17 Although the word διελέξατο (dielexato; from διαλέγομαι, dialegomai) is frequently translated “reasoned,” “disputed,” or “argued,” this sense comes from its classical meaning where it was used of philosophical disputation, including the Socratic method of questions and answers. However, there does not seem to be contextual evidence for this kind of debate in Acts 18:4. As G. Schrenk ( 2:94–95) points out, “What is at issue is the address which any qualified member of a synagogue might give.” Other examples of this may be found in the NT in Matt 4:23 and Mark 1:21.
18 See the note on synagogue in .
19 Grk “Addressing in the synagogue every Sabbath, he was attempting to persuade both Jews and Greeks.” Because in English the verb “address” is not used absolutely but normally has an object specified, the direct objects of the verb ἔπειθεν (epeithen) have been moved forward as the objects of the English verb “addressed,” and the pronoun “them” repeated in the translation as the object of ἔπειθεν. The verb ἔπειθεν has been translated as a conative imperfect.

In other versions

And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and tried to persuade both Jews and Greeks.

Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.

And he argued in the synagogue every Sabbath, attempting to persuade both Jews and Greeks.

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

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