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.

◄ 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.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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

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.

Berean Study Bible

And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia
This phrase marks a significant moment in Paul's missionary journey. Silas and Timothy were trusted companions of Paul, and their arrival from Macedonia brought encouragement and support. The Greek word for "came down" (κατέβησαν, katēbesan) suggests a descent, indicating the geographical movement from the higher regions of Macedonia to Corinth. Historically, Macedonia was a Roman province, and the journey would have been arduous, reflecting the dedication of these early Christian missionaries. Their arrival likely provided Paul with both emotional support and news from the churches in Macedonia, which he had previously established.

Paul was consumed with preaching the word
The phrase "consumed with preaching" indicates Paul's intense dedication and focus. The Greek word for "consumed" (συνείχετο, syneicheto) can also mean "compelled" or "pressed," suggesting an inner drive or necessity. This reflects Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission, driven by the Holy Spirit. The "word" refers to the Gospel message, the good news of Jesus Christ. In a historical context, Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city, full of diverse beliefs and practices. Paul's fervor in preaching amidst such a backdrop highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the urgency he felt in sharing it.

testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ
The act of "testifying" (διαμαρτυρόμενος, diamartyromenos) implies a solemn declaration or witness. Paul, a Jew himself, understood the importance of connecting with his Jewish audience by affirming that Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures. The term "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." This declaration was radical and controversial, as many Jews were expecting a different kind of Messiah. Paul's testimony was not just a proclamation but an invitation to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises, urging his listeners to embrace the new covenant through faith in Christ. This reflects the early church's mission to bridge the old and new, showing continuity in God's redemptive plan.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

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.

Links

Acts 18:5 NIV
Acts 18:5 NLT
Acts 18:5 ESV
Acts 18:5 NASB
Acts 18:5 KJV

Acts 18:5 BibleApps.com
Acts 18:5 Biblia Paralela
Acts 18:5 Chinese Bible
Acts 18:5 French Bible
Acts 18:5 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 18:5 But when Silas and Timothy came down (Acts of the Apostles Ac)