Acts 17:12 - Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.

Generated Verse: Acts 17:12

What does "Acts 17:12" mean?


Acts 17:12, "Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men," is a significant verse that highlights the success of Paul and Silas's ministry in Berea. Let's break down its meaning:

"Many of them therefore believed...": This refers to the Jews of Berea who were listening to Paul and Silas's teachings. "Therefore" suggests their belief was a direct result of the diligent examination of the Scriptures mentioned in the previous verse (Acts 17:11). They compared Paul's message to the Hebrew Scriptures and were convinced it was true.

"...also of the prominent Greek women...": This is a key point. It shows the gospel's appeal extending beyond the Jewish community. These were likely women of high social standing in Berea, possibly married to Jewish men or associated with the synagogue. The fact that Luke, the author of Acts, singles them out suggests their conversion was noteworthy, perhaps due to their influence or social position. This also demonstrates that the early church was reaching across cultural and social barriers.

"...and not a few men.": This indicates that a significant number of Greek men also embraced Christianity in Berea. While not as specifically emphasized as the prominent women, their inclusion broadens the picture of the early church in Berea as a diverse community of Jewish and Greek believers, both men and women.

In summary, the verse indicates the following:

Successful Evangelism: Paul and Silas's ministry was effective in Berea.
Diverse Converts: The converts came from both Jewish and Greek backgrounds.
Social Impact: The conversion of prominent Greek women suggests the gospel was reaching influential members of the community.
Growth of the Church: The verse implies that the church in Berea was growing and becoming more diverse.

This verse is part of a larger narrative that demonstrates the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins and its appeal to people of different social classes and cultural backgrounds. It highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and build a community of believers that transcends traditional boundaries.