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.

And {G1161} when {G5613}{G5037} Silas {G4609} and {G2532} Timotheus {G5095} were come {G2718} from {G575} Macedonia {G3109}, Paul {G3972} was pressed {G4912} in the spirit {G4151}, and testified {G1263} to the Jews {G2453} that Jesus {G2424} was Christ {G5547}.

But after Sila and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Sha’ul felt pressed by the urgency of the message and testified in depth to the Jews that Yeshua is the Messiah.

And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

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Commentary

Context of Acts 18:5

Acts 18:5 finds the Apostle Paul in the bustling Roman city of Corinth, a major commercial hub known for its diverse population and moral complexities. Paul had arrived in Corinth after a challenging but fruitful ministry in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) and had been working with Aquila and Priscilla as tentmakers (Acts 18:3). The verse highlights a pivotal moment: the arrival of his trusted companions, Silas and Timotheus (Timothy), from Macedonia. Their arrival, likely bringing news from the churches in Philippi and Thessalonica, and possibly financial support (2 Corinthians 11:9), seems to have freed Paul from the necessity of secular work, allowing him to devote himself fully to preaching.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Compulsion and Zeal: The phrase "Paul was pressed in the spirit" indicates an intense spiritual urgency and divine compulsion. This wasn't merely a personal desire but a profound inner conviction or burden from the Holy Spirit, compelling him to speak. It reflects Paul's unwavering commitment to his calling to preach the gospel.
  • The Core Message: Jesus is the Christ: Paul's primary message, especially to the Jews, was that Jesus of Nazareth was the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One promised in the Old Testament prophecies. This was the central tenet of early Christian proclamation, proving the identity of Jesus as the fulfillment of their Scriptures (Acts 9:22).
  • Focus on Jewish Evangelism: Consistent with his missionary strategy, Paul first took the gospel to the synagogue, presenting Jesus as the Messiah to his fellow Jews (Acts 17:2). This verse marks the intensifying of this effort in Corinth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Paul was pressed in the spirit" translates the Greek syneicheto tō pneumati (συνείχετο τῷ πνεύματι). This can be understood in a few ways:

  • Compelled by the Spirit: Many scholars interpret pneumati as referring to the Holy Spirit, meaning Paul was overwhelmingly constrained or seized by the Holy Spirit's power to preach.
  • Engrossed with the Word: Some ancient manuscripts read tō logō (τῷ λόγῳ), meaning "by the word" or "with the message." If this reading is preferred, it signifies Paul's complete absorption and intense focus on proclaiming the Word of God.
Regardless of the precise nuance, both interpretations convey a profound sense of urgency and dedication. The term "Christ" (Greek: Christos) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" (Mashiach), both meaning "Anointed One." Paul's testimony was that Jesus fulfilled this essential role.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Prioritizing the Gospel: Paul's renewed focus on preaching after the arrival of support reminds us of the importance of dedicating our primary energies to spiritual work when circumstances allow.
  • The Power of Support: The arrival of Silas and Timotheus highlights the value of fellowship and practical support in ministry. God often uses others to strengthen and enable us in our callings.
  • Zeal for Truth: Paul's "pressed in the spirit" attitude challenges us to examine our own spiritual urgency and passion for sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with others, particularly those who are yet to believe.
  • The Unchanging Message: The core message remains the same: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the only way to salvation. Our testimony should be clear and unwavering.
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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:14

    For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

  • Acts 18:28

    For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

  • Acts 17:3

    Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

  • Acts 9:22

    But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

  • Acts 20:21

    Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Jeremiah 20:9

    Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay].

  • Ezekiel 3:14

    So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
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