Acts 20:10

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing [him] said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

And {G1161} Paul {G3972} went down {G2597}, and fell on {G1968} him {G846}, and {G2532} embracing {G4843} him said {G2036}, Trouble {G2350} not {G3361} yourselves {G2350}; for {G1063} his {G846} life {G5590} is {G2076} in {G1722} him {G846}.

But Sha’ul went down, threw himself onto him, put his arms around him and said, “Don’t be upset, he’s alive!”

But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!”

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Make ye no ado; for his life is in him.

Acts 20:10 (KJV) details a remarkable event during Paul's farewell journey, showcasing divine power and Paul's compassionate leadership. The verse reads: "And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing [him] said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him."

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic incident in Troas where a young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, fell from a third-story during Paul's lengthy sermon, delivered late into the night. The passage before this verse clearly states that after Eutychus was taken up, he was "dead." Paul's swift and decisive action, descending to where Eutychus lay, and his subsequent declaration, transformed a moment of profound sorrow and panic into one of joy and awe. This miracle occurred as Paul was concluding his third missionary journey, on his way to Jerusalem, reinforcing the authority and power that accompanied his ministry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Resurrection Power: Paul's declaration, "his life is in him," is a statement of miraculous restoration, not merely a hope or a revival from unconsciousness. This event stands as a powerful demonstration of God's absolute power over death, akin to the resurrection miracles performed by Old Testament prophets like Elijah and Elisha, and later by Peter with Dorcas (Acts 9:40).
  • Paul's Compassion and Spiritual Authority: Paul's physical act of "falling on him and embracing him" reveals his deep personal care and compassion for the young man and the distressed community. His calm and authoritative instruction, "Trouble not yourselves," immediately brought comfort and assurance, underscoring his faith and the spiritual authority invested in him by God.
  • Comfort and Assurance in Crisis: In a moment of intense fear and sorrow, Paul's words provide immediate peace and clarity. His confident declaration served to reassure the believers that despite appearances, God's life-giving power was at work, turning despair into renewed hope and celebration.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "fell on him" (epepesen ep' auton) describes a posture reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets Elijah (1 Kings 17:21) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:34) when they raised the dead. This physical engagement often symbolized the transfer or manifestation of divine life and power. Paul's subsequent declaration, "for his life is in him" (Greek: hē gar psychē autou en autō estin), uses the word psychē, which in this context clearly signifies the restoration of vital life force or breath, confirming that Eutychus was indeed brought back from death.

Practical Application

Acts 20:10 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God's power is not confined by human limitations or seemingly irreversible circumstances. It calls us to exercise faith and maintain composure in times of crisis, trusting in God's sovereign ability to intervene and bring life even from situations that appear hopeless. This account also highlights the crucial role of spiritual leaders in demonstrating both powerful faith and tender compassion, providing words of truth and comfort that can transform despair into renewed hope and joy within the community of faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 5:39

    And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

  • Matthew 9:23

    And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

  • Matthew 9:24

    He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

  • 1 Kings 17:21

    And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.

  • 1 Kings 17:22

    And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

  • 2 Kings 4:34

    And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.

  • 2 Kings 4:35

    Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

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