Acts 17:4 Meaning and Explanation

The preaching bears fruit across the city's whole range: some from the synagogue are persuaded, together with a great multitude of devout Greeks -- Gentiles already drawn to the God of Israel -- and not a few of the leading women of Thessalonica. They "consorted with" Paul and Silas, casting in their lot with the missionaries.

Belief here is no private nod of agreement; it joins people to a people. From its first days this young church held together Jew and Greek, prominent women and ordinary worshipers -- an early sign that in Christ old dividing walls come down. Genuine persuasion shows itself in belonging: those won by the word take their place beside those who carry it.