17:2a
As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue: Here the word custom refers to something that is usually done. Paul usually went to the synagogue in each town. He wanted to tell Jewish people first about Jesus. Then he would tell non-Jews about Jesus. Other ways to translate this clause are:
According to his usual habit Paul went to the synagogue. (Good News Translation)
-or-
Paul went into the synagogue ⌊first⌋ as he always did
See how you translated similar words in Luke 4:16 (“As was His custom, He entered the synagogue”).
17:2b
on three Sabbaths: This phrase indicates that Paul talked with the Jews in the synagogue for three successive worship days. For example:
for three consecutive Sabbaths (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
on three Sabbath days in a row
Sabbaths: The “Sabbath” was the day in the week when the Jews worshiped God. See how you translated this word in 16:13.
he reasoned with them from the Scriptures: The word reasoned indicates that Paul discussed the meaning of the Scriptures with the Jews. Other ways to translate this clause are:
he held discussions with the people, quoting…the Scriptures (Good News Translation)
-or-
he debated with them using the Scriptures
Scriptures: This refers to the Hebrew Bible. In it were prophecies concerning the Christ. Christians now call it the Old Testament. Christians then only referred to it as the Scriptures because the New Testament had not been collected yet.
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