διελέγετο δὲ ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ κατὰ πᾶν σάββατον, ἔπειθέ τε Ἰουδαίους καὶ Ἕλληνας. (Acts 18:4)
Introduction: Sacred Speech in Sacred Space
In Acts 18:4, we observe Paul’s disciplined evangelistic rhythm in Corinth. Every Sabbath, he entered the synagogue not merely to preach, but to reason — to dialogue. The grammar of this verse carries the cadence of apologetic discourse and persuasive engagement. It reveals a pattern of interaction that is neither passive nor confrontational, but deeply rhetorical and structured.
Let us explore how the participle structure, imperfect tense, conjunctions, and case functions all contribute to painting this picture of faithful witness.
1. διελέγετο — A Middle Voice Masterclass
Parsing
- διελέγετο — Imperfect Middle Indicative, 3rd Singular of διαλέγομαι
Voice and Aspect
The middle voice in Koine Greek often emphasizes the subject’s involvement or benefit. Here, διελέγετο suggests Paul was engaging himself in dialogue, not simply delivering monologues. This was two-way reasoning — persuasive conversation, not unilateral proclamation.
The imperfect tense indicates an ongoing or habitual action: “He kept reasoning.” This verb captures Paul’s weekly commitment and repetitive engagement with both Jews and Greeks.
2. Temporal Setting: κατὰ πᾶν σάββατον
Preposition + Accusative Structure
– κατὰ + πᾶν σάββατον = “each Sabbath”
The preposition κατά with the accusative expresses repetition or distribution over time. This construction highlights consistency: Paul’s practice was not occasional or seasonal — it was every Sabbath without fail.
3. Conjunction Dynamics: δὲ… τε
Coordinating Clauses with Rhythm
– δὲ — marks a mild contrast or shift (translated as “but” or simply left untranslated in English)
– τε — enclitic, often used in correlation with another τε or with καί to link ideas or clauses closely
Together, they show progression:
διελέγετο δὲ... — he was reasoning ἔπειθέ τε... — and he was persuading
This pairing intensifies the continuity of Paul’s actions: not only did he reason, but he also kept persuading. It underscores dual action — intellectual engagement and rhetorical appeal.
4. ἔπειθέ — The Power of Ongoing Persuasion
Parsing
- ἔπειθέ — Imperfect Active Indicative, 3rd Singular of πείθω
This imperfect verb carries a flavor of ongoing, repeated persuasion. Paul was not simply reasoning abstractly; he was actively attempting to convince both Jews and Greeks over time. The imperfect aspect reveals persistence: an evangelistic patience that doesn’t push, but steadily draws.
5. Case Matters: Ἰουδαίους καὶ Ἕλληνας
Accusative Plural Direct Objects
Both Ἰουδαίους and Ἕλληνας are accusative masculine plurals, functioning as direct objects of ἔπειθέ. This signals the targets of Paul’s persuasion.
Their pairing is frequent in Acts — symbolizing Paul’s mission to both covenantal insiders and outsiders. The grammar reminds us: his message is universal, yet personally directed.
Summary Table of Key Grammar Elements
| Greek Word | Parsing | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| διελέγετο | Imperfect Middle Indicative, 3rd Singular | Main Verb | He was dialoguing |
| κατὰ πᾶν σάββατον | Preposition + Accusative | Temporal phrase | Every Sabbath |
| ἔπειθέ | Imperfect Active Indicative, 3rd Singular | Coordinated Verb | He was persuading |
| Ἰουδαίους, Ἕλληνας | Accusative Plural | Direct Objects | Jews and Greeks |
Reflections on Koine Communication
This verse teaches that evangelistic engagement in the early Church was not random or one-sided. The grammar of Acts 18:4 portrays a steady rhythm of dialogic reasoning — fueled by the Spirit and shaped by deep conviction. Paul’s verbs are imperfect — not because they are flawed, but because they are continual. A lesson to us: mission is not a moment. It is a disciplined, grammatical lifestyle.
