Acts 20:12

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And {G1161} they brought {G71} the young man {G3816} alive {G2198}, and {G2532} were {G3870} not {G3756} a little {G3357} comforted {G3870}.

So, greatly relieved, they brought the boy home alive.

And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive.

And they brought the lad alive, and were not a little comforted.

Acts 20:12 (KJV) describes the immediate aftermath of a profound miracle during Paul's ministry in Troas, emphasizing the relief and joy experienced by the gathered believers. The verse states, "And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted."

Context

This verse concludes the dramatic account of Eutychus, a young man who fell asleep during Paul's extended sermon in an upper room in Troas. As Paul spoke late into the night, Eutychus, sitting in a window, succumbed to sleep and fell from the third story to his death. Paul immediately went down, embraced the seemingly lifeless body, and declared, "Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him." This verse confirms the success of Paul's miraculous intervention, as the young man was indeed brought back to life, to the immense relief of the community.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Miraculous Restoration: The central theme is the demonstration of God's power working through Paul. Eutychus's restoration from death is a clear sign of apostolic authority and divine intervention, echoing earlier miracles of resurrection in both the Old and New Testaments.
  • Profound Comfort and Joy: The phrase "not a little comforted" is a rhetorical understatement (litotes) meaning "greatly comforted." This highlights the immense relief, joy, and encouragement felt by the disciples. Their sorrow and fear over Eutychus's death were transformed into profound solace and celebration, reinforcing their faith and the validity of Paul's ministry.
  • Assurance for the Believers: The miracle served to confirm the presence of God among them and the truth of the gospel Paul preached. It turned a potentially tragic event that could have discouraged the nascent church into a powerful testament to God's life-giving power.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "οὐκ ὀλίγως" (ouk oligōs), translated as "not a little," is a classic example of litotes. Instead of directly stating "they were greatly comforted," the negative expression emphasizes the significant degree of their comfort and relief. This literary device underscores the depth of their emotional response to the miraculous restoration of Eutychus.

Practical Application

Acts 20:12 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Hope in Despair: Just as the early church found comfort in a seemingly hopeless situation, we can trust in God's power to bring life and restoration even in our darkest moments. This story reminds us that God is sovereign over life and death.
  • God's Comfort in Trials: The profound comfort experienced by the believers serves as a reminder that God is the "God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:4). He is present in our distress and can turn sorrow into joy.
  • Confirmation of Faith: Miracles, whether dramatic or subtle, serve to strengthen faith. This account encourages us to look for and acknowledge God's active presence and power in our lives and communities.
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.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:16

    ¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

  • 2 Corinthians 1:4

    Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14

    Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11

    ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

  • Ephesians 6:22

    Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and [that] he might comfort your hearts.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:18

    Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

  • Isaiah 40:1

    ¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

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