but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul's decision to wait until after the Unleavened Bread festival, despite not being bound by Jewish law, shows his thoughtful approach to reaching Jewish people, using established customs as a bridge to share the gospel. This delay also created a valuable opportunity for him to teach, as the feast likely brought more attentive ears.
but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and his companions, including Luke who rejoins the narrative here, are traveling from Philippi toward Jerusalem. They delayed their departure from Philippi until after the Jewish festival of Unleavened Bread, likely to minister to the believers there and avoid causing offense. This journey involved a sea voyage to Troas, where they stayed for a week, allowing time for worship and fellowship before continuing their travels.
Paul stayed at Philippi longer than strictly necessary. Why would he do that, and what does it reveal about his heart?
Paul and his companions deliberately waited until after the 'days of Unleavened Bread' before sailing from Philippi.
Respecting Tradition and Opportunity
While Paul taught that Gentile believers weren't bound by Jewish ceremonial laws, he was incredibly sensitive to Jewish customs, especially when Jewish people were present. He didn't leave Philippi until after this significant festival, the Passover and the week of Unleavened Bread.
This wasn't just about avoiding offense. It was also a strategic choice.
Paul's actions demonstrate a deep pastoral care – a desire to connect with people on their terms and to use every moment for the Gospel.
Suddenly, the 'we' is back in the narrative. Who is this 'we,' and why is his presence significant?
The pronoun 'we' reappears in verse 6, signaling that Luke, the author of Acts, has rejoined Paul's missionary team.
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A Companion for the Journey
Luke had apparently stayed behind in Philippi after their initial ministry there (as seen in Acts 16). His return marks a crucial moment:
His rejoining the group underscores the importance of the events unfolding and the value Paul placed on having his historical account preserved.
Five days to Troas, but previously only two. What explains the difference, and how did travel really work back then?
The journey from Philippi to Troas took five days, a longer voyage than a previous trip in the opposite direction.
The Unpredictable Seas of Ministry
Ancient sea travel wasn't like booking a flight; it was dictated by several factors:
The Purpose of the Pause
Upon arriving in Troas, they stayed for seven days. This significant pause wasn't accidental. It strongly suggests they waited to observe the Lord's Day (Sunday), the first day of the week, for worship and the Lord's Supper with the local believers.
Understand the original words
tōn azymōn · Greek Noun
A seven-day festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, characterized by the exclusion of leaven (yeast) from homes and diet. It symbolizes the holiness of God's people and the necessity of purity and separation from sin.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Visit to Philippi
Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke arrive in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia, and establish the first Christian church in Europe. This marks the beginning of Luke's close association with Paul.
c. AD 50
Paul's Voyage from Troas to Philippi
During his first Macedonian mission, Paul sails from Troas to Philippi, a journey that took three days according to Acts 16:11-12.
c. AD 56
Paul's Second Macedonian Visit
Paul revisits Macedonia, likely including Philippi, during his third missionary journey. He may have spent time here before continuing his travels.
c. AD 57— this verse
Departure from Philippi during Passover Season
Paul and his companions, including Luke who rejoined the team, depart from Philippi after the Jewish festival of Unleavened Bread. The Apostle's decision to wait may have been to avoid offending Jewish believers or to take advantage of the Passover gathering for teaching.
c. AD 57
Voyage to Troas
The journey from Philippi to Troas takes five days, a longer voyage than on a previous occasion, possibly due to unfavorable winds or the need to follow coastal routes.
c. AD 57
Stay in Troas
The group stays in Troas for seven days, likely to observe the Lord's Day (Sunday) and fellowship with the local church. This stop provides an opportunity for ministry and reunion with companions like Timothy, Aristarchus, and Trophimus.
This passage describes the institution of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, highlighting the significance of this time for Jewish observance, which explains why Paul might have lingered in Philippi.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8Paul connects the Passover lamb to Christ and urges believers to 'purge out the old leaven' and celebrate with 'bread of sincerity and truth,' showing how the Old Testament feasts found new meaning in Christ.
Acts 16:11-12This verse mentions Paul's earlier journey from Troas to Philippi, providing a contrast in travel time and also showing that Luke, the author, likely rejoined Paul's company at Philippi for this leg of the journey.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26Paul details the institution of the Lord's Supper, suggesting that the seven-day stay in Troas was likely to observe the 'Lord's day' and share in this remembrance, as indicated by the commentary.
pooleActs 20:6: "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."
From Philippi; where they embarked, and sailed on the river first, then on the sea. After the days of unleavened bread; though St. Paul would not have the Gentile converts to be burdened with the ceremonial law, yet, that he might not offend the Jews, for a while he complied with their rites, Acts 18:21 , they being indeed dead, but not yet deadl…
pulpitActs 20:6: "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."
Verse 6. - Tarried for abode, A.V. We; distinctly marking that Luke, the author of the narrative, whom we left at Philippi (Acts 16:13, 14), joined him again at the same place. Renan (p. 498) well remarks, "At Philippi Paul once more met the disciple who had guided him for the first time to Macedonia. He attached him to his company again, and thu…
Paul's decision to wait until after the Unleavened Bread festival, despite not being bound by Jewish law, shows his thoughtful approach to reaching Jewish people, using established customs as a bridge to share the gospel. This delay also created a valuable opportunity for him to teach, as the feast likely brought more attentive ears.
Paul and his companions, including Luke who rejoins the narrative here, are traveling from Philippi toward Jerusalem. They delayed their departure from Philippi until after the Jewish festival of Unleavened Bread, likely to minister to the believers there and avoid causing offense. This journey involved a sea voyage to Troas, where they stayed for a week, allowing time for worship and fellowship before continuing their travels.
Paul and his companions, including Luke who rejoins the narrative here, are traveling from Philippi toward Jerusalem. They delayed their departure from Philippi until after the Jewish festival of Unleavened Bread, likely to minister to the believers there and avoid causing offense. This journey involved a sea voyage to Troas, where they stayed for a week, allowing time for worship and fellowship before continuing their travels.
"but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days." — Paul's decision to wait until after the Unleavened Bread festival, despite not being bound by Jewish law, shows his thoughtful approach to reaching Jewish people, using established customs as a bridg…
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Last reviewed October 2026