Acts 17:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:15 details a pivotal moment in Paul's second missionary journey, marking his arrival in Athens, a renowned intellectual and cultural hub. Escorted by faithful Berean believers, Paul immediately dispatches an urgent message to Silas and Timotheus, commanding them to join him in Athens with all possible speed, underscoring the apostle's reliance on his ministry team and the pressing nature of their Gospel mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of intense missionary activity and escalating persecution for Paul and his companions. Having been driven out of Thessalonica by Jewish opposition, Paul, Silas, and Timotheus found refuge and success in Berea, where the local Jews were commended for their noble character in diligently examining the Scriptures daily ([Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Noble Bereans")). However, agitators from Thessalonica pursued Paul to Berea, once again stirring up the crowds. To protect Paul and allow the nascent Berean church to flourish, the believers quickly escorted him away, sending him by sea to Athens, while Silas and Timotheus remained behind in Berea to continue the work. This strategic separation and Paul's subsequent call for his team highlight the dynamic and often challenging nature of their missionary endeavors.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Athens, in the first century CE, was no longer the political powerhouse it once was, but it remained a vibrant center of philosophy, art, and intellectual discourse. It was home to various philosophical schools such as the Epicureans and Stoics, whose adherents Paul would later encounter ([Acts 17:18](/acts/17-18 "Acts 17:18 - Paul Encounters Philosophers in Athens")). The city was also notoriously idolatrous, "full of idols" as Paul observed ([Acts 17:16](/acts/17-16 "Acts 17:16 - Paul's Spirit Provoked in Athens")). Geographically, Athens was a significant port city, making sea travel a logical means of arrival from Berea. Paul's arrival here placed him directly into the heart of Greco-Roman intellectualism, presenting a unique challenge and opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel to a highly sophisticated, yet spiritually blind, audience.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 17:15 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Providence Amidst Adversity**, showing how God uses persecution to redirect Paul to new, strategically important locations, preparing the ground for the Gospel's expansion into intellectual centers. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Apostolic Urgency and Teamwork** in ministry. Paul's immediate and urgent summons for Silas and Timotheus to join him demonstrates his understanding that the spread of the Gospel is a collaborative effort, requiring the combined strengths and gifts of a dedicated team. His desire for them to come "with all speed" reflects the pressing nature of their mission and the vast spiritual needs of the world. Finally, the verse sets the stage for **Strategic Ministry**, as Paul's presence in Athens, a city steeped in pagan philosophy, provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with prevailing intellectual currents, leading to his renowned sermon on Mars Hill ([Acts 17:22-31](/acts/17-22-31 "Acts 17:22-31 - Paul's Areopagus Sermon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **conducted (Greek, _kathístēmi'_):** From *kata* and *histēmi*, meaning "to place down permanently," "to designate," "constitute," or "convoy." Here, it signifies the act of escorting Paul, implying a deliberate and protective guidance by the Berean believers, ensuring his safe passage. This was not a casual departure but a purposeful mission by the new converts to ensure the apostle's well-being and the continuation of his ministry.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** Derived from *entellomai*, this term denotes an "injunction" or "authoritative prescription." It highlights the urgent and non-negotiable nature of Paul's directive to Silas and Timotheus. This was not merely a suggestion or an invitation, but a strong, binding charge from Paul, reflecting his apostolic authority and the critical need for his co-workers' immediate presence.
* **with all speed (Greek, _hōs táchista'_):** This phrase is a combination of *hōs* (as) and *táchista* (most quickly, superlative of *tachys*). It emphasizes the extreme urgency and immediacy of Paul's request for his companions to join him. The superlative form underscores that their arrival was needed not just quickly, but as quickly as humanly possible, indicating the critical importance of their presence for the ongoing ministry in Athens.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens:"** This clause identifies the agents of Paul's journey to Athens: the Berean believers who had recently embraced the Gospel. Their act of "conducting" Paul highlights their care, commitment, and the protective measures taken to ensure his safety from the persecutors who had followed him from Thessalonica. This journey by sea was a direct response to the escalating opposition, yet it providentially led Paul to a new strategic location for ministry.
* **"and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed,"** Upon his arrival in Athens, Paul immediately recognized the need for his trusted ministry partners. He did not wait but promptly dispatched a message, an "authoritative prescription," to Silas and Timotheus. The phrase "with all speed" underscores the urgency of this command, indicating that Paul perceived an immediate need for their assistance, perhaps to support the burgeoning work in Berea, to join him in Athens, or both. This reveals Paul's strategic foresight and his reliance on a team for effective evangelism and discipleship.
* **"they departed."** This final clause refers to the Berean believers who had escorted Paul. Having successfully delivered Paul to Athens and received his urgent message for Silas and Timotheus, they completed their mission and returned to Berea. This demonstrates their faithfulness and obedience in supporting Paul's ministry, acting as crucial facilitators in the spread of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Progression**, seamlessly advancing the storyline of Paul's missionary journey from Berea to Athens, setting the stage for his significant engagement with Athenian culture and philosophy. There is a strong element of **Emphasis** conveyed through the phrase "with all speed," which highlights Paul's urgency and strategic thinking regarding his ministry team. This urgency also subtly introduces **Anticipation**, as the reader is left to wonder what critical work in Athens necessitates such a swift reunion of the apostolic team. The actions of the Berean believers, "they that conducted Paul," also serve as a form of **Characterization**, portraying them as faithful, protective, and obedient supporters of the Gospel mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:15 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign guidance, even amidst human opposition. What began as a forced departure due to persecution in Berea became a divinely orchestrated redirection to Athens, a city of immense intellectual and spiritual influence. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: God often uses adverse circumstances to open new doors for His kingdom, transforming obstacles into opportunities. Paul's immediate and urgent call for his team also underscores the New Testament emphasis on collaborative ministry, reflecting the interdependent nature of the body of Christ and the necessity of teamwork in fulfilling the Great Commission. The Gospel's advance is rarely a solitary endeavor, but a collective one, driven by divine urgency and human cooperation.

* [Philippians 2:19-20](/philippians/2-19-20 "Philippians 2:19-20 - Paul's Desire for Timothy's Presence")
* [2 Timothy 4:9-11](/2_timothy/4-9-11 "2 Timothy 4:9-11 - Paul's Request for Timothy and Mark")
* [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Ambition to Preach Where Christ Was Not Named")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:15 offers profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in ministry. Just as Paul was led by God's hand to Athens, even through persecution, we are called to trust that God can use every circumstance, good or bad, to position us for His purposes. This verse also powerfully affirms the indispensable value of Christian community and teamwork. Paul, despite his unique apostolic calling, did not operate in isolation but relied heavily on his trusted companions. This reminds us that effective ministry and spiritual growth are often communal endeavors, requiring mutual support, shared burdens, and collective effort. We are encouraged to embrace collaboration, recognizing that our individual gifts are meant to complement one another for the greater good of the Gospel. Furthermore, Paul's "commandment... with all speed" serves as a call to urgency in our own spiritual lives and ministries, reminding us that the mission of sharing Christ is pressing and requires prompt, dedicated action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have you seen God redirect your path through unexpected challenges, similar to Paul's journey to Athens?**
* **In what ways can you better embrace teamwork and collaboration in your service to God, learning from Paul's reliance on Silas and Timotheus?**
* **What "commandments" or urgent calls to action might God be placing on your heart "with all speed" today, and how will you respond?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul go to Athens, and who were "they that conducted Paul"?**

Answer: Paul's journey to Athens was a direct consequence of intense persecution in Berea. Jewish agitators from Thessalonica followed him to Berea, stirring up trouble and forcing his departure. To ensure his safety and allow the Gospel work to continue, the Berean believers, who had recently received the word with eagerness, escorted him by sea to Athens. These faithful Berean Christians were "they that conducted Paul," demonstrating their care and commitment to the apostle and the spread of the Gospel. This move, though prompted by adversity, strategically placed Paul in a major intellectual center, setting the stage for his impactful ministry there.

**What was the significance of Paul sending for Silas and Timotheus "with all speed"?**

Answer: Paul's urgent summons for Silas and Timotheus highlights several key aspects of his ministry. Firstly, it underscores his deep reliance on his ministry team. Paul understood that the vast work of evangelism and discipleship was not a solitary task but a collaborative effort. Silas and Timotheus were trusted co-workers, essential for the ongoing mission. Secondly, the phrase "with all speed" (Greek: *hōs táchista*, meaning "as quickly as possible") conveys the critical urgency Paul felt for their presence. This likely stemmed from the immense spiritual need in Athens, the strategic importance of the city, and perhaps the need for support in consolidating the work left behind in Berea. Their immediate arrival was crucial for the effective continuation and expansion of the Gospel message. This urgency is a recurring theme in Paul's ministry, reflecting the pressing nature of the Great Commission, as seen in his desire to preach the Gospel where Christ had not been named ([Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Ambition to Preach Where Christ Was Not Named")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:15, while detailing Paul's missionary movements, points to the ultimate mission of Christ and the ongoing work of His Spirit. Paul's forced relocation to Athens, a city steeped in idolatry and philosophical debate, mirrors Christ's own entry into a fallen world, not shying away from its intellectual and spiritual strongholds but directly confronting them with truth. The urgency with which Paul calls for his team—Silas and Timotheus—foreshadows the imperative of the Great Commission given by Christ Himself, to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Just as Paul relied on his companions for the effective spread of the Gospel, Christ established a community of disciples, His Church, to carry on His mission after His ascension. The "commandment" Paul issues for his team to come "with all speed" reflects the divine urgency inherent in the Gospel message—a message of salvation that demands immediate response because "now is the day of salvation" ([2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Day of Salvation")). Ultimately, Paul's strategic entry into Athens, a center of human wisdom, sets the stage for him to proclaim Christ as the true wisdom of God, demonstrating that the "foolishness of God is wiser than men" ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Wisdom of God")). His entire journey, driven by persecution yet guided by providence, serves as a testament to the sovereign Lordship of Christ, who orchestrates all circumstances for the advancement of His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.