And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
Parallel translations
- WEB After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
- BSB When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia.
- NKJV After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.
- NASB After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had encouraged them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia.
- NLT When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
After the riot subsides, Paul encourages the Ephesian disciples and sets out for Macedonia. He continues his pattern of strengthening churches.
Overview
With the disturbance over, Paul does not flee in fear but first gathers and exhorts the believers before traveling on. His departure to Macedonia revisits the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea founded on his earlier journey. Paul's care to build up believers, not merely convert them, models faithful pastoral ministry that aims at lasting maturity in Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 16
- 2 Cor 7:5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
- 1 Tim 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
- Acts 19:21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
- 1 Th 5:26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
- Gen 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
- Rom 16:16Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
- 1 Cor 16:5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
- Acts 11:26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
- Acts 19:23–41And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
- Acts 20:37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
- Acts 21:5–6And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
- Acts 20:10And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
- 1 Sam 20:41–42And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.
- 1 Cor 16:20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
- Acts 16:9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
- 2 Cor 13:12Greet one another with an holy kiss.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
Free animated overview and word-study videos for this book.
Sermons and teaching on this passage from across YouTube.
Clear, readable, conservative exposition — the best free place to start on any passage.
Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, the Pulpit Commentary, Ellicott, Cambridge, and more — stacked on one page for this exact verse.
The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 20:1 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.