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)
The verse lists Paul’s companions, subtly highlighting the diverse origins of these faithful brothers who traveled with him. Notice how they are grouped by their hometowns—Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, and then "Asians"—showing a unified mission drawing believers from different regions into Paul’s circle.
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)
Paul is about to embark on a journey from Greece back to Jerusalem, carrying a collection from Gentile churches to support the believers in Judea. A group of trusted companions, representing various churches, are chosen to accompany him. This verse lists several of these individuals who traveled with Paul towards Asia, with some likely waiting for him further along at Troas.
Why did such a diverse group travel with Paul? These weren't just random followers; they were carrying something precious.
Paul was on his way to Jerusalem with a significant collection for the suffering believers there. To ensure transparency and prevent any suspicion, he was accompanied by representatives from various churches.
Paul didn't travel alone. Who were these men, and what did their presence signify?
The companions listed in Acts 20:4 were not just ordinary travelers; they were trusted leaders and ministers who served alongside Paul, some for many years.
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The detailed listing of these companions highlights Paul's reliance on a network of trusted leaders from various churches. Their presence underscores the importance of the upcoming trip to Jerusalem, likely related to the collection for the believers there, and shows the apostle was not traveling alone but with a supportive team representing the broader Christian movement.
c. AD 49-51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, establishing churches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. Timothy, from Lystra (near Derbe), joins Paul during this journey.
c. AD 52-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends a significant period in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia. During this time, he faces opposition, as seen in the riot instigated by Demetrius, and develops strong relationships with local believers like Tychicus and Trophimus.
c. AD 57
Paul's Collection for Jerusalem
Paul is actively organizing a collection from the Gentile churches to aid the suffering believers in Jerusalem. This effort is sensitive, and Paul is concerned about managing the funds transparently, as noted in his letters.
c. AD 57
Paul Departs Ephesus for Macedonia
Following a period of ministry and facing renewed opposition in Ephesus, Paul decides to travel to Macedonia, then Greece, and eventually back to Jerusalem. This verse marks the beginning of that significant journey.
c. AD 57— this verse
Companions Join Paul for the Journey to Asia
As Paul prepares to travel towards Jerusalem, a group of trusted companions from various regions join him. These men, representing different churches, accompany him as he sails from Greece back towards Asia Minor.
c. AD 57
Arrival and Stay at Troas
Paul and his companions reach Troas, a port city in Asia Minor. While Paul's core group tarries for seven days, they use the time, including the Passover week, for teaching and fellowship.
c. AD 57
Voyage to Miletus
After the stay in Troas, Paul and his companions sail southward along the coast of Asia Minor, eventually reaching Miletus, where Paul delivers his poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders.
This passage mentions Sosipater, who is likely the same person as Sopater in Acts 20:4, highlighting him as Paul's kinsman and a fellow worker.
1 Corinthians 1:14This verse mentions Gaius, who may be the same individual as Gaius of Derbe in Acts 20:4, noting that Paul himself baptized him.
2 Corinthians 8:20-21This passage sheds light on the potential reason for this group accompanying Paul: they may have been chosen to oversee the collection for the Jerusalem church, ensuring integrity and transparency.
Ephesians 6:21This verse describes Tychicus as a 'beloved brother and faithful minister,' indicating his close relationship with Paul and his role as a trusted messenger.
Acts 21:29This verse mentions Trophimus as an Ephesian who accompanied Paul from Ephesus, further confirming his origin and his presence with the apostle on this journey.
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…
The verse lists Paul’s companions, subtly highlighting the diverse origins of these faithful brothers who traveled with him. Notice how they are grouped by their hometowns—Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, and then "Asians"—showing a unified mission drawing believers from different regions into Paul’s circle.
Paul is about to embark on a journey from Greece back to Jerusalem, carrying a collection from Gentile churches to support the believers in Judea. A group of trusted companions, representing various churches, are chosen to accompany him. This verse lists several of these individuals who traveled with Paul towards Asia, with some likely waiting for him further along at Troas.
Paul is about to embark on a journey from Greece back to Jerusalem, carrying a collection from Gentile churches to support the believers in Judea. A group of trusted companions, representing various churches, are chosen to accompany him. This verse lists several of these individuals who traveled with Paul towards Asia, with some likely waiting for him further along at Troas.
"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." — The verse lists Paul’s companions, subtly highlighting the diverse origins of these faithful brothers who traveled with him. Notice how they are grouped by their hometowns—Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe,…
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Last reviewed October 2026