharing the gospel?
- Are there people in your life who, like the Jews and Greeks in the synagogue, are seeking truth? How can you reach out to them?
- In what ways do you see God’s patience and love in how He gives people opportunities to respond to the gospel?
- How can you balance reasoning with people about faith while also trusting God to change their hearts?
This verse is a powerful reminder that the gospel is meant to be shared through both truth and patience. Paul’s example encourages us to engage with people thoughtfully, meet them where they are, and trust that God is working in their hearts.