Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The mention of "the synagogue" (with a definite article) suggests it was the central Jewish gathering place for the entire region, implying that Paul and Silas purposefully bypassed Amphipolis and Apollonia because they likely lacked such a community, thereby highlighting their strategic approach to evangelism. This detail underscores their consistent practice of first sharing the gospel with Jewish communities, as the presence of a synagogue was their key indicator for where to begin their ministry.
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After their difficult experience in Philippi, Paul and Silas continued their journey along the Roman road into Macedonia, passing through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia. They intentionally bypassed these locations, likely because they lacked a significant Jewish population or a synagogue where Paul customarily began his ministry. Their destination was Thessalonica, a major commercial port city, where they found a synagogue, indicating it was a place where Jews had gathered to worship and where Paul could share the gospel.
Why did Paul and his companions bypass two seemingly significant cities to reach Thessalonica?
Luke meticulously records Paul's journey, not just as a series of events, but as a strategic movement. Passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas deliberately moved on because these cities likely lacked a Jewish population or a synagogue. Their mission, as established earlier in Acts, was to bring the Gospel first to the Jewish people in any given place.
What made the synagogue in Thessalonica so important to Paul's mission?
The text specifically notes "the synagogue of the Jews" in Thessalonica. This definite article (implying 'the' rather than 'a') is significant. It suggests that this was not just one of many, but likely the primary, or perhaps only, established synagogue in that region. This would have been the focal point for the Jewish community, drawing Jews from surrounding areas who might not have had their own place of worship.
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Understand the original words
synagōgē · Greek Noun
A place of assembly for Jewish worship, prayer, and instruction in the Law, which became a central institution for the Jewish diaspora following the exile.
Thessalonica's strategic location on the Via Egnatia and its status as a major commercial hub meant it was a melting pot of cultures and religions, including a significant Jewish population, making it a prime target for Paul's missionary efforts after his experiences in Philippi.
c. 167 BC
Macedonian Wars End
Following the Roman victory in the Third Macedonian War, Macedonia was divided into four independent republics by the Romans. This established Roman dominance over the region, paving the way for future infrastructure and governance.
c. 148 BC
Macedonia Becomes Roman Province
The Fourth Macedonian War led to the definitive Roman conquest and organization of Macedonia as a Roman province. This led to the construction of major Roman roads like the Via Egnatia, facilitating travel and commerce.
c. 50 BC
Via Egnatia Completed
This vital Roman road, connecting the Adriatic coast to Byzantium, was completed. It facilitated significant travel and trade through key cities like Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica.
c. AD 49-51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
After his first missionary journey and the Jerusalem Council, Paul embarked on his second, which would take him through Macedonia and Greece. He had recently experienced persecution in Philippi.
c. AD 50— this verse
Paul Arrives in Thessalonica
After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia along the Via Egnatia, Paul and his companions arrived in Thessalonica, a major commercial port, where they sought out the Jewish synagogue to share the Gospel.
c. AD 50-51
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul preached in Thessalonica for a period, successfully reaching many Gentiles, leading to the establishment of a significant church, despite facing opposition from local Jews.
This verse highlights God's pre-ordained purpose for individuals and nations, echoing the sense that Paul's journey to Thessalonica, a significant city with a Jewish population, was part of a divine plan.
Matthew 10:5-6Jesus instructs his disciples to go first to the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel.' This principle is demonstrated by Paul's consistent practice of seeking out synagogues first, as seen in Thessalonica.
Acts 13:5This passage shows Paul and Barnabas beginning their ministry in the synagogue at Salamis. It illustrates the consistent pattern of Paul's missionary strategy: to preach in the synagogues first.
Romans 1:16Paul declares his eagerness to preach the gospel in Rome. This verse connects to the broader missionary thrust seen in Acts, where Paul, after establishing churches in places like Thessalonica, continually pressed on to new frontiers.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2Paul reflects on his ministry in Thessalonica, mentioning their suffering and boldness in the face of opposition. This provides a direct link to the immediate aftermath and the challenges faced by the church planted through the visit described in Acts 17:1.
ellicottActs 17:1: "Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:"
XVII. (1) Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia.—The two cities were both on the great Roman roads known as the Via Egnatia. Amphipolis, formerly known as Ennea Hodoi, or the Nine Ways, was famous in the Peloponnesian War as the scene of the death of Brasidas, and had been made, under the Romans, the capital of Macedonia prima. It was thirty-t…
pooleActs 17:1: "Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:"
Acts 17:1-4 Paul preaching in the synagogue at Thessalonica, some believe, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 17:5-11 The unbelieving Jews raise an uproar. Acts 17:10-12 Paul and Silas are sent to Berea: the Berean Jews are commended for searching the Scriptures. Acts 17:13-15 The Jews of Thessalonica follow and drive Paul from Berea. Acts 17:16-21 At Athens Paul disputi…
The mention of "the synagogue" (with a definite article) suggests it was the central Jewish gathering place for the entire region, implying that Paul and Silas purposefully bypassed Amphipolis and Apollonia because they likely lacked such a community, thereby highlighting their strategic approach to evangelism. This detail underscores their consistent practice of first sharing the gospel with Jewish communities, as the presence of a synagogue was their key indicator for where to begin their ministry.
After their difficult experience in Philippi, Paul and Silas continued their journey along the Roman road into Macedonia, passing through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia. They intentionally bypassed these locations, likely because they lacked a significant Jewish population or a synagogue where Paul customarily began his ministry. Their destination was Thessalonica, a major commercial port city, where they found a synagogue, indicating it was a place where Jews had gathered to worship and where Paul could share the gospel.
After their difficult experience in Philippi, Paul and Silas continued their journey along the Roman road into Macedonia, passing through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia. They intentionally bypassed these locations, likely because they lacked a significant Jewish population or a synagogue where Paul customarily began his ministry. Their destination was Thessalonica, a major commercial port city, where they found a synagogue, indicating it was a place where Jews had gathered to worship and where Paul could share the gospel.
"Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews." — The mention of "the synagogue" (with a definite article) suggests it was the central Jewish gathering place for the entire region, implying that Paul and Silas purposefully bypassed Amphipolis and Ap…
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Last reviewed October 2026