And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

ACTS 20:6KJV
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Acts 20:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:6 mean?

Acts 20:6 describes how Paul and his companions left Philippi after the Jewish festival of Unleavened Bread and sailed to Troas, taking five days to arrive, where they stayed for a week. This verse marks a transition in Paul’s journey as he continues his travels to encourage and teach the early Christian communities.

The speaker is Luke, writing about Paul’s missionary team as they travel through the region. The mention of the "days of unleavened bread" shows that Paul and his group were still attentive to the Jewish calendar, even as they spread the message of Jesus. The specific travel details—leaving Philippi, the five-day journey, and the seven-day stay in Troas—help anchor the story in real places and times, showing the practical side of Paul’s ministry.

The Greek behind Acts 20:6

  • ἄζυμος (azymos, "unleavened bread"): This refers to the Jewish festival, showing that Paul’s group was aware of and possibly observing Jewish traditions as they traveled.
  • ἐπένειμαν (epemeinan, "abode" or "stayed"): The Greek word carries the sense of remaining in a place for a purpose, suggesting their week in Troas was intentional, likely for teaching and fellowship.
  • πέντε (pente, "five") and ἑπτὰ (hepta, "seven"): The specific mention of days (five to travel, seven to stay) highlights the careful record-keeping and the importance of these timeframes in the narrative.

Why Acts 20:6 matters

  • Acts 20:6 shows that Paul and his companions were still connected to their Jewish roots, even as they reached out to Gentile believers.
  • The verse emphasizes the real, historical nature of Paul’s journeys, grounding the story in actual events and places rather than vague generalities.
  • This travel detail sets up the context for what happens next in Troas, including the memorable account of Paul’s teaching and the incident with Eutychus in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“away” Greek G1602 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 15:39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

“Philippi” Greek G5375 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 16:12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.
  • Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

“Troas” Greek G5174 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 16:8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
  • Acts 16:11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
  • 2 Corinthians 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

“bread” Greek G106 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
  • Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
  • Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)