Paragraph 19:8–10

19:8a

Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months: During this time Paul regularly went to the synagogue. He probably went at least once a week. For example:

He began going to the synagogue, where he spoke out fearlessly for three months, (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months (New Living Translation (2004))

19:8b

arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God: This clause describes “spoke boldly” in 19:8a. For example:

using both argument and persuasion as he talked of the kingdom of God (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
with persuasive argument spoke boldly about the kingdom of God (Revised English Bible)
-or-
arguing persuasively how about God rules his people

Some people probably believed and some people rejected Paul’s message. Your translation should not indicate or imply that he successfully convinced everyone to believe in Jesus.

arguing persuasively: The Greek words are literally “debating and persuading.” The word “debating” refers to two people or groups discussing something. The word “persuading” refers to someone trying to convince others that he is correct. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

holding discussions with them and trying to convince them (Good News Translation)
-or-
reasoning and persuading them (English Standard Version)

the kingdom of God: This phrase usually refers to God’s activity of ruling his people and caring for them as their king. For example:

God’s rule/reign
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
the way God rules his people
-or-
the way God cares for his people as king

Here Paul spoke to people who did not believe in Jesus. So most of the discussion was probably about Jesus fulfilling the Scriptures about the Christ. Paul probably did not talk much about how to live as a Christian. You may want to:

• Translate this phrase as you usually do (see 1:3, 8:12, or 14:22), but explain what it implies here in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Paul spoke here to people who did not believe in Jesus, so most of the discussion was probably about Jesus fulfilling the Scriptures about the Christ. Paul probably did not talk much about how to live as a Christian.

• Explain the implied meaning here in your translation. For example:

⌊how Jesus is the Christ in⌋ the kingdom of God
-or-

⌊how Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures about the Christ regarding⌋ the way God rules his people

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