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

ACTS 18:5KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 18:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:5 mean?

Acts 18:5 describes how, when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul became strongly motivated in his spirit and began to clearly declare to the Jewish people that Jesus is the Messiah. The verse highlights a turning point in Paul’s ministry in Corinth, where he shifts to openly testifying about Jesus.

Paul is in Corinth, speaking to the local Jewish community. Silas and Timothy, two of his close companions, join him after traveling from Macedonia. Their arrival seems to encourage Paul, leading him to focus more intently on sharing the message that Jesus is the Christ, a central claim in early Christian teaching.

The Greek behind Acts 18:5

  • The word "pressed" (συνείχετο, syneicheto, from G4912) is often understood as "compelled" or "urged on." In this context, it suggests Paul felt a strong inner drive or pressure in his spirit to speak out.
  • The word "spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma, from G4151) can mean a person’s inner being or motivation. Here, it likely refers to Paul’s own spirit, indicating his personal conviction and determination.
  • The word "testified" (διαμαρτύρετο, diamartyreto, from G1263) means to give a strong, solemn witness. Paul is not just sharing information; he is earnestly declaring what he believes to be true.

Why Acts 18:5 matters

  • Acts 18:5 shows how the support and presence of fellow believers can strengthen someone’s resolve and boldness in sharing their faith.
  • The verse marks a shift in Paul’s approach, from reasoning quietly to openly and forcefully proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah to the Jews in Corinth.
  • This moment connects to the wider story of Acts, where Paul’s ministry often pivots based on the response of his listeners and the encouragement he receives from his companions.

Where else these words appear

“pressed” Greek G4912 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
  • Acts 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

“Silas” Greek G4609 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
  • Acts 15:40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
  • Acts 17:4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

“come” Greek G2718 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
  • Acts 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

“testified” Greek G1263 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
  • Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.