Acts 17:2-3

Acts 17:2-3

[2] And  Paul,  as  his manner was,  went in  unto  them,  and  three  sabbath  days reasoned  with them  out of  the scriptures,  [3] Opening  and  alleging,  that  Christ  must needs  have suffered,  and  risen again  from  the dead;  and  that  this  Jesus,  whom  I  preach  Christ. 

What does Acts 17:2-3 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul evidently reasoned in the synagogue only three Sabbath days (cf. Acts 13:5; Acts 13:14; Acts 14:1), but he seems to have stayed longer in Thessalonica (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:5). We know Paul supported himself there by making tents ( 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10), and the Philippians sent two monetary gifts to him there ( Philippians 4:15-16). Perhaps he ministered primarily to Jews the first three weeks and then turned to the Gentiles.
Luke described Paul"s method of evangelizing in Thessalonica as reasoning (Gr. dielexato, cf. Acts 17:17; Acts 18:4; Acts 18:19; Acts 19:8-9; Acts 24:25) from the Scriptures, explaining (dianoigon), giving evidence (proving, paratithemenos), and proclaiming (katangello). These terms imply that Paul dealt carefully with his hearers" questions and doubts. He showed that the facts of gospel history confirmed what the Scriptures predicted. His subject was Jesus whom Paul believed was the Christ. His Jewish hearers needed convincing that their Scriptures taught that Messiah would suffer death and rise from the grave (cf. Acts 3:18; Acts 13:30; Acts 13:34; Luke 24:13-27; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Paul used the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was the Messiah (Christ).
"Interpretation of the Scriptures plays a key role in Paul"s message ( Acts 17:2; Acts 17:11)." [1]