Acts 20:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:12 captures the climactic moment following the miraculous resuscitation of Eutychus, a young man who had fallen to his death from a third-story window during Paul's extended sermon in Troas. This verse powerfully conveys the profound relief, joy, and spiritual comfort that permeated the gathered Christian community as they witnessed God's life-giving power manifest through the apostle Paul, confirming the veracity of the gospel and strengthening their faith in the face of a potentially tragic event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:12 concludes the dramatic narrative of Eutychus's fall and restoration, which is immediately preceded by Paul's lengthy farewell discourse to the believers in Troas, stretching late into the night. The preceding verses ([Acts 20:7-11](/acts/20-7-11 "Paul's Farewell in Troas and Eutychus's Fall")) set the scene: a crowded upper room, many lamps burning, and Paul speaking at length before his departure. Eutychus's accidental fall from the third story, explicitly stated as "taken up dead" in [Acts 20:9](/acts/20-9 "Eutychus Falls to His Death"), creates a moment of crisis. Paul's immediate descent, embrace of the young man, and declaration, "[Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him](/acts/20-10 "Paul's Declaration of Life for Eutychus")", build suspense. Verse 12 serves as the resolution, confirming the miracle's success and the community's overwhelming positive response, allowing the narrative to smoothly transition back to Paul's journey and continued ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Troas, a significant port city in Asia Minor, where Paul had previously ministered ([Acts 16:8-11](/acts/16-8-11 "Paul's Vision and Call to Macedonia")). Early Christian gatherings often occurred in private homes or rented upper rooms, as they lacked dedicated church buildings. These meetings frequently took place at night, possibly after work hours or to avoid public scrutiny, and were characterized by extended teaching, fellowship, and the breaking of bread ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "The Fellowship of the Believers")). The presence of "many lights" ([Acts 20:8](/acts/20-8 "Many Lamps in the Upper Room")) would have contributed to the heat and stuffiness of the room, potentially explaining Eutychus's drowsiness. In a world without modern medicine, a confirmed death and subsequent restoration would have been an undeniable sign of divine power, echoing similar miracles performed by Old Testament prophets like Elijah ([1 Kings 17:17-24](/1_kings/17-17-24 "Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")) and Elisha ([2 Kings 4:32-37](/2_kings/4-32-37 "Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")), and most significantly, by Jesus Himself ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain"); [John 11:38-44](/john/11-38-44 "Jesus Raises Lazarus")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Power and Miraculous Intervention**, showcasing God's ability to transcend natural limitations, even death, through His chosen apostles. This miracle serves as a potent validation of Paul's **Apostolic Authority** and the authenticity of the gospel message he proclaimed, reinforcing the early church's belief in the active presence of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, the phrase "not a little comforted" highlights the theme of **Profound Comfort and Joy** that God provides in moments of despair. The community's initial fear and sorrow over Eutychus's apparent death were transformed into overwhelming solace and celebration, demonstrating God's capacity to turn tragedy into triumph. This miraculous event ultimately served to **Confirm the Faith** of the believers in Troas, solidifying their conviction in God's sovereign care and the life-giving power of the resurrected Christ, thereby strengthening the nascent Christian community in a crucial period of its expansion, as seen throughout [Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Greek, _ágō'_):** From G71, meaning "to lead; by implication, to bring, drive." This word emphasizes the active role of the community in physically bringing Eutychus back into their midst. It signifies not just a passive recovery, but a deliberate action of the believers, confirming the reality of his restoration.
* **alive (Greek, _záō'_):** From G2198, a primary verb meaning "to live (literally or figuratively)." Here, it is used literally, confirming that Eutychus was truly restored to life, not merely revived from unconsciousness. This word is crucial for understanding the miraculous nature of the event, as it directly counters the earlier statement that he was "taken up dead" ([Acts 20:9](/acts/20-9 "Eutychus Falls to His Death")).
* **comforted (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." This word encapsulates the profound emotional and spiritual relief experienced by the community. It implies not just a lessening of sorrow, but an active reception of solace and encouragement, a deep sense of reassurance and well-being after a moment of intense fear and grief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought the young man alive":** This clause directly confirms the success of Paul's miraculous intervention. The "they" refers to the gathered believers, who, having witnessed Paul's actions and declaration, now physically bring Eutychus back into the assembly. The emphasis on "alive" underscores the reality of his resurrection from death, transforming a moment of potential tragedy and scandal into a powerful testament to God's life-giving power operating through Paul. It signifies the community's acceptance and rejoicing in the miracle.
* **"and were not a little comforted":** This phrase, a classic example of litotes (a rhetorical understatement), conveys the profound depth of the community's relief and joy. By stating they were "not a little" comforted, the text emphatically means they were "greatly" or "immensely" comforted. Their initial fear, shock, and sorrow over Eutychus's death were completely dispelled, replaced by overwhelming solace, reassurance, and spiritual encouragement, confirming their faith and the validity of Paul's ministry among them.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Acts 20:12 is **Litotes**. The phrase "not a little comforted" (Greek: *ouk oligōs paraklethēsan*) is a rhetorical understatement that uses a double negative to express an emphatic positive. Instead of directly stating "they were greatly comforted," Luke's choice of litotes amplifies the intensity of their emotional response, suggesting a comfort so profound it defies simple positive description. This device serves to underscore the magnitude of the miracle and the depth of the community's relief and joy. Additionally, the verse functions as a **Narrative Climax and Resolution** within the Eutychus episode. It provides the definitive answer to the tension created by the fall, bringing the dramatic sequence to a satisfying and faith-affirming conclusion. The miracle itself serves as a **Divine Intervention**, a literary element that highlights God's active presence and power within the unfolding narrative of the early church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:12 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power over life and death, demonstrating His willingness to intervene miraculously in the affairs of His people. The resurrection of Eutychus is not merely an isolated event but a profound theological statement affirming the life-giving nature of the Christian faith and the authority of its messengers. It reminds believers that even in moments of human frailty or tragic circumstance, divine comfort and restoration are possible. This miracle served to validate Paul's apostolic ministry, assuring the nascent church in Troas of God's presence among them and the truth of the gospel he preached. It transformed a potential crisis into a profound moment of spiritual encouragement and confirmation, echoing God's consistent character as the source of all comfort and life.

* [1 Kings 17:17-24](/1_kings/17-17-24 "Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")
* [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "God of All Comfort")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Eutychus's miraculous restoration and the subsequent comfort of the believers in Acts 20:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary faith. In a world often marked by despair, loss, and the seemingly finality of death, this narrative serves as a vibrant reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and His capacity to bring life from death, hope from hopelessness. It encourages us to trust in God's power even when circumstances appear dire, knowing that His comfort is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding presence that transforms sorrow into joy. Just as the early church found profound solace, we too can lean into the "God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "God, the Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort")) in our trials, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Furthermore, this story underscores the importance of community in faith; the shared experience of fear turning to joy strengthened their collective bond and faith. It challenges us to be communities where God's life-giving power is expected, celebrated, and where comfort is extended to one another in times of need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "dead" or seemingly hopeless situations in your life or community do you need to trust God for resurrection and new life?**
* **How does the "not a little comforted" experience of the early believers resonate with your own experiences of God's comfort in times of distress?**
* **What role does witnessing God's power play in strengthening your personal faith and the faith of your community?**
* **How can we, as a community of faith, better extend and receive the profound comfort that God offers, as demonstrated in this passage?**

### FAQ
**Why is the detail about Eutychus's fall and restoration included in Acts?**

Answer: The inclusion of Eutychus's story in Acts is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful demonstration of God's miraculous power working through the apostle Paul, authenticating his ministry and the message of the gospel. In a world where divine power was often sought and observed, such an undeniable miracle would confirm Paul's apostolic authority, much like Peter's healing of Aeneas ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Peter Heals Aeneas")) or Dorcas's resurrection ([Acts 9:36-43](/acts/9-36-43 "Peter Raises Dorcas")). Secondly, it highlights the life-giving nature of the Christian message itself; just as Eutychus was brought back to physical life, the gospel brings spiritual life to those who are dead in sin ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Made Alive in Christ")). Thirdly, it shows the deep care and compassion within the early Christian community, as their collective relief and comfort underscore the genuine bond among believers. Finally, it provides a vivid, human-interest narrative that adds realism and emotional depth to Luke's historical account of the early church's expansion, reminding readers that even in the midst of powerful spiritual movements, human frailties and divine interventions intersect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 20:12 describes a powerful miracle of physical resurrection, its ultimate significance finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Eutychus's restoration from death, achieved through Paul's apostolic ministry, points directly to Jesus as the true source of all life and the ultimate victor over death. Christ Himself declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Eutychus's brief return to life foreshadows the glorious reality of Christ's own resurrection, which is the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all believers. The profound comfort experienced by the Troas community reflects the comfort that Christ, through His Holy Spirit, provides to His followers, turning sorrow into joy ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit"); [John 16:20](/john/16-20 "Sorrow Turned to Joy")). Thus, the miracle in Troas serves as a tangible demonstration of the life-giving power inherent in the gospel message, a power that originates from the resurrected Christ and is ministered through His body, the church, offering not just temporary physical life, but eternal spiritual life to all who believe in Him ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies")).

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

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.