Acts 18:5
What does Acts 18:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:5 means
When Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia, Paul is “constrained by the word,” giving himself fully to testify that Jesus is the Christ. Their presence likely strengthens his resolve and allows concentrated preaching. His message is clear and centered: Jesus, promised in the Scriptures and crucified and raised, is God’s anointed King. To the synagogue audience, this is the crucial claim demanding response. Being constrained suggests a holy compulsion—Scripture and the Spirit press him onward. Ministry deepens when co-laborers come and when the truth grips the messenger. The gospel’s power is not in novelty but in the bold, focused declaration of who Jesus is and what God has done through Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was completely given up to the word, preaching to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And when both Silas and Timotheus came down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, testifying fully to the Jews Jesus the Christ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was earnest in preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when both Silas and Timotheus came down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in respect of the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
Context
After weeks of reasoning, the team is reunited, echoing prior journeys where Paul, Silas, and Timothy worked together. This reunification precedes mounting opposition from some in the synagogue. Verse 5 heightens the proclamation of Jesus as the Christ, setting the stage for a decisive break with resistant hearers. The next verses will narrate rejection, Paul’s symbolic protest, and a strategic shift to minister among Gentiles—yet with surprising fruit even within the synagogue’s leadership.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:36
Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;
- Philippians 1:23
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
- Ezekiel 3:14
So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and the hand of Jehovah was strong upon me.
- Acts 15:22
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
- John 15:27
and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 18
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 18.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…