Acts 20:4

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

And {G1161} there accompanied {G4902} him {G846} into {G891} Asia {G773} Sopater {G4986} of Berea {G961}; and {G1161} of the Thessalonians {G2331}, Aristarchus {G708} and {G2532} Secundus {G4580}; and {G2532} Gaius {G1050} of Derbe {G1190}, and {G2532} Timotheus {G5095}; and {G1161} of Asia {G774}, Tychicus {G5190} and {G2532} Trophimus {G5161}.

Sopater from Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; as did Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

Acts 20:4 lists key individuals who accompanied the Apostle Paul on a significant leg of his third missionary journey. This verse provides a snapshot of the diverse team that supported Paul's ministry, highlighting the collaborative nature of early Christian missions.

Context

This verse is situated as Paul prepares to depart from Greece (likely Corinth) to return to Jerusalem, a journey fraught with danger and spiritual significance. The companions listed here represent various churches from Macedonia and Asia Minor, suggesting a broad network of support and perhaps indicating that they were also carrying contributions for the poor saints in Jerusalem, as Paul mentions later in Acts 24:17. Their presence underscores the communal aspect of evangelism and ministry in the early church.

Key Themes

  • Fellowship and Partnership in Ministry: Paul rarely traveled alone. The presence of these companions demonstrates the importance of teamwork and mutual support in spreading the Gospel.
  • Unity in Diversity: The men came from different cities and regions—Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, and Asia (the Roman province, including Ephesus)—yet were united in their mission with Paul.
  • Historical Veracity: Luke, the author of Acts, meticulously records these names, lending credibility and detail to his historical account of the early church.
  • Paul's Leadership and Influence: The fact that such a diverse group of individuals was willing to accompany Paul on a potentially dangerous journey speaks to his leadership and the profound impact of his ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves are Greek, common for the period. For instance, Sopater (likely Sosipater in Romans 16:21) from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe (not to be confused with other Gaius mentions), and Timotheus (Timothy), one of Paul's most trusted and frequently mentioned disciples and co-workers. Tychicus and Trophimus were from the province of Asia (likely Ephesus); both are mentioned in Paul's later epistles as trusted messengers (Ephesians 6:21-22, 2 Timothy 4:12, Colossians 4:7, Titus 3:12) and companions (Acts 21:29).

Significance and Application

Acts 20:4 reminds us that Christian ministry is a team effort. No single individual is meant to carry the burden alone. The early church thrived on the collaborative efforts of diverse individuals, each bringing their unique background and gifts to serve a common purpose. This verse encourages believers today to seek out and value fellowship, recognizing that the Body of Christ functions most effectively when its members work together, supporting one another in their shared commitment to the Gospel. It underscores the importance of community, mutual encouragement, and the distribution of responsibilities in fulfilling God's mission, mirroring the unity of the Spirit emphasized in Ephesians 4:3.

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.

  • Acts 19:29

    And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

  • 2 Timothy 4:20

    Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

  • Ephesians 6:21

    But that ye also may know my affairs, [and] how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

  • Acts 16:1

    ¶ Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek:

  • 2 Timothy 4:12

    And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

  • Acts 21:29

    (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

  • Titus 3:12

    When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

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