And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say Paul spoke to Jews and Greeks, but that he persuaded them. This highlights that his preaching wasn't merely an announcement of facts, but a compelling appeal aimed at changing hearts and minds, even among Gentiles drawn to the synagogue's teachings.
And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Arriving in Corinth, Paul immediately seeks out the Jewish community, following his established pattern of going to the synagogue first. Every Sabbath, he engages in discussion, presenting arguments from their own Scriptures to convince both native Jews and Gentiles who attended synagogue services that Jesus is the Messiah. This effort to persuade them is the crucial step just before the synagogue leaders eventually push back, leading Paul to shift his focus primarily to the Gentiles.
Paul arrived in Corinth, a bustling, diverse city. Where did he go first to share the message of Jesus?
Paul's consistent approach, as seen in Acts, was to go to the Jewish synagogue first. This wasn't just a habit; it was a strategic move.
Why the Synagogue?
Paul wasn't just preaching; he was reasoning, debating, and seeking to persuade, using the very Scriptures they shared as his foundation.
The verse mentions Paul persuading 'Jews and Greeks.' But who exactly were these 'Greeks' in the context of a Jewish synagogue?
This is a crucial detail! The 'Greeks' here weren't just any Gentiles off the street. They were likely:
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Gentile Seekers
Paul's strategy was inclusive. He addressed the core Jewish community first, then also engaged those Gentiles who were already showing interest in the God of Israel, bridging the gap between them and the Gospel.
Understand the original words
dialegomai · Greek Verb
The act of engaging in theological discourse or debate with the intention of convincing others of the truth. In the apostolic context, it refers to the public communication of the gospel, often utilizing scripture and logic to demonstrate Jesus' messiahship.
Sabbath · Hebrew Noun
The weekly seventh day of rest and worship ordained by God for Israel in the Mosaic covenant. It serves as a sign of the covenant between God and His people, calling them to cease from labor and focus on holiness.
synagōgē · Greek Noun
The gathering place for Jewish worship, prayer, and the reading of the Torah. Following the destruction of the Temple, it became the primary center of Jewish community life and the initial platform for the early Christian preaching of the gospel.
Paul's ministry in Corinth occurred within a vibrant, cosmopolitan Roman city. His approach to preach first in the synagogue shows his commitment to reaching Jewish people, but also highlights how the synagogue became a place where 'God-fearing' Gentiles (often called 'Greeks' in Acts) also gathered, providing an audience for the Gospel.
c. AD 41-54
Roman Rule in Corinth
Corinth was a major Roman city and capital of the province of Achaia, known for its strategic location and diverse population, including a significant Jewish community.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, potentially causing some to relocate to other centers like Corinth, increasing its Jewish population.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul lived and worked in Corinth for about 18 months, establishing a church by preaching and teaching in the local synagogue.
c. AD 55-57
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues and offering guidance.
c. AD 57
Paul visits Corinth again
Paul made a second, more somber visit to Corinth, which he refers to as a 'painful visit' in his second letter.
This passage describes Paul reasoning in the synagogue in Thessalonica, showing his consistent method of starting with the Jewish community and using their Scriptures to explain the Gospel.
Romans 1:16Paul's declaration that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, mirrors his approach of speaking to both groups in Corinth.
1 Corinthians 9:20Paul writes about becoming 'all things to all people' to win them for Christ, which is precisely what he was doing in Corinth by engaging both Jews and Greeks within their established religious setting.
Acts 13:5This earlier example in Antioch shows Paul and Barnabas preaching in the Jewish synagogues, establishing a pattern of ministry that Paul continued in Corinth.
ellicottActs 18:4: "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."
(4) He persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. —It is necessary to remind the reader that the latter word does not mean Greek-speaking Jews, or proselytes in the full sense of the word, but, as elsewhere (see Note on Acts 11:22 ), is used for those who were Gentiles by birth, and who, though worshipping in the synagogue, had not accepted circumcision. (4) So far we have found reasons for the vow. But…
bensonActs 18:4: "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."
Acts 18:4 . And he reasoned in the synagogue, &c. — The Jews being numerous in Corinth, Paul, according to his custom, began his ministry in the synagogue; and persuaded — That is, endeavoured to persuade; the Jews and Greeks — It is probable that most of these Greeks, since they attended the Jewish synagogue, were a kind of proselytes. It is possible, however, that some of them might not be such…
The verse doesn't just say Paul spoke to Jews and Greeks, but that he persuaded them. This highlights that his preaching wasn't merely an announcement of facts, but a compelling appeal aimed at changing hearts and minds, even among Gentiles drawn to the synagogue's teachings.
Arriving in Corinth, Paul immediately seeks out the Jewish community, following his established pattern of going to the synagogue first. Every Sabbath, he engages in discussion, presenting arguments from their own Scriptures to convince both native Jews and Gentiles who attended synagogue services that Jesus is the Messiah. This effort to persuade them is the crucial step just before the synagogue leaders eventually push back, leading Paul to shift his focus primarily to the Gentiles.
Arriving in Corinth, Paul immediately seeks out the Jewish community, following his established pattern of going to the synagogue first. Every Sabbath, he engages in discussion, presenting arguments from their own Scriptures to convince both native Jews and Gentiles who attended synagogue services that Jesus is the Messiah. This effort to persuade them is the crucial step just before the synagogue leaders eventually push back, leading Paul to shift his focus primarily to the Gentiles.
"And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks." — The verse doesn't just say Paul spoke to Jews and Greeks, but that he persuaded them. This highlights that his preaching wasn't merely an announcement of facts, but a compelling appeal aimed at c…
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Last reviewed October 2026