Acts 18:5
New International Version
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

New Living Translation
And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

English Standard Version
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Now when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, earnestly testifying to the Jews Jesus to be the Christ.

King James Bible
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

New King James Version
When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

New American Standard Bible
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

NASB 1995
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

NASB 1977
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

Legacy Standard Bible
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly bearing witness to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Amplified Bible
but when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia (northern Greece), Paul began devoting himself completely to [preaching] the word, and solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

Christian Standard Bible
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself to preaching the word and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with preaching the message and solemnly testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

American Standard Version
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

Contemporary English Version
But after Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, he spent all his time preaching to the Jews about Jesus the Messiah.

English Revised Version
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted all his time to teaching the word of God. He assured the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

Good News Translation
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul gave his whole time to preaching the message, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

International Standard Version
But when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself entirely to the word as he emphatically assured the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

Majority Standard Bible
And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

NET Bible
Now when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul became wholly absorbed with proclaiming the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

New Heart English Bible
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in spirit, and testified to the Jews, that Jesus was Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
Now at the time when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was preaching fervently and was solemnly telling the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

World English Bible
When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when both Silas and Timotheus came down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, testifying fully to the Jews Jesus the Christ;

Berean Literal Bible
Now when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, earnestly testifying to the Jews Jesus to be the Christ.

Young's Literal Translation
And when both Silas and Timotheus came down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, testifying fully to the Jews Jesus the Christ;

Smith's Literal Translation
And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was oppressed in spirit, testifying to the Jews Jesus Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was earnest in preaching, testifying to the Jews, that Jesus is the Christ.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Silas and Timothy had arrived from Macedonia, Paul stood firm in the Word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

New American Bible
When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began to occupy himself totally with preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with proclaiming the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when Silas and Ti-mo’the-us came from Mac-e-do’ni-a, Paul felt he was not free to speak, because the Jews opposed him and blasphemed as he testified that Jesus is the Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when Shila and Timotheos had come from Macedonia, Paulus was constrained in the word because the Jews were opposing him and blaspheming as he was testifying to them that Yeshua is The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul was roused in spirit, and earnestly testified to the Jews, that the Christ was Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was straitened with the word, witnessing to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Haweis New Testament
And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul felt a strong impulse on his spirit, and forcibly testified to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah.

Mace New Testament
and when Silas and Timothy were arriv'd from Macedonia, Paul with great concern remonstrated to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah:

Weymouth New Testament
Now at the time when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was preaching fervently and was solemnly telling the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Worrell New Testament
And, when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was being constrained by the word, fully testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Worsley New Testament
And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was very urgent in spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. 5And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.”

1 Corinthians 2:2
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

1 Corinthians 9:16
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Thessalonians 2:2
As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

Romans 9:1-3
I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. / I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. / For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

Romans 10:1
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:23
but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. / By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. / For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ...

Philippians 1:18
What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Galatians 1:16
to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Isaiah 53:1
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?


Treasury of Scripture

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Silas.

Acts 17:14,15
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still…

1 Thessalonians 3:2
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

was.

Acts 4:20
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Acts 17:16
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Job 32:18-20
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me…

and testified.

Acts 18:28
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Acts 2:36
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 9:22
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

was Christ.

Daniel 9:25,26
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times…

John 1:41
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

John 3:28
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

Jump to Previous
Arrived Christ Compelled Completely Constrained Devoted Devoting Exclusively Fervently Fully Jesus Jews Macedonia Macedo'nia Occupied Paul Preaching Pressed Silas Solemnly Spirit Telling Testified Testifying Time Timotheus Timothy Word
Jump to Next
Arrived Christ Compelled Completely Constrained Devoted Devoting Exclusively Fervently Fully Jesus Jews Macedonia Macedo'nia Occupied Paul Preaching Pressed Silas Solemnly Spirit Telling Testified Testifying Time Timotheus Timothy Word
Acts 18
1. Paul labors with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles.
9. The Lord encourages him in a vision.
12. He is accused before Gallio the deputy, but is dismissed.
18. Afterwards passing from city to city, he strengthens the disciples.
24. Apollos, being instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches Christ boldly.














And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia
Silas and Timothy were key companions of Paul in his missionary journeys. Their arrival from Macedonia is significant as it marks a transition in Paul's ministry in Corinth. Macedonia, a region in Northern Greece, was where Paul had previously established churches in cities like Philippi and Thessalonica. The arrival of Silas and Timothy likely brought encouragement and possibly financial support, as suggested in 2 Corinthians 11:9 and Philippians 4:15, allowing Paul to focus more on his ministry. This moment underscores the importance of teamwork and support in early Christian missions.

Paul devoted himself fully to the word
Paul's dedication to the word indicates a shift from his tent-making work to full-time ministry. This devotion highlights the priority of preaching and teaching in Paul's mission. The "word" refers to the gospel message, which Paul was committed to spreading. This phrase emphasizes the importance of the proclamation of the gospel as central to the mission of the early church. Paul's commitment serves as a model for Christian ministry, demonstrating the need for focus and dedication in spreading the message of Christ.

testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ
Paul's primary audience in the synagogues was the Jewish community. His testimony that "Jesus is the Christ" is a declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. This message was central to Paul's preaching, as he sought to show that Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies found in passages like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. The term "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," and Paul's insistence on this point was often met with resistance, as seen in other parts of Acts. This phrase underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
A key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this passage, he is in Corinth, focused on preaching the gospel.

2. Silas
A leader in the early church and a companion of Paul. He had previously been sent to Macedonia and now joins Paul in Corinth.

3. Timothy
A young disciple and close associate of Paul. He also comes from Macedonia to support Paul in his ministry.

4. Macedonia
A region in Northern Greece where Paul had previously established churches. Silas and Timothy were sent there before rejoining Paul.

5. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece where Paul is currently ministering. Known for its diverse population and significant trade, it was a strategic location for spreading the gospel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Teamwork in Ministry
Paul’s ministry was strengthened by the arrival of Silas and Timothy. This highlights the importance of collaboration and support in Christian ministry.

The Centrality of Preaching Christ
Paul was "consumed with preaching the word," emphasizing the necessity of proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. This should be the focus of all Christian teaching and evangelism.

Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Despite challenges, Paul continued to testify to the Jews. This teaches us to remain steadfast in our witness, even when faced with resistance.

The Role of Encouragement and Support
The arrival of Silas and Timothy likely provided Paul with encouragement and resources, reminding us of the importance of supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

The Strategic Nature of Ministry Locations
Paul’s choice of Corinth as a ministry base shows the value of strategic planning in spreading the gospel. We should consider how our locations and contexts can be used effectively for God’s work.(5) And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia.--We learn from 1Thessalonians 2:18, that the latter had come to St. Paul at Athens, but had been almost immediately sent back to Thessalonica to bring further news about the converts, for whose trials the Apostle felt so much sympathy and anxiety. They brought a good report of their faith and love (1Thessalonians 3:6), possibly also fresh proofs of their personal regard, and that of the Philippians, in the form of gifts (2Corinthians 11:9). This may, however, refer to a later occasion. The First Epistle to the Thessalonians was probably sent back by the brethren who had accompanied Silas and Timotheus on their journey to Corinth. The reader will note the parallelism (1) between the passage in 1Thessalonians 4:16-17, which treats of the Second Advent, with the teaching of 1Corinthians 15:51-52, and (2) between the few words as to spiritual gifts, in 1Thessalonians 5:19-21, with the fuller treatment of the same subject in 1 Corinthians 12-14. . . . Verse 5. - But for and, A.V.; Timothy for Timotheus, A.V.; came down for were come down, A.V.; constrained by the Word for pressed in spirit, A.V. and T.R.; testifying for and testified, A.V.; the Christ for Christ, A.V. When Silas and Timothy, etc. It is probable that Silas had returned by St. Paul's directions to Beraea, and Timothy to Thessalonica from Athens. If there were extant a letter of Paul to the Beraeans, it would probably mention his sending back Silas to them, just as the Epistle to the Thessalonians mentions his sending Timothy to them. Now they both come to Corinth from Macedonia, which includes Beraea and Thessalonica. If they came by sea, they would probably sail together from Dium to Cenchreae (see Acts 17:14, note). Was constrained by the Word. As an English phrase, this is almost destitute of meaning. If the R.T. is right, and it has very strong manuscript authority, the words συνείχετο τῷ λόγῳ mean that he was seized, taken possession of, and as it were bound by the necessity of preaching the Word, constrained as it were to preach more earnestly than ever. In St. Luke συνέχεσθαι is a medical term: in Luke 4:28, R.T., "Holden with a great fever;" Luke 8:37, "Holden with a great fear;" Acts 28:8, "Sick of fever and dysentery;" and so frequently in medical writers ('Medical Language of St. Luke,' Hobart). But it is worth considering whether συνείχετο is not in the middle voice, with the sense belonging to συνεχής, i.e. "continuous," "unbroken," and so that the phrase means that, after the arrival of Silas and Timothy, St. Paul gave himself up to continuous preaching. St. Luke has not infrequently a use of words peculiar to himself. The Vulgate rendering, instabat verbo, seems so to understand it. It was probably soon after the arrival of Silas and Timothy that St. Paul wrote his First Epistle to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2, 6). The Second Epistle followed some time before St. Paul left Corinth. If the T.R., τῷ πνεύματι, is right, it must be construed, "constrained by the Spirit," in accordance with Greek usage. Testifying, etc. Note how different St. Paul's preaching in the synagogue was from his preaching in the Areopagus.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

when
Ὡς (Hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

Silas
Σιλᾶς (Silas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4609: Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul. Contraction for Silouanos; Silas, a Christian.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Timothy
Τιμόθεος (Timotheos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5095: Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian.

came down
κατῆλθον (katēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2718: From kata and erchomai; to come down.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

Macedonia,
Μακεδονίας (Makedonias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3109: (Hebrew), Macedonia, a Roman province north of Achaia (Greece). From Makedon; Macedonia, a region of Greece.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

devoted himself fully
συνείχετο (syneicheto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4912: From sun and echo; to hold together, i.e. To compress or arrest; figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word,
λόγῳ (logō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

testifying
διαμαρτυρόμενος (diamartyromenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1263: To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews
Ἰουδαίοις (Ioudaiois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

[that] Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

is
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Christ.
Χριστὸν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.


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