Acts 20:13
What does Acts 20:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:13 means
Luke and others sail ahead to Assos, planning to take Paul on board there, while Paul travels overland. The detail reveals purposeful coordination and Paul’s deliberate choices about his movements. Whether for practical timing or personal reasons, the text simply notes his intention. Ministry often involves different paths for the same goal, and mutual trust enables such flexibility. Paul’s companions respect his decisions and facilitate the plan. This verse shows a team functioning smoothly under a leader who remains decisive yet collaborative, ensuring the mission continues efficiently along the coast toward the next appointments.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But we, going before to the ship, set sail for Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, intending himself to go by land.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But we, going before to the ship, set sail for Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, intending himself to go by land.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But we, going before him by ship, went to Assos with the purpose of taking Paul in there: for so he had given orders, because he himself was coming by land.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And we having gone before unto the ship, did sail to Assos, thence intending to take in Paul, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go on foot;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But we going aboard the ship, sailed to Assos, being there to take in Paul. For so he had appointed, himself purposing to travel by land.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And we, having gone before on board ship, sailed off to Assos, going to take in Paul there; for so he had directed, he himself being about to go on foot.
Context
This begins a brief itinerary section after the Troas event. Verse 13 sets up a rendezvous at Assos, followed by the reunion and arrival at Mitylene (verse 14). The travel account then continues down the Aegean coast to Miletus (verses 15–16). These movements are significant because Miletus becomes the setting for the major discourse to the Ephesian elders. The crisp travel notes prepare the reader for that strategic meeting, helping to situate it geographically and temporally.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 6:31
And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
- Mark 1:35
And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.
- Mark 6:46
And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Generosity
The Bible encourages us to be generous with our time, talents, and resources as an act of worship and love.
Topic
Bible Verses About Serving Others
Serving others is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, reflecting God's love and demonstrating our faith through selfless action.
What the Bible says about…