And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

ACTS 20:1KJV
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Acts 20:1 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:1 mean?

Acts 20:1 describes how, after a period of turmoil had ended, Paul gathered the disciples, said his farewells to them, and then left to travel to Macedonia. The verse highlights a moment of transition as Paul moves on from one phase of his ministry to another.

The setting is after a major disturbance in Ephesus, where Paul had been ministering. Once things calmed down, Paul called together the local followers of Jesus (the disciples), embraced them in a gesture of affection and encouragement, and then departed. This verse marks a turning point, showing Paul's care for the believers and his commitment to continue his mission elsewhere.

The Greek behind Acts 20:1

  • The word for "uproar" is θόρυβος (thorubos), which often refers to a noisy disturbance or riot. This points back to the serious unrest in Ephesus that prompted Paul's departure.
  • The verb "embraced" is ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai), which means to greet or embrace warmly. This shows the personal bond and affection Paul had for the disciples, not just a formal goodbye.
  • The phrase "departed for to go into Macedonia" uses πορεύομαι (poreuomai), meaning to travel or journey, and Μακεδονία (Makedonia), the region Paul was heading to. This signals a deliberate move to a new area for ministry.

Why Acts 20:1 matters

  • Acts 20:1 clarifies that Paul's departure was not abrupt or secretive; he made sure to gather and encourage the disciples before leaving, showing his pastoral care.
  • The verse connects the dramatic events of Acts 19 (the uproar in Ephesus) with the next stage of Paul's travels, helping the reader follow the flow of the narrative.
  • It highlights the importance of relationships and farewells in early Christian communities, reminding readers that ministry involved both public events and personal connections.

Where else these words appear

“uproar” Greek G2351 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
  • Mark 5:38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
  • Acts 21:34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

“ceased” Greek G3973 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
  • Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“Macedonia” Greek G3109 · used in 22 verses

  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
  • Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.