King James Version

What Does Acts 18:5 Mean?

Acts 18:5 in the King James Version says “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Je...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. was Christ: or, is the Christ”

Acts 18:5 · King James Version


Context

3

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

4

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

5

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. was Christ: or, is the Christ

6

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

7

And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Silas and Timothy's arrival from Macedonia allowed Paul to be 'pressed in the spirit' and 'testify to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.' Their arrival likely included financial support (2 Corinthians 11:9, Philippians 4:15) freeing Paul for full-time ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Macedonian churches' support enabled Paul's transition from bivocational to full-time ministry. This partnership model influenced Paul's teaching on missionary support.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does partnership support enable more intensive ministry?
  2. What does 'pressed in spirit' suggest about Spirit-led urgency?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ὡς1 of 23

“when”

G5613

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

δὲ2 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

κατῆλθον3 of 23

“were come”

G2718

to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ4 of 23

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς5 of 23
G3588

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

Μακεδονίας6 of 23

“Macedonia”

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

ὅ7 of 23
G3588

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

τε8 of 23
G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

Σιλᾶς9 of 23

“Silas”

G4609

silas, a christian

καὶ10 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ11 of 23
G3588

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

Τιμόθεος12 of 23

“Timotheus”

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

συνείχετο13 of 23

“was pressed”

G4912

to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy

τῷ14 of 23
G3588

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

πνεύματι15 of 23

“in the spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ὁ16 of 23
G3588

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

Παῦλος17 of 23

“Paul”

G3972

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

διαμαρτυρόμενος18 of 23

“and testified”

G1263

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

τοῖς19 of 23
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίοις20 of 23

“to the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τὸν21 of 23
G3588

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

Χριστόν22 of 23

“was Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦν23 of 23

“that Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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