Acts 20:6

KJV

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} we {G2249} sailed away {G1602} from {G575} Philippi {G5375} after {G3326} the days {G2250} of unleavened bread {G106}, and {G2532} came {G2064} unto {G4314} them {G846} to {G1519} Troas {G5174} in {G891} five {G4002} days {G2250}; where {G3757} we abode {G1304} seven {G2033} days {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while we sailed from Philippi after the Days of Matzah. Five days later, we met them in Troas, where we spent a week.

Berean Standard Bible

And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days.

American Standard Version

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we tarried seven days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:6 details a specific segment of Paul's third missionary journey, chronicling the precise timing and duration of his sea voyage from Philippi to Troas. Following the Jewish festival of Unleavened Bread, Paul and his companions, including the author Luke, embarked on a five-day journey by ship to Troas, where they then remained for seven days, setting the stage for significant ministry and fellowship with the local believers. This verse provides crucial chronological and geographical markers, underscoring the intentionality and practicalities of early apostolic missions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:6 is situated within the "we" sections of the book of Acts, which indicate Luke's direct participation and eyewitness account of the events described. This verse immediately follows Paul's departure from Greece and Macedonia, particularly Philippi, after a period of significant ministry and encouragement to the churches there. It marks the beginning of Paul's return journey towards Jerusalem, a journey fraught with premonitions of suffering, as revealed in his later farewell speeches to the Ephesian elders in [Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Acts 20:17-38 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders"). The verse sets the scene for the extended stay in Troas, which includes the notable incident of Eutychus falling from a window during Paul's lengthy sermon, recounted in [Acts 20:7-12](/acts/20-7-12 "Acts 20:7-12 - The Raising of Eutychus"). The meticulous detail regarding travel time and duration of stay highlights Luke's commitment to historical accuracy and provides a clear narrative progression for Paul's final journey to Jerusalem.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, a significant center where Paul had established a strong church, as evidenced by his Epistle to the Philippians. Troas, located on the northwest coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was a major port city and a strategic hub for travel between Europe and Asia. The reference to "after the days of unleavened bread" is a crucial chronological marker, indicating the timing of their departure immediately following the Jewish Passover festival, which typically occurred in early spring. This suggests that Paul either observed the festival with the Jewish Christians in Philippi or used it as a widely recognized calendar reference point, even for Gentile audiences. Sea travel was common for long distances, and the five-day journey to Troas, followed by a seven-day stay, reflects the typical pace of ancient travel and the intentionality of Paul's ministry, allowing for extended teaching and fellowship with local communities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it exemplifies **Missionary Travel and Logistics**, showcasing the practical aspects of spreading the Gospel across vast geographical distances, involving careful planning, sea voyages, and extended stays in strategic locations. Secondly, the mention of "the days of unleavened bread" highlights the **Chronological Markers** that often tied early Christian events to the Jewish calendar, even as the church grew increasingly Gentile. This demonstrates the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New, and how early believers, whether Jewish or Gentile, understood time within this framework. Thirdly, the seven-day "abode" in Troas underscores the importance of **Fellowship and Community** in the early church, emphasizing the deliberate time spent in teaching, worship, and mutual encouragement with local believers, a practice central to Paul's pastoral approach as seen throughout his letters and travels. Finally, the "we" pronoun reinforces **Luke's Eyewitness Testimony**, lending historical credibility and a personal touch to the narrative of Paul's third missionary journey, affirming the reliability of the biblical account.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **unleavened bread (Greek, _ázymos'_):** From a negative particle and "leaven," referring to something "unleavened," which can figuratively mean "uncorrupted." In its neutral plural form, it specifically implies "the Passover week." This term precisely dates Paul's departure to the period immediately following the Passover festival, emphasizing the Jewish calendar's continued relevance for early Christian chronology.
* **sailed away (Greek, _ekpléō'_):** Derived from "out of" and "to sail," this verb literally means "to depart by ship." It concisely describes the mode of travel Paul and his companions employed, highlighting the maritime nature of much of their missionary journeys and the reliance on sea routes for inter-regional travel in the Roman world.
* **abode (Greek, _diatríbō'_):** Formed from "through" and a base meaning "to wear through (time)," this word signifies "to remain," "to continue," or "to tarry." It implies a deliberate and continuous stay for the specified duration, indicating that Paul and his team intentionally spent a full week in Troas for ministry, teaching, and fellowship, not merely a brief stopover.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread,"**: This clause establishes the starting point of this leg of the journey (Philippi), the mode of transport (sailing), and a precise chronological marker (after the Feast of Unleavened Bread). The "we" indicates Luke's presence, adding an eyewitness dimension to the narrative. The timing is significant, placing the journey in the spring, immediately following a major Jewish festival, which likely influenced travel patterns and the availability of ships.
* **"and came unto them to Troas in five days;"**: This segment details the destination (Troas), the duration of the sea voyage (five days), and implies a reunion with "them," likely referring to members of Paul's wider traveling party or local believers who had gone ahead or were awaiting them. The five-day journey provides a concrete sense of the time and effort involved in ancient travel, emphasizing the commitment required for missionary endeavors.
* **"where we abode seven days."**: This final clause specifies the length of their stay in Troas (seven days). This extended duration signifies more than a mere layover; it suggests a deliberate period dedicated to ministry, teaching, fellowship, and potentially worship with the local Christian community. This intentional allocation of time for spiritual nourishment and community building was characteristic of Paul's missionary strategy.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 20:6 employs several effective **Literary Devices**. The use of the **"we" pronoun** is a prominent feature, serving as a powerful form of **Eyewitness Testimony**, lending unparalleled historical authenticity and immediacy to the account. This personal involvement of the author reinforces the reliability of the events described. The verse also utilizes **Chronological Markers** ("after the days of unleavened bread") and **Geographical Detail** ("from Philippi," "to Troas") to ground the narrative firmly in time and space, providing a precise framework for the journey. This meticulous detail contributes to the overall **Narrative Progression**, smoothly transitioning Paul's journey from Macedonia to Asia Minor and setting the stage for the significant events that follow in Troas, particularly the extended period of teaching and the incident involving Eutychus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:6, though seemingly a simple travelogue, carries profound theological and thematic weight, illustrating the disciplined and purposeful nature of early Christian mission. It highlights God's sovereignty over time and travel, as Paul's movements are precisely timed, often coinciding with significant Jewish festivals, subtly underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan. The deliberate seven-day stay in Troas emphasizes the foundational importance of Christian community, fellowship, and the consistent teaching of God's Word as central to the church's health and growth. This pattern of intentional engagement with local believers is a recurring theme in Paul's ministry, demonstrating that the spread of the Gospel was not merely about initial proclamation but also about nurturing and strengthening established communities.

* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake Assembling Together")
* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")
* [1 Corinthians 16:8](/1_corinthians/16-8 "1 Corinthians 16:8 - Paul's Plan to Stay in Ephesus Until Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:6 invites us to reflect on the intentionality and endurance required for faithful Christian living and ministry. Paul's journey was not haphazard but strategically planned, demonstrating the importance of prayerful discernment and diligent execution in our own callings. The emphasis on "abiding" for seven days in Troas serves as a powerful reminder of the value of sustained community and deep fellowship. In a world that often prioritizes speed and superficial connections, this verse calls us to invest quality time in building up the body of Christ, engaging in consistent teaching, and sharing life with fellow believers. It also encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing, recognizing that just as Paul's movements were guided by divine providence, so too are our lives orchestrated by a sovereign God who works all things for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the intentionality of Paul's journey challenge my own approach to ministry and daily life?**
* **What does the seven-day stay in Troas teach me about the importance of community and sustained fellowship in my spiritual walk?**
* **In what ways can I better align my personal schedule and priorities with God's timing and purposes?**
* **How does Luke's eyewitness account strengthen my faith in the historical reliability of the New Testament?**

### FAQ
**Why is the mention of "after the days of unleavened bread" significant?**

Answer: The phrase "after the days of unleavened bread" is highly significant because it provides a precise chronological marker for Paul's departure from Philippi. The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed Passover, typically occurring in the spring (March/April). This detail not only helps to date Paul's movements accurately within the broader timeline of his third missionary journey but also subtly connects the early Christian narrative to the Jewish calendar and its foundational festivals. For Jewish believers, this would have been a familiar and meaningful reference point, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. For the expanding Gentile church, it served as a fixed point in time, demonstrating how early Christian life and travel were often interwoven with existing cultural and religious calendars. It also implies that Paul and his companions may have observed this festival, or at least waited until it concluded, before resuming their journey, underscoring the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.

**What is the significance of Paul and his companions "abiding seven days" in Troas?**

Answer: The decision to "abide seven days" in Troas indicates a deliberate and extended stay, signifying more than just a brief stopover for travel logistics. This duration was likely chosen to allow for substantial ministry, teaching, and fellowship with the local Christian community in Troas. In the early church, a week-long stay would provide ample opportunity for Paul to preach, teach, answer questions, encourage believers, and strengthen the nascent church. This practice aligns with Paul's broader missionary strategy, which involved not only evangelism but also the nurturing and discipling of new converts and established congregations. The events immediately following this verse, particularly the famous incident with Eutychus during Paul's lengthy sermon ([Acts 20:7-12](/acts/20-7-12 "Acts 20:7-12 - The Raising of Eutychus")), confirm that this was a period of intense spiritual activity and communal gathering. It underscores the importance of intentional, in-depth engagement with local churches for their spiritual growth and stability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:6, though a seemingly mundane travel detail, subtly points to Christ in its chronological and communal implications. The departure "after the days of unleavened bread" is a profound Christ-centered marker. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following Passover, commemorated Israel's hasty departure from Egypt, leaving no time for leaven (a symbol of sin) in their bread. This Old Testament observance finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our true Passover Lamb, sacrificed for our sins ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")). Just as Israel was called to remove leaven, believers are called to live lives free from the "leaven of malice and evil," embracing the "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Remove the Old Leaven")). Paul's journey, undertaken after this festival, signifies a life and ministry lived in the reality of Christ's perfect sacrifice and the new covenant purity it inaugurates. Furthermore, the seven-day "abode" in Troas, dedicated to fellowship and teaching, reflects Christ's own commitment to building His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Paul, as an apostle, was participating in Christ's ongoing mission to gather and nourish His people, preparing them for His glorious return ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). Thus, this verse, while detailing earthly travel, is deeply rooted in the redemptive work of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.

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

Acts 12:3

And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 12:15

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Exodus 23:15

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Acts 16:12

And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, [and] a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

1 Corinthians 5:7

¶ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

1 Corinthians 5:8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.