While it might seem like a simple departure, the wording suggests Paul was intentionally sent towards the sea, not necessarily to embark immediately, but to make his real destination, Athens, less obvious to pursuers. This highlights the immediate danger Paul was in, requiring calculated steps for his safety, while Silas and Timothy remained to nurture the new believers.
Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a dangerous riot in Thessalonica, Paul and his companions fled to Berea, where many believed. Now, to protect Paul from continued Jewish hostility, the believers there escort him towards the sea, likely to take a ship to Athens, while leaving Silas and Timothy behind to minister to the new believers in Berea.
Why did Paul take a different path, and what does it tell us about his journey?
The text presents a subtle but significant detail about Paul's departure from Berea.
Safety First
The phrase "as far as the sea" (supported by most ancient manuscripts) suggests a specific plan. Instead of a direct overland route, Paul was escorted towards the coast.
Strategic Travel
This likely served a dual purpose:
Paul wasn't just running; he was making wise, strategic decisions to continue his mission safely.
Why was Paul sent on, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind?
This verse highlights a strategic division of labor and a poignant moment in Paul's ministry.
Paul's Urgent Mission
Paul, the primary target of persecution, was sent ahead. The urgency was palpable – he was going "as quickly as possible" to Athens. This suggests a critical need for him to reach the city and begin his work there, possibly feeling a divine pull or a sense of unique responsibility for this new evangelistic frontier.
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The Foundation Builders
Silas and Timothy remained in Berea. Their role was crucial: to "water the seed" Paul had planted.
This separation, though temporary, allowed for focused ministry: Paul confronting new challenges, while Silas and Timothy solidified existing work.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
In the context of the early church, this refers to fellow believers in Christ, emphasizing their spiritual relationship as members of God's family.
This verse highlights Paul's vulnerable moment, separated from his key companions and facing new, hostile environments, underscoring his reliance on the church community for safety and support.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel through Macedonia and Achaia, establishing churches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.
c. AD 50
Hostility in Thessalonica
Jewish opposition forces Paul and Barnabas to flee Thessalonica, with Paul later sending Timothy to check on the new believers there.
c. AD 50
Flight to Berea
Paul and Silas find refuge in Berea, where they find a more receptive audience and establish another church. However, trouble follows from Thessalonica.
c. AD 50— this verse
Paul Separated from Companions
Fearing for Paul's safety due to continued Jewish persecution, the Berean believers escort him towards the sea, likely as a ruse to escape pursuers. Silas and Timothy remain behind in Berea.
c. AD 50
Paul Arrives in Athens
Paul travels alone to Athens, where he experiences spiritual anguish at the city's idolatry before engaging philosophers at the Areopagus.
c. AD 50
Timothy Reunited with Paul
Timothy eventually rejoins Paul in Athens, bringing news from the Thessalonian church and likely reinforcing Paul's need for companionship.
This passage shows Timothy being sent by Paul, much like Paul himself is being sent away for safety while Silas and Timothy stay behind.
Acts 18:5This verse shows Silas and Timothy rejoining Paul in Corinth, indicating they eventually caught up to him after this separation in Berea.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3Paul explicitly mentions sending Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians, revealing his deep concern for his companions and the fledgling churches, even when he was alone.
2 Corinthians 11:26Paul details numerous dangers faced during his journeys, highlighting the constant threat to his life that necessitated such discreet departures and separations from his companions.
ellicottActs 17:14: "And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still."
(14) To go as it were to the sea. —The English version conveys the impression that the movement was a feint in order to baffle the pursuers. Many of the better MSS., however, give “as far as the sea,” and this is probably the meaning even of the reading followed by the Authorised version. The absence of any mention of places between Berœa and Athens, (as, e.g.,…
pulpitActs 17:14: "And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still."
Verse 14. - Forth for away, A.V.; as far as for as it were (ἕως for ὡς), A.V. and T.R.; and for but, A.V. and T.R.; Timothy for Timotheus, A.V. As far as to the sea. If the reading of the T.R. is right, ὡς merely indicates the direction. Literally, ὡς ἐπὶ κ.τ.λ, means "with the thought of going to the sea," but thence, by a common usage, it describes the action…
While it might seem like a simple departure, the wording suggests Paul was intentionally sent towards the sea, not necessarily to embark immediately, but to make his real destination, Athens, less obvious to pursuers. This highlights the immediate danger Paul was in, requiring calculated steps for his safety, while Silas and Timothy remained to nurture the new believers.
Following a dangerous riot in Thessalonica, Paul and his companions fled to Berea, where many believed. Now, to protect Paul from continued Jewish hostility, the believers there escort him towards the sea, likely to take a ship to Athens, while leaving Silas and Timothy behind to minister to the new believers in Berea.
Following a dangerous riot in Thessalonica, Paul and his companions fled to Berea, where many believed. Now, to protect Paul from continued Jewish hostility, the believers there escort him towards the sea, likely to take a ship to Athens, while leaving Silas and Timothy behind to minister to the new believers in Berea.
"Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as p…" — While it might seem like a simple departure, the wording suggests Paul was intentionally sent towards the sea, not necessarily to embark immediately, but to make his real destination, Athens, less ob…
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Last reviewed October 2026
