Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 17:1

"Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:" — Acts 17:1 (ASV)

CHAPTER 17

Amphipolis. This was the capital of the eastern province of Macedonia. It was originally a colony of the Athenians; but under the Romans, it was made the capital of that part of Macedonia. It was near Thrace and was situated not far from the mouth of the river Strymon, which flowed around the city, and thus it received its name, meaning around the city. In the Middle Ages, it was called Chrysopolis. The village that now stands on the site of the ancient city is called Empoli or Yamboli, a corruption of Amphipolis. (Rob. Cal.)

And Apollonia. This city was situated between Amphipolis and Thessalonica and was formerly much celebrated for its trade.

They came to Thessalonica. This was a seaport of the second part of Macedonia. It is situated at the head of the bay Thermaicus. It was made the capital of the second division of Macedonia by Aemilius Paulus, when he divided the country into four districts. It was formerly called Therma, but afterwards received the name of Thessalonica, either from Cassander, in honour of his wife Thessalonica, the daughter of Philip, or in honour of a victory which Philip obtained over the armies of Thessaly. It was inhabited by Greeks, Romans, and Jews.

It is now called Saloniki, and is a wretched place, though it has a population of nearly sixty thousand. In this place, a church was established, to which Paul afterwards addressed the two epistles to the Thessalonians.

Where was a synagogue. Greek, Where was THE SYNAGOGUE (h sunagwgh) of the Jews. It has been remarked by Grotius and Kuinoel that the article used here is emphatic and indicates that there was probably no synagogue at Amphipolis and Apollonia. This was the reason why they passed through those places without making any delay.