Acts 17

JMNT(i) 1 So after making their way through Amphipolis and then Ampollonia, they came into Thessalonica – where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Now corresponding to the custom having been normally practiced by Paul, he went into [their] midst to face them (= to join their meeting), and thus, upon three [consecutive] sabbaths he laid out thoughts and ideas to them through reasoning from the Scriptures (or: he held thorough discussion with them from out of the writings; he led a dialogue through [a path] from the midst of the Scriptures for them), 3 thoroughly and progressively opening [them] up and repeatedly placing [them] side-by-side (= explaining and setting forth proofs) that it had continued binding and necessary for the Anointed One (the Christ) to experience, and at some point to suffer, but then to rise (stand back up again) from out of the midst of dead folks – and [saying] that "This Jesus, Whom I myself am now fully announcing to (or: progressively publishing down among) you folks, is the Anointed One (the Christ)." 4 And so certain folks from among them were persuaded and became convinced – including a great multitude of reverent (or: "God-fearing") Greeks [i.e., those who, without becoming "Jews," attended the synagogue to worship the true God], as well as not a few of the leading women [of the city] (or: first- [ranking] women; = women of the upper class or aristocracy) – and thus had their lot cast with Paul and Silas. 5 Now the [D adds: unpersuaded; unconvinced] Jews, becoming jealous and taking to themselves certain worthless men (= degenerates) from the market-place loafers (ones who are idle and hung out on the streets) as associates and forming a mob, began starting a riot in the city. Then, after assaulting the house of Jason [note: probably Paul and Silas' host], they continued in seeking to lead them before the populace (or: into the midst of the mob). 6 Yet upon not finding them, they began violently dragging (or: forcefully trailing) Jason and certain brothers before the city rulers (or: officials), repeatedly yelling, "The people that are causing the inhabited areas of the Empire to be roused up out of its situation (or: are inciting tumults and insurrections in the State; or: = are upsetting the inhabited land, causing folks to get up and take a stand) – these folks are now present in this place also; 7men whom Jason has received under [his roof] and has shown hospitality! And yet all these people are constantly practicing and committing [acts; things] contrary and in opposition to the decrees of Caesar, repeatedly saying there to now be a different king: Jesus!" 8 So they stirred up (unsettled; agitated and provoked; shook together and threw into confusion) the crowd and the city officials (rulers) [that were] presently listening and hearing these things. 9 And so, after receiving sufficient security (or: obtaining enough bail; taking considerable bond) from Jason and the rest, they released them. 10 So then the brothers (= fellow believers) immediately sent both Paul and Silas out by (or: through [the]) night into Berea, who, upon arriving unto the synagogue of the Jews, continued being away [there]. 11 Now these folks were (or: existed being) more noble (well-born; = noble-minded and having the character that comes from being raised in a good family) than those in Thessalonica. [They were] folks who received and welcomed the Logos (the Word; the message; the idea) with all eagerness (rushing forward), repeatedly examining again, separating back and sifting up and down the Scriptures – day by day – to determine if these continue having it thus (or: holding it in this way). 12 Indeed, therefore, many from out of their midst trusted and believed – and from the respectable (those who had good form, decorum, manners and propriety; reputable; may = prominent and influential) Greek women and men, not a few [D reads: a considerable number became loyal]. 13 Now as soon as the Jews from Thessalonica came to know (or: learned) that the Logos of God (or: God's Word and message) was proclaimed by (or: brought down as a public announcement under) Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, repeatedly shaking (agitating) and stirring up (disturbing) the crowds [D adds: not ceasing]. 14 So at that point, the brothers immediately sent Paul out from [their] midst, to continue traveling away – as far as the sea. Other than this, both Silas and Timothy remained there, under cover yet persevering and supporting [the situation]. 15 Now the folks progressively conducting Paul brought [him] as far as Athens. Then, after receiving [D adds: from Paul] a directive to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as quickly as possible, they departed (they were progressively forth from the midst [of that place]). 16 Yet during Paul's waiting for them and progressively taking in [the scene] from the midst of the people and the situation within Athens, his breath-effect (spirit; attitude) began being progressively on edge (sharpened; thus: irritated or incited) within the midst of him, while being a spectator and steadily observing the city being full of idols (or: as he was progressively beholding the city [which] was continuously existing in a state of being sunken down in idolatry; or: repeatedly noticing the city as being [held] down in concepts of external form and appearances, as well as being followers of perceptions). 17 Consequently, he began to reason and dialogue (hold discussions) with the Jews and with the reverent, religious folks within the synagogue, and then, day by day in the marketplace, to those happening along (or: toward people whom he is happening to meet, at the side). 18 Now certain folks – both of the Epicurean and of the Stoic philosophers – began throwing [comments; thoughts; ideas] together to (or: took to conversing with; were intermittently tossing remarks at) him, and some had been saying, "What could this seed-collector (= a bird that picks up scraps in the market place or fallen seeds in the field; = a chatterer who gathers scraps of knowledge and repeats trifling things) now possibly intend (or: want) to continue saying?" While others [said], "He seems to be an announcer of (publisher for; one putting forth a case about) foreign (or: alien; strange) demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influence; here may refer to foreign divinities)," because he had been announcing the message of goodness, ease and well-being: Jesus and the resurrection! 19 So [other MSS: Along with this; D adds: after a few days,] after taking a hold on him, they brought [him] up on the Areopagus (or: a meeting of the council of the Areopagos [a body similar to a municipal or colonial senate]), various ones saying, "Are we able (or: Can we) get to know what this fresh, new teaching [is] which is being repeatedly spoken by you? 20 "For you see, you continue importing into our hearing some things being presently strange and foreign. Therefore we are now wishing and intending (we are resolved) to personally know and experience (or: gain insight about) [what] these certain things are progressively intending (purposing; resolving) to be." 21 In fact, all Athenians and the foreigners repeatedly being temporary residents (or: sojourners; folks continuing as resident aliens) were habitually spending leisure time (or: good opportunities; seasons of ease) [invested] into nothing different than to be saying (or: telling) something or to be hearing (or: listening to) something fresher and newer (= the latest novelty). 22 So Paul, being made to stand in the middle of the Areopagus, affirmed [to them], "Men (some scholars suggest that this term = Ladies and Gentlemen), Athenians! I continue watching and observing you people as [being] most reverencing of the animistic powers (or: more religious than usual in regard to the fear of demons [Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influence] and unseen forces), 23 "for while passing through, and then continuing in contemplation during carefully observing one after another of your religious objects (items of reverence; effects of veneration, devotion and worship), I also found an elevated spot within which it had been inscribed, 'To (or: For) an Unknown (or: Unknowable) God.' To Whom then, while continuing ignorant, you make it a habit to give reverent worship and dutiful support, this One am I myself presently announcing (bringing down a clear proclamation of) to you folks (or: Therefore, to what you people continue unknowingly giving godly devotion, this same One do I myself continue publishing among you). 24 "The God making (forming and constructing; producing) the ordered system and arrangement of the universe, and all the things within it – this One continuously being from the start: Lord of heaven and of earth (or: this Owner and Master, repeatedly and progressively being the subsisting and originating source, the under-beginning, of sky and land) – is not now (or: habitually) taking up residence within handmade shrines, sanctuaries or temples! 25 "Neither is He continuously provided for, attended or habitually served by human hands – as constantly being in want, or having a need of something – He Himself being the One constantly giving to all people (or: all things) life and breath and all things (or: everything; the whole [universe])! 26 "Besides this, He made (formed; or: constructs; or: produced) from out of one [man, or, source; D and other MSS add: blood] every ethnic group of mankind, to continue dwelling (or: to be repeatedly residing) upon all [the] face of the earth (or: land) – while setting a boundary for (or: defining; determining; specifying) [the] seasons and fitting situations (or: fertile moments and opportunities) which have been set and arranged with [predetermined] aspects (or: facing toward [specific purposes]), as well as [the] limits and bounds of their dwelling place (residence; habitat) – 27 " [D adds: most of all] to be continuously seeking God [D reads: the Deity], since really, in fact, they could feel about and grope, and then at some point might (or: possibly) find Him! And, to be sure, [He] is continuously being an Originator (or: He is constantly subsisting, being inherently [the] Under-beginner) not far away (or: a long distance) from each one of us! 28 "For you see, within the midst of and in union with Him we continuously live (or, as a subjunctive: could be constantly living), and are constantly moved about and put into motion, and continue existing (experiencing Being). Even as certain of the poets down among you people have said, 'You see, we are also a family of the One (or: we even continuously exist being a race whose source is the One; or: we also are His species and offspring; we are even a family which is composed of the One and which is the One).' 29 "Therefore, continuously and inherently subsisting from under a beginning, being God's family (a species of God; a race whose source is God; [the] kind of being having the qualities and characteristics of God; [the] offspring birthed from God), we continue indebted (or: we ought) not to from custom be habitually presuming or inferring the Deity (or: the Divine Nature) to be like gold or silver or stone – a result of engraved or sculpted work of art or craftsmanship, or even of human inner rush of emotion, passion or sentiment. 30 "Indeed then, upon looking over, seeing above and perceiving on behalf of [D reads: taking no notice of] the times of this ignorance, in regard to the present conditions and situations, God is presently and progressively passing along [other MSS: bringing back] this announcement to mankind (or: for humanity): all people (or: every human) everywhere are (or: is) to be progressively changing [their] thinking and continue with a changed mindset! 31 "In accord with that, He set (or: established) a Day within which He is progressively about to continue evaluating and deciding about (or: judging) the inhabited area [of the Empire], in fairness and equity (in union with rightwised relationships for making things right and in accord with the Way pointed out; also: = based upon covenant principles; or: = as being in covenant) – within a Man, [D adds: Jesus,] Whom He definitely marked out, furnishing faith to all people (providing trust and assurance for all mankind; tendering loyalty in all) by raising Him back up from the midst of dead ones." 32 Now upon hearing [of] a resurrection of dead people, indeed, some folks began sneering and mocking, yet others said, "We will listen and hear from you about this again, also." 33 Thus (or: Under these circumstances), Paul went out from the midst of them, yet certain men (or: ladies and gentlemen) trusted and believed – being glued (joined; attached; welded) to him, 34 Among whom [were] also Dionysius, the Areopagite (a member of the court of Areopagus), and a woman named Damaris, as well as different folks together with them.