FocusEncouragement and restored life
Connection to the wholeVisits to disciples lead to the Troas gathering, where Eutychus' restoration accompanies the extended meeting before Paul's departure.
interpretation Acts 20:4
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
Paul's Journey from Greece to Troas and Farewell to Ephesian Elders
Start reading at Acts 20:1 (Acts 20:1 to Acts 20:38).
The verse is part of Paul's account of his journey from Greece, through Macedonia, to Troas, and his subsequent meeting and farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, encompassing the entire chapter.
- 20:1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
- 20:2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
- 20:3 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.
- 20:4 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.
- 20:5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.
- 20:6 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.
- 20:7 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.
- 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
- 20:9 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.
- 20:10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
- 20:11 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.
- 20:12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
- 20:13 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.
- 20:14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
- 20:15 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.
- 20:16 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.
- 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
- 20:18 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,
- 20:19 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:
- 20:20 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,
- 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
- 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
- 20:24 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.
- 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
- 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
- 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
- 20:28 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.
- 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
- 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
- 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
- 20:32 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.
- 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
- 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
- 20:35 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.
- 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
- 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
- 20:38 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 20:1–20:38): Paul encourages believers during his travels, speaks to the gathering at Troas, and then addresses the Ephesian church elders at Miletus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event in this verse is the listing of Paul's companions who accompanied him on his journey into Asia, following his departure from Greece and purpose to return through Macedonia.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry, showing that the spread of the Gospel was a collective effort involving many dedicated individuals from diverse regions, supporting the apostles in their mission.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative history, specifically a travelogue or itinerary, detailing the individuals involved in Paul's missionary journeys.
When
- When was it written? The book of Acts was written approximately A.D. 62 to 64. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in Acts, including this passage, occurred between approximately A.D. 30 and 62. This specific event takes place after Paul's three-month stay in Greece and his decision to return through Macedonia, placing it late in his third missionary journey, likely around A.D. 57-58. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The companions accompanied Paul into Asia. The individuals mentioned originated from Berea, Thessalonica, and Derbe. The broader context places Paul's journey through Macedonia and Greece before this point. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Luke, is traditionally believed to have been located in Rome when writing the book of Acts. traditionally held
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Journey from Greece to Troas and Farewell to Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:1 to Acts 20:38). Start reading at Acts 20:1. The verse is part of Paul's account of his journey from Greece, through Macedonia, to Troas, and his subsequent meeting and farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, encompassing the entire chapter.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse details the specific individuals who were part of Paul's traveling party as he prepared to leave Greece and journey towards Jerusalem, setting the stage for the subsequent events of his return journey and his farewell to the Ephesian elders. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The gathering of these diverse individuals from various regions to accompany and support Paul in his ministry illustrates the unity and collaborative spirit of the body of Christ. It shows how Christ calls and uses many different members, each with their own background and gifts, to work together in spreading His Gospel and building His kingdom. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage reminds believers today of the importance of partnership and mutual support in ministry. Just as these companions aided Paul, Christians are called to serve alongside one another, using their unique gifts and backgrounds to advance the Gospel and strengthen the church. interpretation
Cited: Acts 20:1, Acts 20:3, Acts 20:4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Sopater Rom 16:21
- Sosipater Acts 17:10-12
- Aristarchus Acts 19:29 Acts 27:2 Col 4:10 Phlm 1:24
- Gaius Rom 16:23 3 John 1:1
- Derbe Acts 14:6,20 2 Cor 8:23-24
- Timotheus Acts 16:1 2 Cor 1:1,19 Phil 2:19 1 Tim 1:1 2 Tim 1:2
- Tychicus Eph 6:21 Col 4:7 2 Tim 4:12 Titus 3:12
- Trophimus Acts 21:29 2 Tim 4:20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 20
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
Paul recalls his ministry
Acts 20:13–24FocusService and a determined course
Connection to the wholeAt Miletus, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of his conduct and message and describes his resolve to finish his course despite coming affliction.
interpretation The elders charged
Acts 20:25–38FocusCare for the flock
Connection to the wholeWarnings about danger within and outside the church lead to a charge to watch, labour, and care, followed by a sorrowful farewell.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation The witness moves outward
Acts 8:1–12:25FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation Arrest, hearings, and Rome
Acts 21:17–28:31FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.