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Acts 20

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

What does Acts 20:4 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:4 provides a list of individuals who accompanied the Apostle Paul on his journey into the province of Asia, which is part of modern-day Turkey.

Each person is associated with a different region, suggesting a diverse group of early Christian disciples who were part of Paul's missionary team.

They were likely chosen for their faith, dedication, and perhaps for practical reasons related to their knowledge of the area or the local languages.

The inclusion of specific names serves to ground the events in history and provides personal touches to the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles. These individuals may have provided support, fellowship, and assistance to Paul in his travels and missionary work.

The verse also highlights the importance of teamwork and community in the early Christian movement.

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Historical Context

Acts 20:4 occurs during Paul’s third missionary journey, which is generally dated around AD 53-57.

Paul is making his way through Macedonia and Greece, intending to return to Jerusalem.

This journey followed a pattern where Paul revisited churches he had founded to strengthen them and also to collect funds for the church in Jerusalem, which was experiencing hardship.

The Roman Empire, ruling over a vast area including Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), had a well-developed infrastructure that facilitated travel and communication, aiding Paul's missionary efforts.

Christianity, at this time, was a nascent religion emerging from Judaism, and it was increasingly attracting Gentile converts.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 20:4 demonstrates the importance placed on fellowship and communal support in the early Christian church.

Each individual mentioned could represent the spread of Christianity and the unity of believers from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds.

Theologically, the passage may also be read as an example of the fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), in which Jesus instructs his followers to make disciples of all nations.

The diverse backgrounds of Paul's companions could symbolize the spreading of the Gospel to various regions.

Practical Applications

The practical applications derived from this verse focus on the importance of community and collaboration.

In today's context, Christians may see this as a call to work together with believers from different backgrounds to achieve common goals, reflecting the diversity of the global Christian community.

It also emphasizes the value of companionship and teamwork in ministry and missionary work.

Furthermore, the verse can inspire modern Christians to be active participants in their faith communities, contributing their unique skills and experiences to further their collective mission.

Cross-References

Other verses related to this one include:

Romans 16:21 - "Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you."
Acts 19:29 - "And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."
2 Timothy 4:20 - "Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick."
Ephesians 6:21 - "But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:"

Language Study

"Asia" in the context of the New Testament refers to the Roman province of Asia Minor, not the present-day continent. The province was a region of significant commercial and cultural exchange.

"Sopater," "Aristarchus," "Secundus," "Gaius," "Timotheus" (better known as Timothy), "Tychicus," and "Trophimus" are all Greek names, reflective of the Hellenized setting in which they lived. For example, "Timotheus" is derived from Greek words meaning "honoring God" or "honored by God."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The detailed listing of companions and their origins parallels other ancient travel narratives and records, where the companions of leaders or heroes were often accounted for to display the reach and diversity of their influence.

Comparing to other religious traditions, this inclusivity and the group endeavor can be seen similarly in stories such as those of the Buddha's disciples in various Buddhist texts.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly deal with scientific concepts, the idea of travel and missionary work touches on anthropology and sociology.

The spread of ideas, including religious beliefs, and the formation of new social networks are subjects extensively studied within these disciplines.

Commentaries

Commentaries vary in their focus regarding Acts 20:4.

Some emphasize the missionary aspect and the logistics of Paul's travels, including the noteworthy detail that Paul never traveled alone.

Others explore the backgrounds of each individual mentioned, sometimes constructing hypotheses about their roles in the early Church or subsequent events in their lives.

For instance, John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that Sopater may have been the same as Sosipater mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:21.

Gaius is often identified with Gaius of Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14), who was a host to Paul.

Tychicus is regarded as a trusted emissary, evident by his mention in several of Paul's letters, while Trophimus is known to be with Paul in Jerusalem, leading to Paul's arrest (Acts 21:29).

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 20:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?