Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. He was accompanied byThis phrase indicates the communal and supportive nature of early Christian ministry. The Greek word for "accompanied" (συνεῖπον) suggests a close association and partnership. In the early church, ministry was not a solitary endeavor but a collective mission, reflecting the body of Christ working together in unity. Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea
Sopater, whose name means "savior of his father," is identified as a Berean. The Bereans were known for their noble character and diligent study of the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). This highlights the importance of grounding ministry in a deep understanding of God's Word. Berea's archaeological remains suggest a city that valued learning and inquiry, aligning with the Bereans' scriptural reputation. Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica
Aristarchus, whose name means "best ruler," was a faithful companion of Paul, even sharing in his sufferings (Colossians 4:10). Secundus, meaning "second," may imply a position of humility or service. Thessalonica was a significant city in Macedonia, and the presence of these men underscores the spread of the Gospel in influential urban centers. Historically, Thessalonica was a bustling trade hub, which facilitated the dissemination of Christian teachings. Gaius from Derbe
Gaius, a common Roman name, signifies the diverse backgrounds of early Christians. Derbe was a city in Galatia, and Gaius' inclusion reflects the geographical reach of Paul's mission. The archaeological site of Derbe reveals a city that was part of the Roman road network, aiding the spread of the Gospel. Timothy
Timothy, a beloved disciple of Paul, represents the next generation of church leadership. His mixed heritage (Jewish mother and Greek father) symbolizes the breaking down of ethnic barriers in Christ. Timothy's role in the early church is well-documented, and his letters from Paul provide guidance on pastoral care and church governance. Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia
Tychicus, whose name means "fortunate," was a trusted messenger and fellow servant in the Lord (Ephesians 6:21). Trophimus, meaning "nourishing," was an Ephesian who later became a point of contention in Paul's arrest (Acts 21:29). The province of Asia, particularly Ephesus, was a major center for early Christianity. Archaeological findings in Ephesus, such as the remains of the Temple of Artemis, highlight the cultural and religious challenges faced by early Christians in this region. Persons / Places / Events 1. SopaterA believer from Berea, known for his noble character and eagerness to study the Scriptures, as seen in Acts 17:11. 2. AristarchusA faithful companion of Paul from Thessalonica, who later shares in Paul's imprisonment ( Colossians 4:10). 3. SecundusAlso from Thessalonica, though not much is known about him, his inclusion indicates his commitment to the mission. 4. GaiusFrom Derbe, possibly the same Gaius mentioned in other parts of Acts and Paul's letters, known for his hospitality. 5. TimothyA close associate of Paul, known for his sincere faith and leadership in the early church ( 1 Timothy 1:2). 6. TychicusFrom the province of Asia, a trusted messenger and fellow servant in the Lord ( Ephesians 6:21). 7. TrophimusAlso from Asia, later mentioned in connection with Paul's arrest in Jerusalem ( Acts 21:29). Teaching Points The Importance of Teamwork in MinistryThe diverse group accompanying Paul illustrates the necessity of collaboration and unity in spreading the Gospel. Faithfulness and CommitmentEach individual mentioned demonstrates a commitment to the mission, reminding us of the importance of steadfastness in our own spiritual journeys. Diversity in the Body of ChristThe varied backgrounds of these men reflect the inclusivity of the Gospel and the strength found in diversity within the church. Mentorship and DiscipleshipTimothy's presence highlights the value of mentoring relationships in spiritual growth and leadership development. The Role of Supportive CompanionsThese companions provided practical and spiritual support to Paul, emphasizing the need for community and support in ministry. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the diversity of Paul's companions in Acts 20:4 reflect the nature of the early church, and what can we learn from this for our own church communities today? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate the same level of commitment and faithfulness as Paul's companions in our personal walk with Christ? 3. How can we foster mentorship and discipleship relationships within our church, similar to Paul's relationship with Timothy? 4. What are some practical ways we can support those in ministry, drawing inspiration from the supportive roles of Paul's companions? 5. How do the backgrounds and roles of these individuals encourage us to embrace and celebrate diversity within our own faith communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 17:11Highlights the Bereans' noble character and eagerness to verify Paul's teachings, providing context for Sopater's background. Colossians 4:10Mentions Aristarchus as a fellow prisoner with Paul, showing his dedication and loyalty. 1 Timothy 1:2Describes Timothy's close relationship with Paul, emphasizing his role as a spiritual son and leader. Ephesians 6:21Refers to Tychicus as a beloved brother and faithful minister, underscoring his reliability and service. People Aristarchus, Asians, Eutychus, Gaius, Paul, Secundus, Sopater, Thessalonians, Timotheus, Timothy, Trophimus, TychicusPlaces Asia, Assos, Chios, Derbe, Ephesus, Greece, Jerusalem, Macedonia, Miletus, Mitylene, Philippi, Samos, Syria, TroasTopics Accompanied, Accompanying, Aristarchus, Aristar'chus, Asia, Asians, Asiatics, Berea, Berean, Beroea, Beroe'a, Beroean, Derbe, Gaius, Ga'ius, Province, Pyrrhus, Secundus, Secun'dus, Sopater, Sop'ater, Thessalonians, Thessalo'nians, Thessalonica, Timotheus, Timothy, Trophimus, Troph'imus, Tychicus, Tych'icusDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 20:1-6 5108 Paul, life of Library This Person Differs in Nothing
This Person differs in nothing, from the Father, but only in this that He is begotten of Him. He is Eternal with the Father, as glorious and as intelligent. He is of the same mind in everything in all worlds, loveth the same objects in as infinite a measure. Is the means by which the Father loveth, acteth, createth, redeemeth, governeth, and perfecteth all things. And the means also by which we see and love the Father: our strength and our eternity. He is the Mediator between God and His creatures. …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of MeditationsJanuary 19 Morning
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind.--ACTS 20:19. Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.--I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man, . . . not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path April 26 Evening
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?--SONG 6:10. The church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. There appeared a great wonder …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path February 9. "None of These Things Move Me" (Acts xx. 24).
"None of these things move me" (Acts xx. 24). The best evidence of God's presence is the devil's growl. So wrote good Mr. Spurgeon once in "The Sword and the Trowel," and that little sentence has helped many a tried and tired child Of God to stand fast and even rejoice under the fiercest attacks of the foe. We read in the book of Samuel that the moment that David was crowned at Hebron, "All the Philistines came up to seek David." And the moment we get anything from the Lord worth contending for, …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth December 29. "I have not Shunned to Declare unto You all the Counsel of God" (Acts xx. 27).
"I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts xx. 27). It is probable that God lets every human being, that crosses our path, meet us, in order that we may have the opportunity of leaving some blessing in his path, and dropping into his heart and life some influence that will draw him nearer to God. It would be blessed, indeed, if we could meet every immortal soul, at last, that we have ever touched in the path of life, and truly say, "I am pure from the blood of all men." …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth March 7. "It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive" (Acts xx. 35).
"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts xx. 35). How shall we know the difference between the earthly and the heavenly love? The one terminates on ourselves and is partly ourself seeking its own gratification. The other reaches out to God and others, and finds its joy in glorifying Him and blessing them. Love is unselfishness, and the love that is not unselfish is not divine. How much do we pray for others, and how much for ourselves? What is the center of our being? Ourselves, or our …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth A Fulfilled Aspiration
'So that I might finish my course....'--ACTS xx. 24. 'I have finished my course....'--2 TIM. iv. 7. I do not suppose that Paul in prison, and within sight of martyrdom, remembered his words at Ephesus. But the fact that what was aspiration whilst he was in the very thick of his difficulties came to be calm retrospect at the close is to me very beautiful and significant. 'So that I may finish my course,' said he wistfully; whilst before him there lay dangers clearly discerned and others that had all …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts Parting Words [Footnote: Preached Prior to a Long Absence in Australia. ]
'And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace....'--ACTS xx. 32. I may be pardoned if my remarks now should assume somewhat of a more personal character than is my wont. I desire to speak mainly to my own friends, the members of my own congregation; and other friends who have come to give me a parting 'Godspeed' will forgive me if my observations have a more special bearing on those with whom I am more immediately connected. The Apostle whose words I have taken for my text …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Blessedness of Giving
'...It is more blessed to give than to receive.'--ACTS xx. 35. How 'many other things Jesus did' and said 'which are not written in this book'! Here is one precious unrecorded word, which was floating down to the ocean of oblivion when Paul drew it to shore and so enriched the world. There is, however, a saying recorded, which is essentially parallel in content though differing in garb, 'The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.' It is tempting to think that the text gives a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts Parting Counsels
'And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 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. 25. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts Christian Perfection
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." Phil. 3:12. 1. There is scarce any expression in Holy Writ which has given more offence than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. And whosoever preaches perfection (as the phrase is,) that is, asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them worse than a heathen man or a publican. 2. And hence some have advised, wholly to lay aside …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions Two Essential Things
Paul testified concerning "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ"; by which I understand that, as an ambassador for Christ, he assured the people that through repentance and faith they would receive salvation. He taught in God's name mercy through the atoning sacrifice to all who would quit their sin and follow the Lord Jesus. With many tears he added his own personal testimony to his official statement. He could truly say, "I have repented, and I do repent"; and he could …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889 The Minister's Farewell
WHEN Paul was parting from his Ephesian friends, who had come to bid him farewell at Miletus, he did not request of them a commendation of his ability; he did not request of them a recommendation for his fervid eloquence, his profound learning, his comprehensive thought, or his penetrating judgment. He knew right well that he might have credit for all these, and yet be found a castaway at last. He required a witness which would be valid in the court of heaven, and of value in a dying hour. His one …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 On Sleeping in Church
"And there sat in the window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep; and while Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead."--Acts xx. 9. I have chosen these words with design, if possible, to disturb some part in this audience of half an hour's sleep, for the convenience and exercise whereof this place, at this season of the day, is very much celebrated. There is indeed one mortal disadvantage to which all …
Jonathan Swift—Three Sermons, Three Prayers It is Also Plain that the Public Prayers are not to be Couched in Greek...
It is also plain that the public prayers are not to be couched in Greek among the Latins, nor in Latin among the French or English (as hitherto has been every where practised), but in the vulgar tongue, so that all present may understand them, since they ought to be used for the edification of the whole Church, which cannot be in the least degree benefited by a sound not understood. Those who are not moved by any reason of humanity or charity, ought at least to be somewhat moved by the authority …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith Our Inheritance
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."--Acts 20:32. "And inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."--Acts 26:18. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification."--1 Thess. 4:3. "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear …
J. W. Byers—Sanctification The New Crusade --Serampore and the Brotherhood
1800 Effects of the news in England on the Baptists--On the home churches--In the foundation of the London and other Missionary Societies--In Scotland--In Holland and America--The missionary home--Joshua Marshman, William Ward, and two others sent out--Landing at the Iona of Southern Asia--Meeting of Ward and Carey--First attempt to evangelise the non-Aryan hill tribes--Carey driven by providences to Serampore--Dense population of Hoogli district--Adapts his communistic plan to the new conditions--Purchase …
George Smith—The Life of William Carey Fac-Similes
OF ANCIENT NEW TESTAMENT MANUSCRIPTS, TO ILLUSTRATE CHAPTER XXVI., PAGE 380. Most of the following specimens of ancient manuscripts are taken from Scrivener's Introduction to the Criticism of the New Testament. No. (1) is from Tischendorf s Novum Testamentum Graece ex Sinaitico Codice; Nos. (2) and (11) from Smith's Dictionary of the Bible; and No. (5) from Horne's Introduction, Vol. IV. No. (1). PLATE I. SINAI CODEX, Century IV. Heb. 12:27-29. Notice the occasional use of very small letters. In …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Epistles of Paul
Paulos genomeno; megistos; hupogrammos. (Clement of Rome.) Comp. §§ 29-36 and 71. General Character. Paul was the greatest worker among the apostles, not only as a missionary, but also as a writer. He "labored more than all." And we may well include in this "all" the whole body of theologians who came after him; for where shall we find an equal wealth of the profoundest thoughts on the highest themes as in Paul? We have from him thirteen Epistles; how many more were lost, we cannot even …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I Moreover, if Discourse must be Bestowed Upon Any...
21. Moreover, if discourse must be bestowed upon any, and this so take up the speaker that he have not time to work with his hands, are all in the monastery able to hold discourse unto brethren which come unto them from another kind of life, whether it be to expound the divine lessons, or concerning any questions which may be put, to reason in an wholesome manner? Then since not all have the ability, why upon this pretext do all want to have nothing else to do? Although even if all were able, they …
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks. Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes under a Necessity of Precept?
Objection 1: It would seem that men are not bound by precept to pay tithes. The commandment to pay tithes is contained in the Old Law (Lev. 27:30), "All tithes of the land, whether of corn or of the fruits of trees, are the Lord's," and further on (Lev. 27:32): "Of all the tithes of oxen and sheep and goats, that pass under the shepherd's rod, every tenth that cometh shall be sanctified to the Lord." This cannot be reckoned among the moral precepts, because natural reason does not dictate that one …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Live on Alms?
Objection 1: It would seem unlawful for religious to live on alms. For the Apostle (1 Tim. 5:16) forbids those widows who have other means of livelihood to live on the alms of the Church, so that the Church may have "sufficient for them that are widows indeed." And Jerome says to Pope Damasus [*Cf. Cf. Can. Clericos, cause. i, qu. 2; Can. Quoniam, cause xvi, qu. 1; Regul. Monach. iv among the supposititious works of St. Jerome] that "those who have sufficient income from their parents and their own …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
1. Connection of this chapter with the previous one and the subsequent chapters. Repentance follows faith, and is produced by it. Reason. Error of those who take a contrary view. 2. Their First Objection. Answer. In what sense the origin of Repentance ascribed to Faith. Cause of the erroneous idea that faith is produced by repentance. Refutation of it. The hypocrisy of Monks and Anabaptists in assigning limits to repentance exposed. 3. A second opinion concerning repentance considered. 4. A third …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Links Acts 20:4 NIVActs 20:4 NLTActs 20:4 ESVActs 20:4 NASBActs 20:4 KJV
Acts 20:4 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
