Acts 15 verse 27

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

Because of what they say on that meeting in Jerusalem for the apostles and elders it was important to send Judas and Silas who were pastors and also prophets to  those Gentiles in Antioch the same things and also to exhort and encourage these Gentiles there. They went with Barnabas and Paul back to Antioch. 

Acts 15 verse 28

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

Verse 28: In the letter we find these words of the apostles and elders to the Gentiles this: to the Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit of God which convinced them to lay upon these Gentiles in Antioch no greater burden than the necessary things they had written in the letter to them. We read that in the next verse

Acts 15 verse 29

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Verse 29: These are the words which were in thel letter to the Gentiles at Antioch: to abstain from meats offered to idols. , from things strangled, from fornication. Very important instructions for these Gentiles and of course also for us as members of the Body of Christ. They had to keep themselves away from this and ye shall do well. Then it went well. This was in the first place for these Gentiles and we can learn a lot about this. These instructions Paul told the Cornithian believers in Christ also because there was a lot of these practices! And nowadays not less but more than then!

Acts 15 verse 30

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Verse 30: Who were they who were dismissed? Answer Paul and Barnabas and the ones who were with them like Silas and Judas. They came back in Antioch Syria and there they gathered the multitude together. The ones who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ there in Antioch, all members of the Body of Christ. Then they delivered the epistle from the apostles and elders of the Jewish church at Jerusalem. The content we read in the last verses before. 

Acts 15 verse 31

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

Verse 31: So Paul and Barnabas read for them which was the content of the epistle and the people heard this! After this they rejoiced. They were glad that they had not to keep the law and not to be circumcised. The new rules who stood therein were very important for them and we can read this also in the first epistle to the Corinthians.  Here these believers were glad and rejoiced for the consolation, the comforting words. 

Acts 15 verse 32

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

Verse 32: Judas and Silas from the church at Jerusalem, Judaea were also prophets and strongly encouraged the believers at Antioch with many words from Gods Word and confirmed them. This means to prove reliable, trustworthy,” “to be strong,” “to fill, fulfill,” “to stand,” “to rise.”. We learn a lot of this my brothers and sisters and we have to do the same as members of the Body of Christ; to confirm each other and stand for the truths you understand from Gods Word of Grace Acts 20:24,32

Acts 15 verse 33

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

Verse 33: After a time Judas and Silas were there in Antioch and exhorted and confirmed the brethren it was time to send them back to Jerusalem unto the apostles again. There is a time to come and a time to go. There was the time for these 2 men to leave Antioch but what do we read in the next verse? 

Acts 15 verse 34

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Verse 34: But Silas stayed in Antioch because it pleased him to abide. Evidently he had encouraged a lot of Gentile brothers and sisters and they welcomed him so much and he found a lot of love of God under these Gentile believers and learned also so much from Paul and Barnabas that he wanted to stay there. The Scriptures doesn't say it but I think Judas went back to the apostles in Jerusalem after he too tarried in Antioch a long time. 

Acts 15 verse 35

 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord, with many others also.

Verse 35: Paul and Barnabas continued to teach and preach Gods Word of Grace which was revealed from the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven to them with many other also.  Antioch was a place where a lot of people  believed the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24 and were saved by Grace alone, by faith alone and in Christ alone.  My wish and prayer is that here in the Netherlands also a lot of people will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and come to know the Gospel of the Grace of God which is the truth which is the will of God!! I Timothy 2:3-4, Colossians 1:5-6. What a celebration this will be!!!

Acts 15 verse 36

 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

Verse 36: After a while of days Paul wanted to visit the brethren in every city where they had preached the Word of the Lord and to see how they do. This has do to with aftercare. This has also to do with pastoral care. He loved his brothers and sisters and saw the need to visit them again. He Paul had this in him and trusted also the Lord in it. We see in the next verse what these words of him brought about. 

Acts 15 verse 37

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Verse 37: Barnabas immediately said to Paul let's take with us again John whose surname was Mark. John was Barnabas  relative. He was a nephew of Barnabas.  And  Barnabas was firm in this when he spoke those words to Paul. 

Acts 15 verse 38

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Verse 38: But Paul saw it very sharp and said to Barnabas: I think it is not good that we take John with us the second time because he departed from us when we arrived in Pamphylia and was not with us in the work of the Lord. The reason John left was that he was probably homesick and wanted to go back to his mother in Jerusalem. He wouldn't in that time not to stand for the truth of God, the Gospel of the Grace of God whatever it cost.  Nowadays there a lot of believers who if they hear the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24 will not stand for it like John or like Demas later in the second epistle to Timothy and don't want to fight the spiritual fight against the devil. So John was not to trust or trustworthy and that is exactly what Paul is answering here Barnabas.

Acts 15 verse 39

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 

Verse 39: The contention was so sharp between Paul and Barnabas. What does this mean? This disagreement between Paul and Barnabas was to big. So the conclusion was that they departed asunder one from the other. This must have been a lot of pain because these men Paul and Barnabas had before a good relationship with each other had also been through a lot together but this was unavoidable! So Barnabas took Mark and sailed with him to Cyprus because Barnabas came from Cyprus. 

Acts 15 verse 40

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

Verse 40: Paul chose Silas. Evidently Silas was a trustful fellowlaborer in the Work of the Lord and he has this proven in Antioch under the brothers and sisters. So Paul with Silas departed and before that they, the brethren gave them over unto the Grace of God, in Gods hand. We don't read that Barnabas with Mark were also recommended by these brethren in Antioch. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles and not Barnabas or Mark and this was also the will of God that Paul went back to the people, brothers and sisters  there in little Asia. 

Acts 15 verse 41

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Verse 41: Paul is here in this verse only mentioned. Silas was with him but is not mentioned here. He went through Syria and Cilicia. So they took another road because Barnabas and Mark were on the island Cyprus. This road went from Syria to Cilicia and Paul confirmed the churches there. He encouraged and strengthen the brethren (inclusive women) from the local churches with Gods Word of Grace Acts 20:32, Romans 16:25,26, Colossians 1:5,6. And here this chapter ended here! 

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Acts chapter 16

Acts 16 verse 1

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

Verse 1: With Silas Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. Two places which he in the first journey visited.  From Syria overland Paul and Silas came to these places again the second time. There in one of these places was a young men Timotheus who was a disciple from a Jewish mother who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and his father was a Greek man. We don't know if his father was a believer or not, the Bible doesn't tell us. This was good news for Paul and Silas because they saw in Timothy a fellowbeliever because we read in the second verse this:

Acts 16 verse 2

 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Verse 2: This young man Timotheus had a good reportation of the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. They were probably full of praise over him. This was very important for the work of the Lord that nobody could say something evil  of Timotheus. Timothy had a lot of experience in the Scriptures of God, His Word. He knew very well the Scriptures and walked also according Gods Word 2 Timothy 3:15: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. From a child Timothy had known the Scriptures of God through his mother and grandmother. So teaching your children from Gods Word and escpecially His Word of Grace  from an early age is very important! You see what will be the result after a while: a good reportation! 

Acts 16 verse 3

 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

Verse 3: Paul would have Timothy to go with him and Silas on their journeys. So Paul took Timothy and circumcised him because of the Jews. Circumcision was still used in the Acts period. Timothy was never circumcised and he was half a Jewish young man. There were a lot of Jews in that area so that's why Timothy was circumcised although it was not a must to be circumcised but Paul circumcised Timothy. The father of Timotheus was a Greek and uncircumcised that's why Timothy was not circumcised when he was 8 days old. 

Acts 16 verse 4

And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

Verse 4: They that are Paul and Silas and Timothy as young man joining them in their journey through all the cities like Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Antioch. Paul and Silas delivered the brothers and sisters in the Lord who were Gentiles the decrees for to keep that were ordained of th apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. What had they to keep which was ordained by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem? Answer: That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well Acts 15: 29

Acts 16 verse 5

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Verse 5: The churches, the people who formed the ecclesia, the local churches were established in the faith also because of the decrees to keep. This is also a lesson for us brothers and sisters and we too like them will be established in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. The number increased daily that will say more people became believers and came to the knowledge of the truth which is the will of God 1 Timothy 2:3-4. This can also happen today if believers in Christ are more open for this and want to learn the Gospel of the Grace of God. Are you brother, sister, reader willing to learn the truth of God, the Gospel of your salvation Acts 20:24, 32? Come and join us as members of the Body of Christ!

Acts 16 verse 6

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Verse 6: Paul, Silas and Timotheus went through Phrygia through the region of Galatia. We see here in this verse something remarkable: the Holy Spirit forbade Paul, Silas and Timotheus to preach the Word of God in Asia. There were some reason the Holy Spirit forbade them to preach the Word of God there at that time. Later we know that Paul was permitted to do a great work in this region. See Acts 19:10, 19:26; 20.4

Acts 16 verse 7

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

Verse 7: So Paul, Silas and Timotheus continued their journey to Mysia. They wanted to go to Bithynia, a region not far away from Troas but again the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ forbade them to go there. So Paul, Silas and Timotheus passed by and went to Troas. 

Acts 16 verse 8

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

Verse 8 So Paul, Silas and Timotheus passed by Mysia and went to Troas. It must have been strange to Paul, Silas and Timotheus that the Spirit of God forbade them 2 times or hinder to preach the Word of God in the region Asia and Mysia. So they arrived at Troas near the sea to Europe. 

Acts 16 verse 9

 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

Verse 9: This verse is something special! Paul got a vision in the night. It appeared to him. This was one of the last visions he received. In that vision he saw a man of Macedonia and this man prayed him, begged him Paul and said: Come over into Macedonia and help us. This was really a request. What is a vision? This is something seen in a dream, trance, or religious ecstasy, especially a supernatural appearance that usually conveys a revelation. What is a dream? “A dream is how you instinctively make sense of all the information and experiences that you unconsciously absorb every day. But this was a vision and this was real, a real request Paul received and it was God Who called him to go to Macedonia, to Europe to preach also the Word of His Grace in Europe. We see in the next verses what Paul did. 

Acts 16 verse 10

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Verse 10: After Paul had seen this vision directly Paul and Silas and Timothy inclusive Luke found out how to go to Macedonia. They were sure that the Lord had called them to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God to the Macedonians. Paul and the others didn't hesitate that the Lord had called them. This vision was the sign from the Lord that they had to go, that this was the wish, command of the Lord. 

Acts 16 verse 11

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

Verse 11: For that reason Paul, Silas, Timotheus and Luke went by boat from Troas sailed over to Samothracia. That was a island near the coast of Macedonia and the next day they went to Neapolis. How? I think with another sailship.  In Neapolis they had reached the mainland of Macedonia nowadays Greece

Acts 16 verse 12

And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

Verse 12: We don't know how long Paul, Silas Timothy and also Luke stayed in Neapolis (Macedonia). What we only read is that they travelled from Neapolis to Philippi which was the chief city of the part of Macedonia. Macedonia was a colony of the Romand Empire and in that city Luke described we were Paul, Silas, Timotheus and himself certain days. 

Acts 16 verse 13

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

Verse 13: Remarkable is here that Paul, Silas and Timotheus and Luke included went not to the synagogue like Paul did always to do on the sabbath. Probably there was no synagogue in Philippi so they went out of the city near the river on the river side and there a prayermeeting was there. So Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke sat down and spoke to the women who were there and had their own meeting.

Acts 16 verse 14

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Verse 14: There under those women there was Lydia. She was a seller of purple. Lydia was a successful businesswoman who sold luxury textiles dyed purple. It was only the wealthy who wore garments dyed purple or had purple furnishings in their homes. She came of the city of Thyatira (Asia minor) in the neigbourhood of Mysia. She worshipped God. She knew God and she heard Paul and the others speaking about God's Word of Grace and the Lord opened her heart so that she understood what Paul atold her from Gods Word of Grace Acts 20:24, 32, Romans 16:25-26: The mystery. What a wonder that Lydia's heart was open for the Word of Gods Grace ! I wish and pray that more people like Lydia will open their heart for this wonderful Gospel of Gods Grace. And this could be you dear reader!

Acts 16 verse 15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Verse 15: Lydia was baptized with water and her household because in the Acts period waterbaptism was still working. Not everything about the cross was made known to Paul by the risen Lord Jesus Christ.  So that's why Paul circumcised Timothy and here we read that Lydia and here house was baptized with water. How many beside her were baptized we don't know. Paul was not the one who baptized Lydia and her household so there must be someone else who did it. Read carefully 1 Corinthians 1: 14-17. Lydia is not mentioned among the persons who Paul baptized. Lydia after the baptism requested Paul, Silas, Timotheus and Luke as far we know and said: if ye have judged me with other words what do you think am I faithful to the Lord? If so come into my house and stay in my house. She forced them to stay in her house and Paul, Silas and Timotheus, Luke did. This forcing or begging was with a lot of love. She wanted to have spiritual fellowship with these men as brothers and sisters together! Lydia saw the importance of this as God asked from us all. 

Acts 16 verse 16

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

Verse 16: Paul, Silas, Timotheus and Luke went to the prayer at the riverside outside the city of Phillipi and on the way to it they met a certain damsel.  This damsel possessed a spirit of divination. Really satan was working in this woman. The masters used her and got the money what she earned with this work namely soothsaying. 

Acts 16 verse 17

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

Verse 17: This damsel followed Paul and us (Silas, Timothy and Luke) and cried with a loud voice: These men are the servants of the most high God and tell us the way of salvation. What she said was the truth but she said this in a negative way. For sure satan knows also what is truth and tried to hinder or stop it. This I experienced a lot in my life and it is always through persons. 

Acts 16 verse 18

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Verse 18: This damsel followed Paul, Silas, Timotheus and Luke many days and cried out saying the things we have seen in verser 17. But Paul, there is a change here was grieved and turned and said to the spirit (the evil spirit in the woman) and commanded the spirit to go out of this damsel in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul in that time of Acts could do this namely to cast out devils and he did here in the power of the Lord and the evil spirit came out of that woman the same hour he said it. This was really a miracle and and everybody must be glad with it but we see something different in the next verse happen. 

Acts 16 verse 19

 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

Verse 19: Her masters they saw that their hope of their profit of money was gone. The woman was healed by God  and God did this through what Paul said to this woman: I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. But these masters of her caught Paul and Silas and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers of the city. On the marketplace it was more public so for these masters they could accuse them easier then in the streets or outside the city. This was not fine for Paul and Silas because their lives were in danger you could imagine. 

Acts 16 verse 20

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

Verse 20: So these masters of the woman who was healed by God through Paul brought Paul and Silas to the magistrates, the strategoi and the Romans called them duumviri. In the colonies like Philippi that were the most high governors.  They said that Paul and Silas troubled the whole city extremely with what they preached and for sure they were Jews. Jews were hated by the Romans. 

Acts 16 verse 21

And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

Verse 21: They continued to say that Paul and Silas teached customs according to Gods Word and they said that it was for them not to receive this according to the Roman laws, neither to observe them because they were Romans. They refused with this saying the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Moreover the manner to serve God according Gods Word that was not what these Romans wanted to do or to accept. 

Acts 16 verse 22

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

Verse 22: A multitude of the city of Philippi rose up together against Paul and Silas. The magistrates, rulers of the city rent off the clothes of Paul and Silas and commanded men to beat them. And the men did it. To beat people in that time was very hard. Paul and Silas suffered a lot for the Lord and for the Gospel of the Grace of God. 

Acts 16 verse 23

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Verse 23: Paul and Silas were beaten with many stripes and after that the men cast them into prison and commanded the jailor to keep them safe in jail that Paul and Silas would not escape from jail. 3 Times Paul was beaten with rods. In II Corinthians 11.25 we read about it. Paul refers to stripes above measure II Corinthians 11 verse 23. Personally I have been hit a few times myself through somebody. Hit by fists/hands but hit with stripes never. This must be very painful and after that you must be almost dead. Paul and Silas endured this above their measure here. 

Acts 16 verse 24

 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Verse 24: The jailor received the commandment and brought Paul and Silas into the innner prison, a dungeon: a strong underground prison cell. These prisons were horrible dugeons below the ground, damp and reeking with filth. Their feet fast in stocks. So they couldn't move. Very painful because of the stripes and deep wounds with bleeding and also their feet in stocks! 

Acts 16 verse 25

 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Verse 25: At midnight that is 12 o clock. Paul and Silas were in prison. They were in the inner prison and their feet fast in stocks and had received many stripes. They had a lot of pain of this and still they prayed to God their Father and sang songs and praise unto God. This was very special because also the other prisoners heard them. In I Thessalonians 2 verse 2we read this: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. Prayer and singing is very important in such circumstances under which Paul and Silas were. This was also a good testimony Paul and Silas bore for Christ that midgnight The other prisoners heard them and were maybe touched in their hearts by this. Paul and Silas were far from bitterness. They called upon Him for strength and help. In Philippians 1 verse 29 and 30 we read this: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer of His sake. Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 

Acts 16 verse 26

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Verse 26: At once! Suddenly there was a great earthquake. The earth shook and the foundations of the prison were also shaken. Immediately all the doors were opened and the bands from all the prisoners in prison were loosed. This was really a miracle, really special. God answered the prayers and singing of Paul and Silas with this: a great earthquake! this was a divine intervention! That the bands were loosed from every prisoner bears unguestionably teh stamp of this miracle. But by what power all the prisoners kept in their cells because all the doors were open? Why did no one flee? We believe it was that they heard Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns to the Lord so they were touched in their hearts and were listening

Acts 16 verse 27

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

Verse 27: Now the jailor awakens out of his sleep because of this earthquake and saw the prison doors open and supposed that all the prisoners were gone/ have fled. These Roman keepers were made responsible  with their lives  for the prisoners  entrusted to them Acts 12 verse 19:And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. If we know this then it is not strange that we read here that the jailor drew out his sword and would have killed himself. He sought suicide is better than disgrace and a cruel execution. Paul by some means found out or sensed that the jailor was about to take his life. In the next verse we read this. 

Acts 16 verse 28

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Verse 28: Paul cried with a loud voice aloud from the darkness. Imagine Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and weak at that moment and here we read that Paul cried with a loud voice! What was Paul crying with a loud voice? Answer: Do thyself no harm for we are all here. This had a lot of influence on the jailor because this was amazingly humane after the rough treatment he had given Paul and Silas. This was one of the natural fruits of the Gospel they had proclaimed. Overcome evil with good!

Acts 16 verse 29

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

Verse 29: The jailor heard Paul saying with a loud voice Do thyself no harm for we are all here in the dungeons. And the jailor immediately called someone else of the guards for a light because it was so dark in the dungeons because these prisons were under the ground. He came there with light and sprang in this prison and was trembling and he fell down before Paul and Silas. The jailor was completely overwhelmed and he was so afraid. So great was his reverence for Paul and Silas now that he didn't even speak until he brought them out of the dungeon. 

Acts 16 verse 30

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Verse 30: The jailor brought Paul and Silas out of the dungeon and then he asked them very polite: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? He asked the great question whicdh may already have been troubling him and it came of his heart and mind. He said sirs from the Greek word Kurioi what means lords. In the next verse we read the answer of Paul and Silas and this is also the answer for this unbelieving world today. 

Acts 16 verse 31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Verse 31: Paul and Silas said to the jailor this: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thous shalt be saved. This is the central of the Gospel of the Grace of God. Under the Gospel of the Kingdom people asked John the Baptist what shall we do then? He had said to them this: bring fruits of repentance  and of the kingdom Luke 3:9-11. We read in Luke 10 verse 25-28 this:  And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.  And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.  In Acts 2 verse 37 and 38 we read this: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. But now we read under this Dispensation of Grace Ephesians 3:1-3 whereunder we still live this: believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!  No matter what your sin, no matter what your ignorance, no matter what your fears about holding on: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved dear reader! Believe that He died in your place on the cross, that He died for all your sins, was buried and that He is risen from the death and He lives and sits on the Right hand of the Father in heaven and give you eternal life if you believe this. I Corinthians 15:3-4. This is the good news! The Good news yes for you dear reader! Recognize you are a sinner and lost and that Christ can save you if you accept Him as personal Savior. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. 

And thine house: this doesn't mean that automatically the house of the jailor was saved from that hour no it means that they as well as him may believe and be saved. 

Acts 16 verse 32

 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

Verse 32: Paul and Silas spoke to this jailor the Word of the Lord. The Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24 and the glory of the cross which is the central in the Gospel of Grace.  Not only to the jailor but also to all that were in the the house of the jailor so that they could hear too the Gospel of Gods Grace and could come to believe. 

Acts 16 verse 33

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Verse 33: The jailor took Paul and Silas the same hour of the night in his house and washed their stripes. I personally think he washed their stripes with a lot of shame. This was also a strange for this jailor. First he beat them with stripes and now he washed their stripes! The jailor was after this baptized and all of the ones who were in his house immediately. He was after that baptized. and all of his (family and others who were in his house). Who baptized the jailor and all his? We don't know. For sure it was not Paul who baptized them. 

Acts 16 verse 34

And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Verse 34: The jailor brought Paul and Silas into his house and he set meat before them. So that they could eat and be strengthen by the food. And the jailor rejoiced in the Lord and believed in God with all that were in his house. Philippians 4 verse 4. He was so happy when he was saved by Grace alone, by faith alone and in Christ alone and so are we my brothers and sisters! So follow in this his example! 

Acts 16 verse 35

And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

Verse 35: When the day began the magistrates who were the heads of the city of Philippi sent the serjeants. The came with the message of the magistrates to the jailor and that message was: let those men (Paul and Silas) go! 

Acts 16 verse 36

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

Verse 36: The serjeants who were send by the magistrates told the jailor/keeper of the prison that Paul and Silas had to go and the jailor told Paul and Silas that. Now therefore depart and go in peace. It was the best for Paul and Silas to leave Philippi and go their way to the next place and tell there the people the Word of Gods Grace. But there was one thing and that we read in the next verse. 

Acts 16 verse 37

 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

Verse 37: But Paul said unto them. Paul wasn't agree with this that they could go and depart from Philippi and go in peace because He and Silas were beaten with rods openly uncondemned being Romans and had cast them into prison and now do they thrust us out privily? Pauls's question is here that they come themselves there where Paul and Silas are and lead them out because it was a shame what they did. Paul came up for Silas and him and he and Silas stood in their rights. For us this is also a lessen if someone wronged us like this or otherwise that we will come up for our rights as believers. 

Acts 16 verse 38

And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

Verse 38: When Paul said this the serjeants of the magistrates were also there and heard those words and told the words of Paul unto the magistrates. The magistrates feared. Now the tables were turned. The accused become the accusers and the judges were in danger of being called to trial. They were in dagner both from Rome, for violating the vaunted sancitity fo Roman citizenship. There was nothing to do but to capitulate. They realized that they had made a very big mistake and what they had done was unjustly. They were shocked because they heard that Paul and Silas were Romans and by the Roman law it was not allowed to beat a Roman citizen. Slaves of the Romans were regular beaten with the Plumbatae or the Flagellum. These were whips with at the end metal balls with points on it and this made deep wounds . Paul and Silas were beaten with such whips and this was unjust. So these magistrates feared and there was a lot of shame what they feeled. 

Acts 16 verse 39

And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

Verse 39: Finally the Magistrates came to Paul and Silas and inpreated or begged them and brought them out of the house of the jailor and they desired Paul and Silas to depart out of the city of Philippi. Also these magistrates were afraid of the people in the city if they knew that Paul and Silas were Romans and had their Roman citizenship and were beaten with rods unjustly then an uproar would come in the city of Phillipi and the magistrates didn't want that so they begged them as soon as possible to leave the city. 

Acts 16 verse 40

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Verse 40: So Paul and Silas went out of the prison of Philippi.  Paul and Silas  graciously complying with the request did not flee in haste from the city of Philippi. They went first what we read here to the house of Lydia to comfort all that were in the house of her. They saw the brethren and comforted them with the Word of Gods Grace Acts 20:24, Romans 16:25,26 and gave them a lot of instructions from the Word of God for this local church at Lydia's house.  These believers in the house of Lydia who were comforted by Paul and Silas  would not be free from persecution for the Gospel of Gods Grace having  gotten a foothold in Europe, the devil would do all in his power to oppose it. And the devil his ways now at this moment are the same as here in Philippi: do all in his power to oppose the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God!  Acts 20:24, 32. Luke is describing this and it looks that he remained at Philippi in the new local church at Lydia's house because he said they departed. Later in Acts 20:6 Paul was again in Philippi. 

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Acts 17 verse 1

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

Verse 1: Paul, Silas and Timothy passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia. Cities in Macedonia and for sure they spoke the Word of God also in these cities and then they came in Thessalonica. In Thessalonica there were also Jews and they came together in the synagogue on the Sabbath day.

Acts 17 verse 2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Verse 2: Why did Paul always first to the Jews in the synagogue? The Words of God were at first entrusted to them and that they would be inexcusable because of Gods Word of Grace, the Gospel of the Grace of God or the Mystery. They, the Jews believed in God but as folk they had rejected Christ . At least they heard the truth and individual Jews could come to believe in Christ . Romans 11 verse 14: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. So Paul went to them and 3 Sabbath days Paul informed them about the Mystery and the Glory of the cross and much more from the Scriptures. Paul was permitted 3 times to speak to them in the synagogue. The Jews had respect to him because of his character, his ability and his earnest eloquence. This is something brothers and sisters to think about! 

Acts 17 verse 3

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Verse 3: Paul opened and reasoned in this synagogue for these Jews at Thessalonica from Word of God that Christ must suffer and dying for all mankind, that He was buried and risen again from the dead. We read in I Corinthians 15 verse 3 and 4 this: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.  This is what the apostle Paul preached to these Jewss and that Jesus is Christ so that they were convinced about Gods truth according the cross of Jesus Christ, His love for mankind. 

Acts 17 verse 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.

Verse 4 Some of these Jews became to believe in Jesus Christ. They accepted Him as personal Savior and had spiritual fellowship with Paul and Silas.  In Hebrews 4 verse 12 we read: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Later in  I Thessalonians 12 verse 5-8 we read this: For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. So the Word of God which Paul preached, the glory of the cross and why Christ had to die, was buried and rose again from the dead had a lot of good effect on them: and of the devout Greeks, the Greeks who became Jewish people named proselytes and of the chief women (first women) not a few but many! This is the gist which Paul explained from the Word of God namely the cross on Calvary where the Lord Jesus Christ died for mankind to save them!! And this is still the same message for today my brother and sister, reader. Read I Corinthians 15 verse 3, 4 and Romans 5.8, 4: 24, 25

Acts 17 verse 5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Verse 5: Where the truth, the Gospel of Gods Grace, the Mystery is proclaimed by Paul there the adversary came also in the form of these non believing Jews who were full of envy and took unto them certain thieves or bad men here described fellows of the baser sort. Satan used those non believing agressive Jews to resists the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. These men gathered a company of men and they became an uproar and stirred up the people from the Thessalonica. They came at the house of Jason and begin to attack the house where Jason lived because they were looking for Paul, Silas and Timothy to bring them to the folk of the city. So the lives of Paul, Silas and Timothy were in danger. If these men had found them then they probably would killed them. So mad they were. 

Acts 17 verse 6

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Acts 6: But these angry men found them not so they drew Jason and some brethren with him unto the rulers of the city and cried. The reason they drew Jason and some brethren out of the house of Jason was that Jason had taken Paul, Silas and Timothy in his house for certain period! We don't know how long. But the mad men said to the rulers this: These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. They said this because they had heard the truth, the Gospel of salvation, the Gospel of the Grace of God. 

Acts 17 verse 7

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

Verse 7: They continued to cry this whom, that is Paul, Silas and Timothy in his house, had Jason received and these do all contrary to the decrees of Caesar because they said that there is a another king Jesus Christ. They, these mad men hated Jesus Christ and were against the truth. 

Acts 17 verse 8

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

Verse 8: These mad men troubled or made it very difficult for the people and the rulers of the city. They heard what those mad men were saying. What those men said was hard to understand and difficult. 

Acts 17 verse 9

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

Verse 9: When they had heard Jason and the others about what they had done and what heard from Paul and Silas they let them go. They couldn't judge them to prison and Jason and the others who were with him before these rulers were not beaten. 

Acts 17 verse 10

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Verse 10: The brethren sent Paul and Silas immediately away from Thessalonica because their lives were in danger. This was by night because then it was more difficult to recognize them. They send them to Berea. Berea was about 40 or 50 kilometres from Thessalonica. Paul and Silas went again as usual into the synagogue of the Jews to preach first the Gospel of Gods Grace to them. 

Acts 17 verse 11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Verse 11: We saw in verse 10 that Paul and Silas were send to Berea and there they went into the synagogue of the Jews and those Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica. What does it mean noble? They were more generous or mild because they received the Word of God with all willingness of mind. They searched the Scriptures of God daily whether those things were so what the apostle Paul preached to them in the synagogue. Were more men in this world like these men of Berea? Personally I wished that more believers in Christ were Bereans instead of not searching the Scriptures daily and be lazy. 

Acts 17 verse 12

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Verse 12: For this fact that they were Bereans and noble and searching the Scriptures daily if what was said to them was true that's why many of them believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and there were also honourable women, proselytes who were of the Greeks and a lot of other men who were originally Greeks. If you read this you became glad about this fact and wish, hope and pray that this will happen nowadays. But the time now is living in the last days of the Dispensation of the Grace of God and a few people believe the Gospel of the Grace of God and stand for this. 

Acts 17 verse 13

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

Verse 13: The unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica heard that the Word of God, the Gospel of salvation, the Gospel of the Grace of God was preached of Paul also in Berea they went to Berea and  began also to stir up the people there in Berea. Again the resistance against the Word of God. We read a lot of opposition in the chapters 16 and 17 and it is the same today: a lot of opposition because satan hates the truth through which he is already defeated! Thats why he does everything he can to prevent the truth, the Gospel of Gods Grace. Acts 20:24. Here we read that these unbelieving Jews stirred up the people, to began a uproar, 

Acts 17 verse 14

 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

Verse 14: Directly the brethren (brothers) in the Lord Jesus Christ send Paul away to the sea. It was to dangerous now these Jewish men from Thessalonica came in Berea and stirred up the people. They wanted to catch Paul so his life was again in danger, also in Berea. So Paul was send to the sea but Silas and Timotheus didn't accompanied him. They abode in Berea. Maybe there lives were not in danger and they had still time to encourage the people in Berea with the Word of God's Grace which is the truth. 

Acts 17 verse 15

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Verse 15
The brethren who Paul guided or escorted brought him unto Athens. In Athens these brethren received the commandment unto Silas and Timotheus to come to Paul as soon as possible. So these brethren departed from Paul and went back to Berea with this commandment. Paul had given them this commandment. These men Silas and Timotheus were very dear to him and fellowlaborers in the Work of the Lord. For Paul it was very difficult to do the work of the Lord without them. That's why he gave this commandment. 

Acts 17 verse 16

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Verse 16: There in Athens where Paul was he waited for Silas and Timotheus and his spirit was stirred in him. What does that mean stirred? He was agitated because what he awa in the city of Athens. The people in this city were wholly given to idolatry. They worshipped only gods who were nothing like you have today a lot in religions. So Athens had a lot of religious people but people believed not in the true God Who made them, Who made Heaven and Earth and all what is therein. 

Acts 17 verse 17

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

Verse 17: Paul as usual went into the synagogue of the Jews and acted or dealed with the Jews and with the ones who were devoted persons and also daily with the ones who he met on the market in Athens. Paul preached the Gospel of the Grace of God and central the Glory of the cross of Jesus Christ and that He is the Savior. Acts 20:24, I Corinthians 15:3,4

Acts 17 verse 18

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Verse 18: In Athens there were philosophers of the Epicureans and philosophers of the Stoicks. Who were the Epicureans? The Epicurean philosophicals were a  ‘sect’ and the Stoicks were also another sect. They strifed with Paul and some said what will this talker say. Other heard him say strange things who they had never heard because Paul preached unto them the Lord Jesus Christ that He is the Savior and that He is resurrected from the death and that in Him the Live is, eternal life. 

Acts 17 verse 19

 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

Verse 19: These philosophers and others took Paul and brought him unto Areopagus. This was a hill and they wanted that he would speak to them upon that hill. So they asked him may we know what this new doctrine whereof thou speakest is? So they were curious and wanted to hear something new. This also confirms the next verse. 

Acts 17 verse 20

 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

Verse 20: These philosophers of the Epicureans and Stoicks say to Paul this: thou bringest certain strange things to our ears. This was that they were natural men, unbelievers but they were curious to hear from Paul what those things he preached mean! They had never heard about it. In 1 Corinthians 2 verse 15 we read:But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  Here we have the answer: they had the natural, Adamic nature and had not the Spirit of God. They couldn't understand it but they recognized it as strange to their ears! If a man or woman want to understand the Word of God first he or she has to open their hearts for it and accept what Christ had done for him or her through His finished Work I Corinthians 15:3-4! 

Acts 17 verse 21

For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Verse 21: These Athenians and strangers in the city of Athens spent their time in nothing else but either to tell something new or to hear some new things. The world is not changed in this attitude. People in general are curious to hear some new things and some people tell new things which are in the world new by worldly standards. So these philosophers are a worldly example till today. 

Acts 17 verse 22

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Verse 22: Paul stood in the midst of Mars hill and he began to speak: Ye men of Athens: I observed that in all things ye are too superstitious which is a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown . In the next verse we read what Paul said about this. 

Acts 17 verse 23

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Verse 23: The apostle Paul began his preaching towards those philosophers and people from Athens with the words as I walked through your city and saw your religiosity I found an altar with this inscription: to the unknown God. They worshipped the unknown God and didn't know who this unknown God was because they did it ignorantly and the apostle began to explain to them Who this unknown God was and is. You see my brothers and sisters how the apostle Paul  had a clear reason to explain the Gospel of the Grace of God and he began very positivily in his explanation to them. 

Acts 17 verse 24

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Verse 24: The apostle Paul declared that God had made the world and all things therein and He is the Lord of heaven and earth and nowadays still God is the Lord of heaven and earth my reader! He dwelleth or dwells not in temples or churchbuildings or other buildings who are made with hands. You hear sometimes about the house of God but we read here that God lives not in churchbuildings or temples who are made with hands of men. A lot of these buildings are very beautiful and every year thousands and thousands of people visit such buildings but God is not living in these buildings. This is what people think in their religiosity. 

Acts 17 verse 25

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

Verse 25: Paul is continue to tell this to the people of Athens about God: He is not worshipped with men's hands because God need nothing from men. He gives to all life, breath and all things. In Genesis 2 verse 7 we read: And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. This is how God created men. 

Acts 17 verse 26

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Verse 26: Of one blood, the blood of Adam God made all nations of men. All men come from Adam so this is the answer against racial discrimination. The purpose was and is to dwell on all the face of the earth. God hath determined the times and before appointed  and the bounds of their habitation. He has determined everything. Nothing is a coincidence. 

Acts 17 verse 27

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Verse 27: That men should seek the Lord because he hath made everything and gives to all life, breath and all things and find Him. God is not far away from everyone of us. He is near. If you are searching for God you will find Him. This is what Paul said here and this today still works that way. 

Acts 17 verse 28

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Verse 28: The apostle Paul continued here in saying For in Him we live, have our being. He had made us, human beings. One of their poets of Athens had said: We are also His offspring. With other words He created us and is our Creator. Paul deals here not with regeneration but with creation Genesis 1: 26 and 27 and Luke 3: 38. And in the next verse Paul tells them this

Acts 17 verse 29

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

Verse 29: With other words Paul tells them here we are created by God and have not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, silver or stone grave by art and man's device. God is not like this what you think and this was a rebuke to both the Stoics and the Epicureans. God is not like idols made by man from gold, silver or stone. What a rebuke to their vaunted wisdom and Paul tells them the ABC of Theology that there is one true God, that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all. These philosphers had come no farther, spiritually, than the pagans at Lystra. Their city was a veritable Babel of religious confusion. And this is the unbelieving world still today. 

Acts 17 verse 30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Verse 30: The times of this ignorance God winked at: What does that mean? This does not mean taht until this time God had not held the gentiles acountable. The Old Testament scriptures too bear abundant testimony tha tgod never regarded idolatry as innocent or related sins as of no consequence. Paul meant here in this verse  that God had passed over the idolatry of the heathen world without punishing it, as though He did not see it. But now God commandeth all men every where to repent. Repent is metanaoe and meant change of mind. Any unbeliever who becomse a believer repents in the process. Gentiles were to repent of their idolatry and accept Him as Savior by His Grace. The emphasis is upon Grace appropriated by faith. 

Acts 17 verse 31

Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.

Verse 31: It was to call them what Paul did, that people came to believe in Christ because the day of judgment was near so that's why he said in verse 30 God commandeth all men every where to come to believe in Christ, to repent from their idols and became believers in Christ. God will judge the world in righteousness by Christ Whom He hath ordained herefore. He is the Son of men. He knows everything of men. God gives this assurance unto all men that He raised Christ from the dead. He is risen, raised from the dead as assurance and this is a fact. At that time it was not to late for them to hear this and accept Christ as Savior. Dear reader on this moment you read this it is still not to late. We live still under the Dispensation of Gods Grace what begun with the apostle Paul and you can still accept Christ as your Savior Who died for your sins on the cross I Corinthians 15:3-4 and bore the judgment for you and me. Accept Him as your Savior and you will be saved forever!

Acts 17 verse 32

 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. 

Verse 32: They heard of the resurrection of the dead and that was something strange in their ears. How could that be that Jesus Christ was risen from the dead? Some mocked or laughed to scorn so that is impossible. And others said we will hear thee again of this matter to Paul. The world is not changed at this very moment. The majority of men doesn't still believe in the resurrection of the dead. These men of Athens were satisfied with their own heathen beliefs that they did not even care to hear him further. 

Acts 17 verse 33

So Paul departed from among them.

Verse 17: The apostle told them the Gospel of the Grace of God and the fact that God will judge this world through Christ in righteousness. So Paul departed from them but his preachings of  God's Word was not in vain because in the next verse we read this. 

Acts 17 verse 34

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Verse 34: At the same time when Paul departed from among them there were men who wanted to be with him, to follow him and believed what the Word of God through Paul had said to them. Among them was Dionysius the Areaopagite and a woman who's name was Damaris and others with them. We don't know how much became to believe in Jesus Christ our Lord. Only God knows this and the Bible doesn's say it. What we know from this is that God's Word of Grace had a lot of  influence on  people if they began to understand it. And here this chapter end. 

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Acts 18 verse 1

After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

Verse 1: After Paul had preached to the people of Athens and most men didn't want to hear the truth of God and about Christ and the resurrection of the dead  Paul departed from them. Some people came to believe and claved him. Two of them were named and that were Dionysius and Damaris. Paul departed also from them and he came to Corinth. Corinth was an ancient city and was burned through the Roman armies in 146 BC. The new and greater Corinth was a commercial and political metropolis of Greece. It had 2 harbors: one of the gulf of Corinth to the west and the other on the gulf of Saron to the east. Corinth was a centre of commerce. 

Acts 18 verse 2

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

Verse 2: There in Corinth Paul found a certain Jews who's Name was Aquila. Aquila was born in Pontus in Italy and had come with his wife Priscilla from Italy because Ceasar Claudius had commanded that all Jews had to depart from Rome. So Paul came to them in Corinth. So in the early years of the first century we see that Jews were prosecuted. We know now that through all the ages the Jewish people were prosecuted and a lot of them were killed. Think of the Second World War. I personally think that was the worst period in history that Jewish people were prosecuted and more than 6 million of them were killed. So also under the Ceasar Claudius you read about prosecution of Jewish people.