Devine Scripture

Acts 20:1

What does Acts 20:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 20:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 20:1 means

With the riot in Ephesus finally quieted, Paul gathers the disciples, strengthens them with words of encouragement, and then says goodbye. The verse shows the apostle’s steady heart: he neither flees in panic nor lingers in fear, but tends to the flock before moving on. His exhortation suggests he aimed to steady their faith after turmoil, reminding them that the gospel outlasts public uproar. Departing for Macedonia fits Paul’s pattern of visiting established churches to reinforce them. He is not driven by convenience but by pastoral duty and mission strategy, sustained by God through dangerous seasons and mindful to leave believers strengthened, not shaken, by recent events.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And after the noise had come to an end, Paul, having sent for the disciples and given them comfort, went away from them to Macedonia.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And after the ceasing of the tumult, Paul having called near the disciples, and having embraced <FI>them<Fi> , went forth to go on to Macedonia;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after the tumult was ceased, Paul calling to him the disciples and exhorting them, took his leave and set forward to go into Macedonia.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But after the tumult had ceased, Paul having called the disciples to [him] and embraced [them], went away to go to Macedonia.

Context

This opening verse links Acts 19’s uproar in Ephesus to Paul’s ongoing itinerary. After encouragement and farewell, the narrative shifts from Ephesus to Macedonia. The broader chapter will trace Paul’s movement through Macedonia and Greece, his ministry in Troas (including Eutychus’s restoration), and then his solemn farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus. Understanding this transition helps readers see that Paul’s travels are purposeful pastoral follow-ups, not random escapes, and that what follows is a deliberate strengthening of churches on the way to Jerusalem.

v.1This passage

v.2And when he had gone through those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 19:23

    And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:5

    For even when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no relief, butwe wereafflicted on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

  • Acts 20:10

    And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Make ye no ado; for his life is in him.

  • 1 Samuel 20:41

    And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the South, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

  • Romans 16:16

    Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:5

    But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

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