Bible Strands
Acts 17:15
Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records the immediate aftermath of the Berean believers sending Paul to the coast while Silas and Timothy remain behind. The account captures the moment the escort party delivers Paul to Athens and prepares to return for further orders.
The words — καθιστῶντες (kathistōntes) literally means seeing someone safely to a destination or escorting. ἤγαγον (ēgagon) specifies the completed action of bringing Paul to Athens.
The thread — The escort's return trip directly precedes the arrival of Silas and Timothy in Acts 18:5 and Paul's subsequent departure for Corinth in Acts 18:1. This logistical sequence establishes the timeline for the waiting period described in 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
Why it lands — The text states that Paul's ministry depended on coordinated travel and delayed reinforcement from his companions. It requires the reader to acknowledge the practical reality of waiting in a culturally hostile city before the next phase of work can begin.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
Cross-references
- Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:1 So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens.
- Acts 18:1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
- Titus 3:12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
- Acts 15:3 Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers.
- Acts 17:16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols.
- Acts 17:21 Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas.
- 2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus has remained at Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus.