Devine Scripture

Acts 20:2

What does Acts 20:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 20:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 20:2 means

Paul travels through the Macedonian regions, offering “much exhortation.” His ministry is not a mere checklist of visits but a sustained effort to build up faith, correct error, and encourage perseverance. He finally reaches Greece, likely Corinth, where he continues this pattern. The emphasis on exhortation underlines how the church grows through the Word and personal pastoral care, not spectacle. This verse shows a seasoned shepherd investing deeply in congregations already planted, confident that repetition and encouragement are necessary for maturity. The journey is long, the counsel abundant, and the result is a more established network of believers across key cities.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having gone through those parts, and having exhorted them with many words, he came to Greece;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had gone over those parts and had exhorted them with many words, he came into Greece:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having passed through those parts, and having exhorted them with much discourse, he came to Greece.

Context

After leaving Ephesus, Paul’s route takes him through Macedonia to Greece. The narrative remains summary-like, focusing on encouragement rather than details. This travel log sets up the next development: a three-month stay in Greece and a foiled plot against Paul (verse 3). From there the story will introduce a diverse team of coworkers (verse 4) and move toward Troas and the memorable incident with Eutychus. Seeing these movements as purposeful shepherding helps frame why Luke notes the “much exhortation” before recounting the next events.

v.1And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

v.2This passage

v.3And when he had spent three months there, and a plot was laid against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.

  • Acts 15:41

    And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

  • Acts 20:11

    And when he was gone up, and had broken the bread, and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

  • Acts 14:22

    confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Acts 2:40

    And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.

  • Acts 17:1

    Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

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