Acts 18:5
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
when
G5613
Ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 23
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅ
G3588
ὅ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 23
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 #:
11 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνείχετο
was pressed
G4912
συνείχετο
was pressed
Strong's:
G4912
Word #:
13 of 23
to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
in the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
in the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
17 of 23
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
διαμαρτυρόμενος
and testified
G1263
διαμαρτυρόμενος
and testified
Strong's:
G1263
Word #:
18 of 23
to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:Acts 20:21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 17:3Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.Acts 18:28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.Acts 9:22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.Jeremiah 6:11Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.Ezekiel 3:14So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.Acts 2:36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Historical Context
The Macedonian churches' support enabled Paul's transition from bivocational to full-time ministry. This partnership model influenced Paul's teaching on missionary support.
Questions for Reflection
- How does partnership support enable more intensive ministry?
- What does 'pressed in spirit' suggest about Spirit-led urgency?
Analysis & Commentary
Silas and Timothy's arrival from Macedonia allowed Paul to be 'pressed in the spirit' and 'testify to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.' Their arrival likely included financial support (2 Corinthians 11:9, Philippians 4:15) freeing Paul for full-time ministry.