Acts 17:15

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

And {G1161} they that conducted {G2525} Paul {G3972} brought {G71} him {G846} unto {G2193} Athens {G116}: and {G2532} receiving {G2983} a commandment {G1785} unto {G4314} Silas {G4609} and {G2532} Timotheus {G5095} for to {G2443} come {G2064} to {G4314} him {G846} with all speed {G5613}{G5033}, they departed {G1826}.

Sha’ul’s escort went with him as far as Athens, then left with instructions for Sila and Timothy to come as quickly as they could.

Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

But 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.

Commentary

Acts 17:15 marks a crucial transition in the apostle Paul's second missionary journey, detailing his arrival in Athens, a renowned center of philosophy and culture.

Context

This verse follows a period of intense activity and persecution for Paul. Having been forced to leave Thessalonica due to opposition, he and his companions, Silas and Timotheus, traveled to Berea. In Berea, the people were described as more noble than those in Thessalonica, eagerly receiving the word and searching the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). However, Jewish agitators from Thessalonica pursued Paul to Berea, stirring up trouble once again. To ensure his safety and allow the work to continue, the Berean believers swiftly escorted Paul away, bringing him south by sea to Athens, while Silas and Timotheus remained behind for a time.

The "they that conducted Paul" were these faithful Berean Christians, demonstrating their commitment and care for the apostle. Their mission was not just to transport Paul, but to deliver him safely to his next destination. Upon arrival in Athens, Paul, recognizing the strategic importance of his companions for the ongoing ministry, immediately dispatched an urgent request for Silas and Timotheus to join him "with all speed." This highlights Paul's reliance on his ministry team and his foresight in planning the spread of the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance Amidst Adversity: Paul's journey to Athens was a direct result of persecution, yet it positioned him in a significant intellectual hub, setting the stage for his powerful sermon on Mars Hill. This illustrates God's ability to use challenging circumstances for His purposes.
  • Apostolic Urgency and Teamwork: Paul's immediate command for Silas and Timotheus to join him underscores the importance of collaboration and speed in spreading the Gospel message. He understood that effective ministry was a shared endeavor, not a solitary one. His desire for his companions to come "with all speed" (Greek: hōs tachista, meaning "as quickly as possible") reflects the pressing nature of their mission.
  • Strategic Ministry: Paul's arrival in Athens, a city steeped in pagan philosophy and idolatry, was strategically significant. It presented both a challenge and an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the prevailing intellectual currents of the day, as seen in his subsequent interactions in the marketplace and on the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-31).

Linguistic Insights

The word "commandment" (Greek: entolēn) used here implies a strong instruction or charge. It's not merely a suggestion but an urgent directive from Paul to his trusted co-workers, Silas and Timotheus, to join him without delay. This urgency is further emphasized by the phrase "with all speed," indicating the critical nature of their presence for the work ahead in Athens.

Practical Application

Acts 17:15 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Rely on Your Community: Just as the Berean believers protected and escorted Paul, we are reminded of the vital role of Christian community and support in our spiritual journeys and ministries.
  • Value Teamwork: Paul's immediate call for Silas and Timotheus highlights the effectiveness of collaborative ministry. No one is meant to serve alone; building a supportive team strengthens the outreach of the Gospel. You can read more about the importance of Paul's companions in verses like 1 Thessalonians 1:1.
  • Be Ready for New Assignments: Even when facing persecution or unexpected changes, God often leads us to new places and opportunities for His kingdom. Paul's forced departure from Berea led him to Athens, where he would engage a new audience with the truth.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:1

    ¶ Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

  • Acts 18:5

    And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

  • Acts 18:1

    ¶ After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

  • 2 Timothy 4:10

    For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

  • 2 Timothy 4:11

    Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

  • Acts 17:16

    ¶ Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

  • 2 Timothy 4:20

    Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
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