It’s easy to overlook how truly diverse the first believers were. Notice how the text highlights both "devout Greeks" (Gentiles who were already exploring Jewish faith) and "leading women," showing that faith in Jesus didn't just appeal to one type of person or social status. This reminds us that God’s call is wide and often reaches people in unexpected ways and places.
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. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and Silas are sharing the gospel in the Thessalonian synagogue, facing resistance from some Jews who reject their message. This verse highlights the significant impact their preaching had, drawing a large number of devout Greeks (those who already worshipped God but weren't fully Jewish) and many influential women to believe and join their community. The opposition they encountered elsewhere in the city immediately after this success sets the stage for future conflict.
The Gospel didn't just stay within the familiar boundaries of Jewish worship. It broke out, reaching people in surprising ways.
In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas found fertile ground not only among some Jews but also among a significant group of 'devout Greeks.'
Who Were They?
These weren't just any Gentiles. They were people who had already turned away from idol worship and were drawn to the God of Israel. They frequented the Jewish synagogues and likely observed Jewish practices, but they weren't fully converted Jews. Think of them as 'God-fearers' or 'proselytes of the gate.'
Why Did They Respond?
These individuals already had a framework for understanding the one true God. They were familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures and had a spiritual yearning. This made them more open to the message Paul and Silas brought, contrasting with those deeply entrenched in paganism or those who rejected the message outright.
When people believed, they didn't just nod in agreement; they fundamentally changed their allegiance, casting their lot with the apostles.
The Greek word translated as 'consorted with' (proseklērōthēsan) is unique and powerful. It literally means 'to be allotted,' like receiving an inheritance or a share.
A Shared Destiny
This suggests that those who believed didn't just become fans of Paul and Silas; they identified with them completely. They willingly took on the same lot, the same destiny, and the same community. It was a profound commitment to join their journey, their struggles, and their faith.
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More Than Association
This wasn't a casual affiliation. It implied a deep sense of belonging and partnership. They were willing to share in whatever came their way – the acceptance, the persecution, and the mission. It speaks to the radical nature of conversion; it’s not just belief about Jesus, but joining with His followers.
The Bible often highlights the significant role women played in the early church, and Thessalonica was no exception.
The text notes that 'not a few' of the leading women also believed. This wasn't a minor detail; it was noteworthy.
Influential Converts
These weren't just any women; they were 'chief women' or 'leading women.' Their conversion would have carried significant social weight and influence within the city. Their involvement likely opened doors and provided a more stable foundation for the nascent church.
A Pattern of Piety
Luke, the author of Acts, frequently records the faith and actions of women. Their devotion, even when facing societal pressures or potential persecution, often demonstrated a profound strength and commitment. Their willingness to embrace the Gospel, especially when it challenged established norms, points to the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
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.
zēlōsantes · Greek Verb
A deep-seated resentment or envy, often triggered by the success of others. In a biblical context, it frequently characterizes the hostility of those who oppose the gospel message and its messengers.
The success described in this verse, particularly among 'devout Greeks' (Gentile proselytes) and leading women, highlights how the gospel often found fertile ground among those already seeking God outside of traditional Judaism, breaking down ethnic and social barriers.
c. 49-50 AD— this verse
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel through Asia Minor and into Macedonia, planting churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.
c. 50 AD
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul and his companions preach in the synagogue of Thessalonica, leading to the conversion of some Jews and many devout Greeks.
c. 50-51 AD
Exile from Thessalonica
Jealous Jews incite a riot, forcing Paul and Silas to flee Thessalonica for Berea.
c. 51 AD
Founding of the Berean Church
Paul and Silas find receptive listeners in Berea, who eagerly examine the Scriptures to confirm Paul's message.
c. 51 AD
Paul Writes 1 Thessalonians
While in Corinth, Paul sends Timothy back to check on the new church in Thessalonica and writes his first letter to them, expressing concern and encouragement.
This passage shows Paul and Barnabas speaking to the Gentiles after the Jews rejected the message, mirroring how many devout Greeks embraced the Gospel in Thessalonica.
Acts 16:14The conversion of Lydia, a seller of purple goods, who 'worshipped God' and 'listened to us,' highlights the openness of devout Gentiles to Paul's ministry.
1 Thessalonians 1:9Paul's own letter to the Thessalonians confirms the widespread conversion of both Gentiles and Jews, underscoring the success seen in Acts 17:4.
Romans 1:16This verse expresses Paul's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, which is the power of God, and aligns with the persuasive nature of his preaching that led to belief in Thessalonica.
Matthew 13:23Jesus' parable of the sower speaks of different soils; the 'good soil' represents those who hear the word and understand it, bearing fruit, which fits the description of those who were persuaded and believed.
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…
It’s easy to overlook how truly diverse the first believers were. Notice how the text highlights both "devout Greeks" (Gentiles who were already exploring Jewish faith) and "leading women," showing that faith in Jesus didn't just appeal to one type of person or social status. This reminds us that God’s call is wide and often reaches people in unexpected ways and places.
Paul and Silas are sharing the gospel in the Thessalonian synagogue, facing resistance from some Jews who reject their message. This verse highlights the significant impact their preaching had, drawing a large number of devout Greeks (those who already worshipped God but weren't fully Jewish) and many influential women to believe and join their community. The opposition they encountered elsewhere in the city immediately after this success sets the stage for future conflict.
Paul and Silas are sharing the gospel in the Thessalonian synagogue, facing resistance from some Jews who reject their message. This verse highlights the significant impact their preaching had, drawing a large number of devout Greeks (those who already worshipped God but weren't fully Jewish) and many influential women to believe and join their community. The opposition they encountered elsewhere in the city immediately after this success sets the stage for future conflict.
"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. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in…" — It’s easy to overlook how truly diverse the first believers were. Notice how the text highlights both "devout Greeks" (Gentiles who were already exploring Jewish faith) and "leading women," showing…
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Last reviewed October 2026
