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.