Acts 20:4
Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to skim over this list of names, but the detail "of the Thessalonians" and "of Asia" is crucial. It tells us that Paul's ministry wasn't just reaching individuals, but entire communities, who then sent their own trusted representatives to join him and support his work.
Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem, having completed his ministry in the Gentile regions and now gathering financial support from the churches for the impoverished believers in Judea. As he prepares to sail from Macedonia and Greece towards Asia, he is accompanied by a group of trusted companions, representing various churches, who will travel with him. This significant entourage serves as a witness to the integrity of the collection being transported, with Luke joining them in Philippi before their departure.
Paul wasn't alone on his journeys! This list of names isn't just a travelogue; it reveals a network of dedicated believers supporting the apostle's mission.
More Than Just Companions
This verse names eight individuals who accompanied Paul. They weren't just random travelers; they were chosen representatives from different churches.
Look closely at where these men came from. Their origins paint a picture of the expanding reach of the Gospel and Paul's interconnected ministry.
A Gospel Network
The verse specifies the origins of several companions, showing the breadth of Paul's influence and the diverse backgrounds of early believers:
These aren't just names; they are individuals Paul deeply valued and entrusted with important tasks. Their presence speaks volumes about their character and ministry.
The presence of these specific companions highlights the sensitive nature of Paul's journey to Jerusalem with the collection, showcasing a diverse group acting as witnesses from various churches.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul is concluding his extensive third missionary journey, which began years earlier and covered much of the Roman Empire. He has spent significant time in Ephesus and is now traveling through Macedonia and Greece.
c. AD 56
Collection for Jerusalem Church
Paul is organizing a collection from the Gentile churches to aid the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This undertaking is sensitive due to potential ethnic tensions.
c. AD 56
Departure from Corinth/Greece
After spending three months in Corinth and facing Jewish plots, Paul decides to return to Jerusalem via Macedonia. He departs from Greece.
c. AD 56— this verse
Gathering Companions in Macedonia
As Paul travels through Macedonia, several key figures from various churches join him. These companions likely represent the churches contributing to the Jerusalem collection.
This passage names Sosipater, who is likely the same person as Sopater mentioned in Acts 20:4, and also calls him Paul's kinsman, highlighting the close relationships within the early church.
Acts 19:29This verse introduces Aristarchus, one of the companions in Acts 20:4, and describes him as a Macedonian who was caught up in the uproar at Ephesus, showing he was a well-known figure with Paul.
2 Corinthians 8:20-21This passage explains Paul's carefulness in handling contributions for the Jerusalem church, suggesting that the large group accompanying him in Acts 20:4 may have served as witnesses to ensure transparency and avoid suspicion.
Ephesians 6:21-22Here, Paul commends Tychicus, another companion from Acts 20:4, as a 'beloved brother and faithful minister,' underscoring the trust and affection Paul had for these individuals.
Acts 21:29This verse mentions Trophimus, who is also listed in Acts 20:4, and states he was an Ephesian who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, confirming his role as a traveling companion and fellow worker.
pooleActs 20:4: "And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus."
There accompanied him into Asia; their names are set down, as being men called and known at that time in the churches, and that what they did for this holy apostle might be remembered in all ages. Sopater; who is called also Sosipater, Romans 16:21 . It is added in some copies, that he was the son of Pyrrhu…
barnesActs 20:4: "And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus."
And there accompanied him - It was usual for some of the disciples to attend the apostles in their journeys. Into Asia - It is not meant that they attended him from Greece through Macedonia, but that they went with him to Asia, having gone before him, and joined him at Troas. Sopater of Berea - Perhaps the…
It's easy to skim over this list of names, but the detail "of the Thessalonians" and "of Asia" is crucial. It tells us that Paul's ministry wasn't just reaching individuals, but entire communities, who then sent their own trusted representatives to join him and support his work.
Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem, having completed his ministry in the Gentile regions and now gathering financial support from the churches for the impoverished believers in Judea. As he prepares to sail from Macedonia and Greece towards Asia, he is accompanied by a group of trusted companions, representing various churches, who will travel with him. This significant entourage serves as a witness to the integrity of the collection being transported, with Luke joining them in Philippi before their departure.
Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem, having completed his ministry in the Gentile regions and now gathering financial support from the churches for the impoverished believers in Judea. As he prepares to sail from Macedonia and Greece towards Asia, he is accompanied by a group of trusted companions, representing various churches, who will travel with him. This significant entourage serves as a witness to the integrity of the collection being transported, with Luke joining them in Philippi before their departure.
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Men of Esteem
Several of these companions are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, highlighting their significant roles and Paul's high regard for them:
Their inclusion signifies their importance in the apostolic mission and their proven character.
c. AD 56
Voyage to Troas
Paul and his companions sail from Philippi, after the Passover season, and arrive at Troas in five days. Some of the group had traveled ahead to wait for him there.
c. AD 56
Stay in Troas
The group stays in Troas for seven days, likely for teaching and fellowship, before continuing their journey towards Jerusalem.
"Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus." — It's easy to skim over this list of names, but the detail "of the Thessalonians" and "of Asia" is crucial. It tells us that Paul's ministry wasn't just reaching individuals, but entire communities, w…
