Acts 17:14
What does Acts 17:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:14 means
Recognizing escalating danger, the believers immediately send Paul off, as far as the sea, while Silas and Timothy remain in Beroea. This is strategic: remove the most targeted preacher to defuse tension, while maintaining pastoral presence for new converts. The body acts together for the mission’s good. Ministry is not bound to one person; others can stay and strengthen the church. Prudence is not cowardice; it is stewardship of gifts and opportunities. God uses varied roles and timings, sometimes separating coworkers temporarily so that the gospel both endures local pressure and advances to fresh fields.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: and Silas and Timothy abode there still.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: and Silas and Timothy abode there still.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So the brothers sent Paul straight away to the sea: but Silas and Timothy kept there still.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul, to go on as it were to the sea, but both Silas and Timothy were remaining there.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul, to go unto the sea: but Silas and Timothy remained there.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as to the sea; but Silas and Timotheus abode there.
Context
This verse responds to the agitation from Thessalonica (verse 13). By sending Paul toward the sea, the believers protect him and the fledgling church. Silas and Timothy remain, ensuring continuity. Verse 15 will show Paul reaching Athens and instructing that his coworkers come soon. The narrative focus then shifts fully to Athens: Paul’s internal reaction to rampant idolatry (verse 16), his synagogue and marketplace reasoning (verse 17), engagement with philosophers (verse 18), and eventual appearance before the Areopagus (verses 19–21), culminating in his address (verses 22–31).
v.13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed of Paul at Beroea also, they came thither likewise, stirring up and troubling the multitudes.
v.14This passage
v.15But they that conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy that they should come to him with all speed, they departed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 16:1
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess that believed; but his father was a Greek.
- Matthew 10:23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
- Acts 17:10
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Beroea: who when they were come thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
- Titus 1:5
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;
- 1 Timothy 1:3
As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,
- Joshua 2:16
And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers light upon you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
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