What does Acts 20:5 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:5 reads, "These going before tarried for us at Troas." In this verse, the author, traditionally believed to be Luke, is referring to a group of individuals who had traveled ahead and were waiting at Troas, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), for Paul and others including the narrator (Luke) to arrive.

This verse depicts a stage in Paul's journey as a missionary, specifically marking a pause in the journey's narrative.

Troas was a significant location in Paul's missionary activities.

The verse implies a planned rendezvous where the advance party was awaiting the main group to rejoin them before continuing their missionary efforts.

Although the verse is a brief logistical mention, it also subtly reveals the coordinated nature of early Christian evangelism and the companionship that underpinned Paul's missionary journeys.

Historical Context

Acts 20 is situated in the context of Paul's third missionary journey, which is described to have taken place around A.D. 53-57.

Troas was an important port city during the Roman Empire, and it played a strategic role in Paul's missionary activities, including being the place where Paul had a vision to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-10).

This particular verse is set during a period when Paul is returning to Jerusalem, stopping at various locations to strengthen the churches he had founded or influenced during previous journeys.

This visit to Troas comes after the tumultuous events in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41), suggesting that Paul and his companions maintained close coordination and communication as they traveled separately.

Theological Insights

There are a few different theological insights that can be drawn from this verse:

1. Christian Fellowship and Mission - The verse indicates the importance of community and fellowship among early Christians, as well as their dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel.
2. Divine Guidance - Implicitly, this verse and the broader narrative show the belief among early Christians that they were being led by divine providence, as they carefully planned their movements and engagements.
3. Stewardship of Resources - The advance party signifies a level of organization and the efficient use of resources within the early Church, which can be seen as an enactment of good stewardship.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse can be relevant in various aspects of life:

1. Importance of Teamwork - Just as Paul's companions tarried waiting for them at Troas, the concept of working as a team and supporting one another in shared goals is a valuable principle.
2. Planning and Coordination in Ministry - The verse can inspire modern ministries to ensure that there is good planning and coordination in their mission work.
3. Patience and Readiness - Being ready and waiting for others as part of a collective effort can also be seen as a virtue, personally and in community settings.

Cross-References

• Acts 16:8-10 - "And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them."

• Acts 19:21-22 - "After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season."

Language Study

The key word to analyze in this verse is "tarried" (ἔμενον - emenon) in the original Greek text, which means "to abide," "to wait," or "to stay." This word carries the connotation of patiently waiting or remaining in a place until a specific event occurs or a person arrives.

In the context of Acts 20:5, it indicated that the advance party stayed in Troas to wait for Paul and his company.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Though direct comparisons with ancient myths are not clearly applicable for this specific logistical verse, we can observe that the concept of a rendezvous or waiting for others as part of a coordinated effort is not unique to Christianity and can be found in various cultural and military contexts of the ancient world.

Rituals and practices involving waiting or preparation occur in many religious ceremonies across different traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly lend itself to scientific discussion, as it is primarily a historical narrative.

However, one could examine the means of travel and communication in the ancient world, which relied on navigational knowledge, understanding of sea patterns, and the logistical capabilities of the time that made coordination possible.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries provide insight into this verse:

1. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests the possibility that the individuals mentioned had gone ahead to make ready things for the apostle's journey and his companions, highlighting logistical planning.
2. The Pulpit Commentary points out the considerable number of companions of Paul and notes the detail as indicative of Luke's accuracy as a historian.
3. Matthew Henry's Commentary likely does not comment specifically on this verse as it is more a logistical note rather than a theological point.

However, in his commentary, he often highlights the practical considerations and movements of Paul and his companions, surrounding events, and their implications for the early Church.