King James Version

What Does Acts 20:12 Mean?

Acts 20:12 in the King James Version says “And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.”

Acts 20:12 · KJV

Context

10

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

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.

12

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

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.

14

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. This brief verse concludes the remarkable account of Eutychus's restoration. The Greek phrase ēgagon ton paida zōnta (ἤγαγον τὸν παῖδα ζῶντα) literally means "they brought the boy living." The word paida (παῖδα) can mean child, youth, or servant, while zōnta (ζῶντα) emphasizes he was genuinely alive—not merely revived but fully restored.

The phrase "not a little comforted" (ou metriōs, οὐ μετρίως) is a litotes—deliberate understatement for rhetorical effect. In other words, they were greatly comforted. The Greek verb parakaleō (παρακαλέω) means to encourage, console, or strengthen. The resurrection of Eutychus provided powerful confirmation of the gospel Paul had been preaching and demonstrated God's power present among the early church.

This miracle parallels Elijah's raising of the widow's son (1 Kings 17:17-24), Elisha's raising of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:32-37), and Jesus's raising of the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17). These resurrections foreshadowed Christ's own resurrection and served as signs pointing to the life-giving power of the gospel. The believers' comfort came not merely from Eutychus's restoration but from the assurance that the same resurrection power that raised Christ operates in and through His church.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurred in Troas (modern-day Turkey) during Paul's third missionary journey, approximately 57 CE. Troas was a significant Roman colony and port city on the Aegean coast, strategically located on major trade routes between Asia and Europe. The church met in an upper room, typical of early Christian gatherings in urban settings where believers lacked public buildings.

The meeting took place on "the first day of the week" (Acts 20:7), showing the early church's practice of Sunday worship to commemorate Christ's resurrection. Paul spoke until midnight because he was departing the next day, eager to maximize his time teaching the believers. The extended discourse reflects the early church's hunger for apostolic instruction.

Eutychus falling from the third-story window probably resulted from the combination of late hour, numerous oil lamps consuming oxygen, and crowded conditions in the upper room. Luke's medical background (as the author of Acts) lends credibility to his account—he examined Eutychus and initially concluded he was dead (Acts 20:9), making the restoration genuinely miraculous. This event demonstrated that the apostolic ministry carried the same resurrection power Jesus had promised (John 14:12), encouraging the Troas believers and subsequent generations that God remains powerfully present with His church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's power to restore physical life point to His greater power to give spiritual life?
  2. What does this miracle teach about the importance of community and gathering together despite inconvenience?
  3. In what ways should the reality of resurrection power affect how the church ministers today?
  4. How can we maintain spiritual alertness during extended times of teaching and worship?
  5. What does the believers' great comfort reveal about how God's miraculous works strengthen faith and community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἤγαγον1 of 9

“they brought”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

δὲ2 of 9

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 9
G3588

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

παῖδα4 of 9

“the young man”

G3816

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

ζῶντα5 of 9

“alive”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 9

“and”

G2532

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

παρεκλήθησαν7 of 9

“comforted”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

οὐ8 of 9

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μετρίως9 of 9

“a little”

G3357

moderately, i.e., slightly

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 20:12 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 20:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:161 Thessalonians 5:142 Corinthians 1:41 Thessalonians 4:18Ephesians 6:22Isaiah 40:1

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