And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word translated "joined" or "consorted with" isn't just about agreeing, but about casting their lot with Paul and Silas, meaning they were willing to share their fate, good or bad. It’s a powerful picture of solidarity that goes beyond mere intellectual assent.
And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and Silas are preaching in the synagogue, drawing a crowd of Jews and devout Greeks who had already adopted some Jewish practices. While some Jews reject the message, a significant number, including many Gentile converts and prominent women, are persuaded by the apostles' teaching and choose to join their community.
When people 'believed' in Jesus in the first century, it wasn't just a mental agreement. It meant joining a new family and committing to their cause.
The Greek word used here, "consorted with," literally means "to be assigned by lot" or "to cast one's lot with." This paints a picture of deep commitment. It suggests that these new believers didn't just agree with Paul and Silas's message; they saw their own future, their destiny, bound up with the apostles and the burgeoning Christian community. It was like saying, 'Whatever happens to you, happens to me. We're in this together.' This wasn't a casual affiliation; it was a profound identification that mirrored the way inheritance was determined by lot.
This radical inclusion meant embracing a new identity and community, even when it brought opposition. It was a courageous step, sharing in the spiritual 'lot' of Paul and Silas.
The Bible often highlights people who were already seeking God, even outside the nation of Israel. Who were these 'devout Greeks,' and why were they so receptive?
The Bible mentions 'devout Greeks' who were not born Jewish but had embraced parts of the Jewish faith. These individuals, often called 'proselytes of the gate,' had turned away from idol worship and were regular attendees at synagogues. They were spiritually hungry, seeking the God of Israel, but hadn't undergone full conversion to Judaism (like circumcision).
Because they already held the Jewish Scriptures in high regard and were acquainted with monotheism, Paul's message resonated deeply with them. They had fewer ingrained prejudices than many native-born Jews, making them more open to the revolutionary news about Jesus being the Messiah. Their 'great multitude' conversion shows God working powerfully among those actively seeking Him, even if they weren't yet fully 'in' the established religious system.
Ask a follow-up
The text specifically mentions 'chief women' being persuaded. What does this tell us about the role and reception of women in the early church?
The conversion of 'not a few of the leading women' is a significant detail. These were women of influence and social standing in Thessalonica. Like the women at Antioch (mentioned in Acts 13:50), they likely had some prior exposure to Jewish teaching, possibly through synagogue attendance, which made them more open to Paul's message.
Their conversion is remarkable because embracing the Christian faith often meant facing significant social pressure and even persecution. For women in that cultural context, who often had less public agency than men, taking such a bold stand required immense courage and conviction. Their embracing of the Gospel demonstrates the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, overcoming societal expectations and personal fears. Their commitment also laid a vital foundation for the church in Thessalonica.
Understand the original words
sebomenōn · Greek Adjective/Participle
God-fearing Gentiles who respected Jewish monotheism and ethics, attended synagogue services, and often served as a primary bridge for the spread of the early Christian gospel.
The rapid spread of the gospel in Thessalonica, particularly among devout Greeks and leading women, highlights the impact of Paul's ministry despite the intense opposition he faced from some Jewish leaders.
c. 49 AD
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, Silas, and Timothy set out from Antioch to strengthen churches and spread the gospel throughout Asia Minor and into Europe.
c. 50 AD— this verse
Arrival in Thessalonica
Paul and Silas preach in the Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica, a major port city and Roman capital of the province of Macedonia.
c. 50 AD
Jealousy and Accusations
Jews who rejected Paul's message become jealous of the large crowds and stir up a riot, falsely accusing Paul and Silas of treason against Caesar.
c. 50 AD
Flight to Beroea
Paul and Silas are forced to leave Thessalonica under cover of night due to the mob's hostility and travel to the nearby city of Beroea.
c. 50-51 AD
Writing 1 Thessalonians
While in Corinth, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, reflecting on their conversion and encouraging their faith amidst persecution.
This passage also highlights the conversion of Gentiles and devout persons, showing a pattern of the gospel reaching beyond Jewish communities.
Romans 1:16Paul's declaration that he is not ashamed of the gospel shows his confidence in its power to save everyone who believes, echoing the broad appeal seen in Thessalonica.
1 Thessalonians 1:9Paul's letter to the Thessalonians confirms their conversion from idolatry to serving the living God, directly referencing the impact of his ministry in that very city.
Galatians 3:28This verse speaks to the unity in Christ that transcends social distinctions, which is reflected in the conversion of both devout Greeks and prominent women, breaking down barriers.
barnesActs 17:4: "And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few."
And consorted - Literally, had their lot with Paul and Silas; that is, they united themselves to them, and became their disciples. The word is commonly applied to those who are partakers of an inheritance. And of the devout Greeks - Religious Greeks; or, of those who worshipped God. Those are denoted who had renounced the worship of idols, and…
cambridgeActs 17:4: "And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few."
4 . And some of them believed ( were persuaded )] For St Paul’s teaching was by arguments of which they all were able to form an estimate. and consorted with ] The notion conveyed by the Greek and by the English so far as its derivation is concerned is of “casting in their lot with the disciples,” deciding to join their community. and of the de…
The word translated "joined" or "consorted with" isn't just about agreeing, but about casting their lot with Paul and Silas, meaning they were willing to share their fate, good or bad. It’s a powerful picture of solidarity that goes beyond mere intellectual assent.
Paul and Silas are preaching in the synagogue, drawing a crowd of Jews and devout Greeks who had already adopted some Jewish practices. While some Jews reject the message, a significant number, including many Gentile converts and prominent women, are persuaded by the apostles' teaching and choose to join their community.
Paul and Silas are preaching in the synagogue, drawing a crowd of Jews and devout Greeks who had already adopted some Jewish practices. While some Jews reject the message, a significant number, including many Gentile converts and prominent women, are persuaded by the apostles' teaching and choose to join their community.
"And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women." — The word translated "joined" or "consorted with" isn't just about agreeing, but about casting their lot with Paul and Silas, meaning they were willing to share their fate, good or bad. It’s a power…
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Last reviewed October 2026