Acts 17:3

Opening. Gr. dianoigd. The same word is used by Luke for (1) Christ’s opening, or explaining the Scriptures to the disciples on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:32), (2) Christ’s opening the minds of the Eleven “that they might understand the scriptures” (v. 45), and (3) the Lord’s opening the heart of Lydia that she might understand Paul’s teaching (Acts 16:14). Here Paul follows his Master’s example and opens Scripture, that the minds of his hearers might open to receive his message.

Alleging. Gr. paratithemi, “to set forth alongside,” used of setting food on a table (ch. 16:34), or, figuratively, of setting forth arguments. “To allege,” in its older sense, did not mean to set forth a doubtful assumption but “to cite.” Paul produced scriptural proof for his teaching, and persuasively set it before his hearers in the synagogue.

Christ. The Greek has the article, giving the reading “the Christ,” or “the Messiah.” The apostle purposes to correct the Jews’ erroneous conceptions of the Messiah (see on Luke 4:19).

Must needs. Or, “it was necessary.” Paul showed how the Messiah could not conquer sin unless He suffered. Suffering was essential to triumph (see on Luke 24:26, 27).

Have suffered, and risen again. Rather, “to suffer and to rise.” Paul specifically deals with two aspects of Christian teaching that Jews found hard to accept — the suffering Messiah and His resurrection. The 53d chapter of Isaiah would hold a prominent place in such a study (see on Luke 24:26, 27; cf. on Acts 8:32-35; 13:26-33).

That this Jesus. The Greek construction justifies the insertion of “saying” before “that.” The phrase may then read, “saying that this is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I am publicly proclaiming unto you” (cf. on ch. 9:22).