King James Version

What Does Acts 20:1 Mean?

Acts 20:1 in the King James Version says “And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Mace... — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 20:1 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After Ephesus riot 'Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them' before departing. Affectionate farewell characterized Paul's pastoral relationships. 'Departed for to go into Macedonia' continued the planned journey despite opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Ephesian riot (Acts 19:23-41) didn't derail Paul's mission but hastened departure. The embrace shows emotional bonds developed during three years of ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance affection and mission when leaving ministry contexts?
  2. What does Paul's continued journey teach about perseverance after opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Μετὰ1 of 18

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ2 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ3 of 18
G3588

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

παύσασθαι4 of 18

was ceased

G3973

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

τὸν5 of 18
G3588

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

θόρυβον6 of 18

the uproar

G2351

a disturbance

προσκαλεσάμενος7 of 18

called

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

8 of 18
G3588

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

Παῦλος9 of 18

Paul

G3972

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

τοὺς10 of 18
G3588

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

μαθητὰς11 of 18

unto him the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

καὶ12 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἀσπασάμενος13 of 18

embraced

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

ἐξῆλθεν14 of 18

them and departed

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

πορευθῆναι15 of 18

for to go

G4198

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

εἰς16 of 18

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν17 of 18
G3588

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

Μακεδονίαν18 of 18

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece


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 20:1 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 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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