Acts 17:14
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
3 of 22
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλον
Paul
G3972
Παῦλον
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
5 of 22
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἐξαπέστειλαν
sent away
G1821
ἐξαπέστειλαν
sent away
Strong's:
G1821
Word #:
6 of 22
to send away forth, i.e., (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
8 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
πορεύεσθαι
to go
G4198
πορεύεσθαι
to go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
9 of 22
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
ὡς
as it were
G5613
ὡς
as it were
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπέμενον
abode
G5278
ὑπέμενον
abode
Strong's:
G5278
Word #:
14 of 22
to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere
ὅ
G3588
ὅ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 17:10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.Acts 16:1Then 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:
Historical Context
Paul's second missionary journey (AD 49-52) faced repeated Jewish opposition. Berea, southwest of Thessalonica, provided a brief respite where noble-minded Jews examined Scripture daily (v. 11). But Thessalonian agitators pursued Paul even there, forcing another hasty departure. The pattern—preach, persecution, pivot—characterized early church expansion.
Questions for Reflection
- When does spiritual courage require standing firm, and when does it require strategic withdrawal to continue God's work elsewhere?
- How does Paul's willingness to leave Silas and Timothy behind challenge individualistic versus team-based approaches to ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul—The Berean believers acted with protective urgency (εὐθέως, eutheōs) when hostile Jews from Thessalonica arrived to stir up persecution (v. 13). This strategic withdrawal demonstrates biblical wisdom: courage doesn't require foolish exposure to danger when the mission can continue elsewhere.
To go as it were to the sea (ὡς ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν)—The phrase 'as it were' suggests either
He eventually sailed to Athens (v. 15). Meanwhile, Silas and Timotheus abode there still—the team divided strategically to maximize ministry impact while protecting Paul, the primary target. This models apostolic adaptability: persecution doesn't halt the gospel; it redistributes workers.