2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
2 Paul went to their meeting place, as he usually did when he came to a town, and for three Sabbaths running he preached to them from the Scriptures.
2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
2 As was Paul's custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people.
4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
4 But every Sabbath he was at the meeting place, doing his best to convince both Jews and Greeks about Jesus.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.
(Read Acts 18:1-6)
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his calling. An honest trade, by which a man may get his bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt by any. It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade, though they gave them learning or estates. Paul was careful to prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable. The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the communings of the saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ, and blasphemed. They would not believe themselves, and did all they could to keep others from believing. Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his work; for though Israel be not gathered, Christ and his gospel shall be glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the first offer. When some oppose the gospel, we must turn to others. Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 17:2
Commentary on Acts 17:1-9
(Read Acts 17:1-9)
The drift and scope of Paul's preaching and arguing, was to prove that Jesus is the Christ. He must needs suffer for us, because he could not otherwise purchase our redemption for us; and he must needs have risen again, because he could not otherwise apply the redemption to us. We are to preach concerning Jesus that he is Christ; therefore we may hope to be saved by him, and are bound to be ruled by him. The unbelieving Jews were angry, because the apostles preached to the Gentiles, that they might be saved. How strange it is, that men should grudge others the privileges they will not themselves accept! Neither rulers nor people need be troubled at the increase of real Christians, even though turbulent spirits should make religion the pretext for evil designs. Of such let us beware, from such let us withdraw, that we may show a desire to act aright in society, while we claim our right to worship God according to our consciences.