King James Version

What Does Acts 17:14 Mean?

Acts 17:14 in the King James Version says “And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

Acts 17:14 · KJV


Context

12

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

13

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

14

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

15

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed , they departed.

16

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. wholly: or, full of idols


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul—The Berean believers acted with protective urgency (εὐθέως, eutheōs) when hostile Jews from Thessalonica arrived to stir up persecution (v. 13). This strategic withdrawal demonstrates biblical wisdom: courage doesn't require foolish exposure to danger when the mission can continue elsewhere.

To go as it were to the sea (ὡς ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν)—The phrase 'as it were' suggests either (1) a diversionary tactic to mislead pursuers, or (2) uncertainty whether Paul would travel by sea or land. He eventually sailed to Athens (v. 15). Meanwhile, Silas and Timotheus abode there still—the team divided strategically to maximize ministry impact while protecting Paul, the primary target. This models apostolic adaptability: persecution doesn't halt the gospel; it redistributes workers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's second missionary journey (AD 49-52) faced repeated Jewish opposition. Berea, southwest of Thessalonica, provided a brief respite where noble-minded Jews examined Scripture daily (v. 11). But Thessalonian agitators pursued Paul even there, forcing another hasty departure. The pattern—preach, persecution, pivot—characterized early church expansion.

Reflection Questions

  1. When does spiritual courage require standing firm, and when does it require strategic withdrawal to continue God's work elsewhere?
  2. How does Paul's willingness to leave Silas and Timothy behind challenge individualistic versus team-based approaches to ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
εὐθέως1 of 22

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

δὲ2 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τότε3 of 22

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

τὸν4 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλον5 of 22

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐξαπέστειλαν6 of 22

sent away

G1821

to send away forth, i.e., (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss

οἱ7 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὶ8 of 22

the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

πορεύεσθαι9 of 22

to go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ὡς10 of 22

as it were

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐπὶ11 of 22

to

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν12 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θάλασσαν13 of 22

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ὑπέμενον14 of 22

abode

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

δὲ15 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

16 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τε17 of 22
G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

Σιλᾶς18 of 22

Silas

G4609

silas, a christian

καὶ19 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

20 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Τιμόθεος21 of 22

Timotheus

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

ἐκεῖ22 of 22

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 17:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 17:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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