Acts 20:2

KJV

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he had gone over {G1330} those {G1565} parts {G3313}, and {G2532} had given {G4183} them {G846} much {G4183} exhortation {G3870}{G3056}, he came {G2064} into {G1519} Greece {G1671},

Complete Jewish Bible

He went through that area, and, after saying much to encourage them, passed on to Greece,

Berean Standard Bible

After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,

American Standard Version

And when he had gone through those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:2 succinctly describes a pivotal phase of the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, following his departure from Ephesus. It highlights his diligent pastoral work and extensive travel through the regions of Macedonia, where he provided significant spiritual encouragement and teaching to the nascent Christian communities, before finally arriving in the Roman province of Achaia, commonly referred to as Greece. This verse underscores Paul's unwavering commitment to nurturing the churches he had established and strengthening believers in their faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's departure from Ephesus, a decision prompted by a significant riot instigated by Demetrius and the silversmiths, as detailed in [Acts 19:23-41](/acts/19-23-41 "The Ephesian Riot"). [Acts 20:1](/acts/20-1 "Paul leaves Ephesus for Macedonia") states that after the uproar ceased, Paul departed for Macedonia. Acts 20:2 then elaborates on his activities within that region—traveling through various "parts" and delivering "much exhortation"—before specifying his arrival in Greece. This movement marks a strategic shift in Paul's itinerary, moving westward and southward, connecting with churches he had previously founded during his second missionary journey, such as those in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. The subsequent verse, [Acts 20:3](/acts/20-3 "Paul's three-month stay in Greece"), further specifies his extended stay of three months in Greece, presumably centered in Corinth, before his plans to sail for Syria were thwarted by Jewish plots, leading to his return via Macedonia.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey through "those parts" (Macedonia) and into "Greece" (the Roman province of Achaia) placed him in significant urban centers of the Roman Empire. Macedonia, located north of Greece proper, was home to cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, where Paul had previously established churches and faced both acceptance and persecution ([Acts 16:11-17:15](/acts/16-11-17-15 "Paul's Ministry in Macedonia")). Greece, specifically Achaia, was the location of Corinth, a major port city known for its diverse population, wealth, and moral complexities, where Paul had spent considerable time and faced significant challenges ([Acts 18:1-17](/acts/18-1-17 "Paul's Ministry in Corinth")). Traveling through these regions involved navigating Roman roads and sea routes, often fraught with dangers from bandits, storms, and hostile opposition. The "exhortation" he provided would have been crucial for strengthening believers living in a predominantly pagan society, facing social pressures, philosophical challenges, and internal church issues.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:2 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it exemplifies **Apostolic Diligence and Perseverance**, showcasing Paul's tireless commitment to the Great Commission, constantly traveling and ministering despite past opposition and future uncertainties. His movements underscore the dynamic, itinerant nature of early Christian missions, driven by a divine mandate to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission in Acts")). Secondly, the phrase "had given them much exhortation" highlights the theme of **Pastoral Care and Discipleship**. Paul's ministry was not merely evangelistic but deeply pastoral, focused on nurturing, teaching, and strengthening existing believers. This continuous follow-up was essential for the growth and stability of the nascent churches, reflecting the importance of spiritual formation beyond initial conversion. This aligns with Paul's broader emphasis on building up the body of Christ, as seen in his letters, such as [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Equipping the Saints for Ministry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gone over (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** (G1330) This verb signifies to traverse, pass through, or go about. In Acts 20:2, it emphasizes the extensive nature of Paul's travels through the various "parts" of Macedonia. It suggests a thorough and deliberate journey, implying that Paul did not merely pass by but actively engaged with the communities in these regions, fulfilling his pastoral duties. This word underscores the physical effort and dedication involved in his missionary endeavors.
* **exhortation (Greek, _parakaléō'_ & _lógos'_):** (G3870 & G3056) The KJV translates "exhortation" from a combination of the verbal idea of G3870 (*parakaléō*), "to call near, invite, invoke, beseech, comfort, desire, give exhortation," and the noun G3056 (*lógos*), "something said, a word, discourse." Together, they convey the idea of earnest, persuasive discourse aimed at strengthening, encouraging, comforting, and admonishing believers. This was not casual advice but substantive spiritual instruction and encouragement, intended to build up the faith and moral conduct of the Christians in Macedonia. It encompasses both the act of urging and the content of the message.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** (G2064) This primary verb means "to come or go" in a wide variety of applications. Here, it denotes Paul's arrival in Greece after his extensive ministry in Macedonia. It marks a decisive transition in his journey, signaling the completion of one phase of his ministry and the commencement of another. Coupled with "into Greece" (*eis Hellás*, G1519 + G1671), it precisely locates the next geographical destination of his apostolic work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had gone over those parts":** This clause describes Paul's methodical and comprehensive journey through the various districts or regions of Macedonia. It implies a period of significant travel and ministry, likely involving visits to the churches he had previously established (e.g., Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) to check on their spiritual health and provide ongoing instruction. The use of "those parts" suggests a general but extensive itinerary within the Macedonian province.
* **"and had given them much exhortation":** This phrase reveals the primary nature of Paul's activity during his travels through Macedonia. His "exhortation" was not a fleeting word but "much" (G4183, *polýs*), indicating a substantial and sustained effort of teaching, encouragement, comfort, and admonition. This underscores his deep pastoral concern for the believers, aiming to strengthen their faith, resolve internal conflicts, and equip them to live godly lives amidst challenging circumstances.
* **"he came into Greece":** This final clause marks the culmination of his Macedonian ministry and his arrival in the Roman province of Achaia, commonly known as Greece. This geographical transition signifies the next major phase of his journey, where he would spend three months, likely ministering to the church in Corinth and other surrounding communities. It highlights the continuous, purposeful movement characteristic of Paul's missionary strategy.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 20:2 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. The passage functions as a concise **Itinerary/Travelogue**, efficiently detailing Paul's geographical movements and the progression of his missionary journey. This device provides a clear, chronological framework for understanding the scope and reach of his ministry. Furthermore, the phrase "had given them much exhortation" serves as a form of **Conciseness** or **Summary Statement**, encapsulating a significant period of intense pastoral activity into a brief, impactful declaration. This brevity allows the narrative to move forward while still conveying the depth of Paul's engagement. Finally, the emphasis on "much exhortation" highlights a **Pastoral Emphasis**, underscoring the nurturing and strengthening aspect of Paul's ministry as a core component of his apostolic work, beyond mere evangelism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:2 powerfully illustrates the essential nature of ongoing pastoral care and discipleship within the early church. Paul's commitment to revisiting and strengthening the churches he founded underscores the biblical principle that conversion is just the beginning of the Christian journey. True spiritual growth requires consistent teaching, encouragement, and guidance, especially in the face of external pressures and internal challenges. This diligent "exhortation" was critical for consolidating faith, fostering unity, and equipping believers for ministry, reflecting God's desire for His people to mature in Christ. It also highlights the sacrificial and often arduous nature of faithful ministry, demanding perseverance and a deep love for God's flock.

* [1 Thessalonians 2:11-12](/1_thessalonians/2-11-12 "Paul's Exhortation to the Thessalonians")
* [Hebrews 3:13](/hebrews/3-13 "Exhortation to Encourage One Another Daily")
* [Colossians 1:28-29](/colossians/1-28-29 "Paul's Toil for Every Person's Maturity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:2 offers profound lessons for believers and leaders today. Paul's example of diligently traveling and providing "much exhortation" reminds us that spiritual growth is an ongoing process that requires consistent nourishment. For those in leadership, it underscores the vital importance of not only evangelism but also dedicated, comprehensive, and sacrificial pastoral care. It calls us to be present with those we serve, to invest deeply in their spiritual well-being, and to offer robust teaching and encouragement that strengthens faith and equips for godly living. For every believer, it highlights the reciprocal responsibility to both receive and offer "exhortation"—to actively seek spiritual nourishment from God's Word and godly leaders, and to be a source of encouragement and spiritual support for fellow members of the body of Christ. In a world that constantly pulls us away from spiritual disciplines, Paul's tireless commitment challenges us to prioritize intentional spiritual growth and mutual edification within our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's "much exhortation" challenge my understanding of what it means to truly care for others' spiritual well-being?**
* **In what ways can I, both as a leader and a member, contribute to the "exhortation" and strengthening of my local church community?**
* **What specific "parts" of my life or spiritual journey need the kind of diligent "exhortation" Paul offered, and how can I seek that out?**
* **How does Paul's perseverance in travel and ministry, despite past difficulties, inspire me to overcome obstacles in my own service to God?**

### FAQ

**What does "exhortation" mean in this context, and why was it so important?**

Answer: In Acts 20:2, "exhortation" (from the Greek *parakaléō* and *lógos*) refers to a comprehensive form of spiritual communication that includes urging, encouraging, comforting, admonishing, and teaching. It was crucial because the early Christian communities, especially those in Macedonia and Greece, were nascent and often faced significant external pressures from pagan society, internal conflicts, and doctrinal misunderstandings. Paul's "much exhortation" provided the necessary spiritual nourishment, guidance, and strengthening to help these believers persevere in their faith, grow in maturity, and live out their Christian calling effectively. It was foundational for building up the church and equipping its members, as Paul often emphasized the importance of sound doctrine and godly living (e.g., [Titus 2:1-10](/titus/2-1-10 "Sound Doctrine and Godly Living")).

**What was Paul's primary purpose in revisiting these regions during his third missionary journey?**

Answer: Paul's primary purpose in revisiting the regions of Macedonia and Greece during his third missionary journey was multifaceted, extending beyond initial evangelism. It was fundamentally about **pastoral care and discipleship**. Having established churches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth during his previous journeys, Paul felt a deep responsibility to nurture these young communities. His visits aimed to strengthen the believers in their faith, address any emerging issues or false teachings, provide further instruction, and encourage them to persevere amidst trials. This consistent follow-up was vital for the stability and growth of the early church, demonstrating Paul's commitment to seeing believers mature in Christ, as he articulated in [Colossians 1:28](/colossians/1-28 "Paul's Goal: Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's diligent travel and profound "exhortation" in Acts 20:2 find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Paul's tireless itinerancy mirrors the very mission of Christ, who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Jesus: The Suffering Servant")). Just as Jesus traversed Galilee and Judea, teaching and healing, Paul, as Christ's apostle, faithfully extended that saving and sanctifying work across the Gentile world. Secondly, the "much exhortation" Paul delivered is a direct continuation of Christ's own ministry of teaching and comfort. Jesus, the ultimate "Paraclete" or Comforter, promised His disciples the Holy Spirit to continue His work of teaching and reminding them of all He had said ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Reminder")). Paul, filled with that same Spirit, delivered words that were not merely his own, but the very "word of Christ" ([Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly Within You")), designed to build up, encourage, and mature the body of Christ. Thus, Paul's pastoral heart and tireless efforts are a living embodiment of Christ's ongoing care for His church, demonstrating how the Good Shepherd continues to tend His flock through His faithful servants until His glorious return ([1 Peter 5:2-4](/1_peter/5-2-4 "Shepherd the Flock of God Among You")).

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 2:3

For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

1 Thessalonians 4:1

¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1 Thessalonians 2:11

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

Acts 20:11

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Zechariah 9:13

When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Acts 15:41

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.