Acts 20:6

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Acts 20:6 marks a significant point in the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, detailing his movements and timing after departing from Philippi.

Context

This verse is part of the "we" sections of Acts, indicating that Luke, the author, has rejoined Paul and his companions. Following a period in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul had established a church (see the book of Philippians), Paul and his team set sail. The mention of "after the days of unleavened bread" is a crucial chronological marker, placing this event in the spring, immediately following the Jewish Passover festival. This timing suggests either Paul's observance of the festival or simply its use as a common calendar reference point for the early Christians. Their journey took them five days to reach Troas, a major port city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), where they planned to stay for seven days, setting the stage for the important events described in the verses that follow, particularly the famous incident with Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12).

Key Themes

  • Missionary Travel and Logistics: The verse highlights the practicalities and duration of early Christian missionary efforts, involving sea travel and planned stays. It underscores the commitment required to spread the Gospel across vast distances.
  • Chronological Markers: The reference to "the days of unleavened bread" demonstrates how the early church, though increasingly Gentile in composition, still operated within a framework influenced by Jewish customs and calendar events for dating and context.
  • Fellowship and Community: The seven-day stay in Troas suggests a deliberate period for teaching, fellowship, and worship with the local believers, a common practice in Paul's ministry. This extended stay emphasizes the importance of assembling together.
  • Luke's Eyewitness Testimony: The use of "we" reinforces the historical reliability of the account, as Luke himself was present for these events, providing a firsthand perspective.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "days of unleavened bread" (Greek: azymos) refers to the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed Passover. This annual festival commemorated the hasty departure of the Israelites from Egypt, during which they had no time to allow their bread to rise. The term "abode" (Greek: diamenล) signifies that they remained or stayed continuously for the specified seven days.

Practical Application

Acts 20:6 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Intentional Ministry: Paul's journey was not haphazard but carefully planned, demonstrating the importance of intentionality and strategy in serving God.
  • Valuing Community: The seven-day stay in Troas underscores the significance of spending quality time with fellow believers for mutual encouragement, teaching, and worship.
  • God's Timing: Just as Paul's movements were often guided by specific times and seasons, believers today can trust in God's perfect timing for their lives and ministries.
  • Historical Reliability: The precise details and personal involvement of the author (Luke) in this account strengthen our confidence in the historical accuracy of the New Testament narratives.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 12:3 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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.