Acts 19:8
What does Acts 19:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:8 means
Paul enters the synagogue and speaks boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God. His method is patient, dialogical, and Scripture-rooted. The theme—God’s kingdom—places Jesus’ lordship and saving reign at the center, not mere religious novelty. Three months suggests both openness and growing tension. Paul does not shrink from public venues; he brings the claims of Christ to the heart of Jewish religious life. Boldness is not bluster but Spirit-enabled clarity and courage. The synagogue ministry underscores continuity with Israel’s hope while insisting that Jesus fulfills the promises and brings people under God’s gracious rule.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he went into the Synagogue, and for three months he was preaching there without fear, reasoning and teaching about the kingdom of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And having gone into the synagogue, he was speaking boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading the things concerning the reign of God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And entering into the synagogue, he spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and exhorting concerning the kingdom of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And entering into the synagogue, he spoke boldly during three months, reasoning and persuading [the things] concerning the kingdom ofGod.
Context
Following the completion of the twelve disciples’ instruction and sealing by the Spirit, Paul turns to the synagogue as his customary starting point. This period of bold reasoning precedes the hardening that will force a strategic shift in venue. The next verse records resistance and slander against “the Way,” leading Paul to separate the disciples and teach daily in the school of Tyrannus, where the gospel’s reach will dramatically expand.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 18:4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
- Acts 13:14
But they, passing through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia; and they went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
- Acts 14:1
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
- Acts 1:3
to whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God:
- Acts 28:23
And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.
- Acts 17:1
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
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