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Monday, September 22nd, 2025
the Week of Proper 20 / Ordinary 25
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Read the Bible

THE MESSAGE

Acts 20:2

This verse is not available in the MSG!

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Macedonia;   Paul;   Philippi;   Timothy;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Rome, Romans;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Achaia;   Aristarchus;   Berea;   Corinth;   Greece;   Macedonia;   Mission;   Paul;   Philippi;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Bishop;   Episcopacy;   Ordination;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Corinthians, Second Epistle to the;   Galatians, Epistle to;   Greece;   Illyricum;   Paul;   Romans, Epistle to the;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Corinth;   Galatians, the Epistle to the;   Grecians;   Macedonia;   Paul;   Thessalonica;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Acts;   Romans, Book of;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Achaia;   Bishop;   Chronology of the New Testament;   Corinthians, Second Epistle to;   Greece;   Miletus;   Paul the Apostle;   Romans, Epistle to the;   Timothy;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Exhortation;   Illyricum ;   Macedonia ;   Nicopolis ;   Philippi ;   Philippians Epistle to the;   Roads and Travel;   Romans Epistle to the;   Troas ;   Word;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Corinth ;   Grecia, Greece;   First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians Written;   Romans, Epistle to the;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Corinth;   Greece;   Macedonia;   Romans;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Greece, Greeks, Gre'cians;   Paul;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Corinth;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Saul of Tarsus;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Achaia;   Corinthians, Second Epistle to the;   Exhortation;   Greece;   Illyricum;   Macedonia;   Paul, the Apostle;   Philippians, the Epistle to;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
And when he had passed through those areas and offered them many words of encouragement, he came to Greece
King James Version (1611)
And when he had gone ouer those parts, and had giuen them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
King James Version
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
English Standard Version
When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.
New American Standard Bible
When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.
New Century Version
He said many things to strengthen the followers in the different places on his way through Macedonia. Then he went to Greece,
Amplified Bible
After he had gone through those districts and had encouraged the believers, he came to Greece.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece.
Legacy Standard Bible
And when he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece.
Berean Standard Bible
After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,
Contemporary English Version
As he traveled from place to place, he encouraged the followers with many messages. Finally, he went to Greece
Complete Jewish Bible
He went through that area, and, after saying much to encourage them, passed on to Greece,
Darby Translation
And having passed through those parts, and having exhorted them with much discourse, he came to Greece.
Easy-to-Read Version
On his way through Macedonia he had many words of encouragement for the followers in various places. Then he went to Greece
Geneva Bible (1587)
And when hee had gone through those parts, and had exhorted them with many words, he came into Grecia.
George Lamsa Translation
And when he had traveled through those countries and had comforted them with many words, he came to Greece.
Good News Translation
He went through those regions and encouraged the people with many messages. Then he came to Achaia,
Lexham English Bible
And after he had gone through those regions and encouraged them at length, he came to Greece
Literal Translation
And passing through those parts, and exhorting them with much speech, he came into Greece.
American Standard Version
And when he had gone through those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.
Bible in Basic English
And when he had gone through those parts and given them much teaching, he came into Greece.
Hebrew Names Version
When he had gone through those parts, and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece.
International Standard Version
He went through those regions and encouraged the peoplethem
">[fn] with many words. Then he went to Greece
Etheridge Translation
And when he had itinerated those regions, and had consoled them with many words, he came into the country of Hales, [fn]
Murdock Translation
And when he had travelled over those regions, and had comforted them with many discourses, he proceeded to the country of Greece.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And whe he had gone ouer those parties, and had geuen them a long exhortation, he came into Grece.
English Revised Version
And when he had gone through those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.
World English Bible
When he had gone through those parts, and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
And having gone through those parts, and exhorted them with much discourse, he came into Greece.
Weymouth's New Testament
Passing through those districts he encouraged the disciples in frequent addresses, and then came into Greece, and spent three months there.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And whanne he hadde walkid bi tho coostis, and hadde monestid hem bi many wordis, he cam to Greece.
Update Bible Version
And when he had gone through those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.
Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
New English Translation
After he had gone through those regions and spoken many words of encouragement to the believers there, he came to Greece,
New King James Version
Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece
New Living Translation
While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece,
New Life Bible
As he went through those parts of the country, he spoke words of comfort and help to the Christians. Then he went on to the country of Greece.
New Revised Standard
When he had gone through those regions and had given the believers much encouragement, he came to Greece,
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Passing through those parts, however, and exhorting them with much discourse, he came into Greece;
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had gone over those parts and had exhorted them with many words, he came into Greece:
Revised Standard Version
When he had gone through these parts and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
And when he had gone over those parties and geven them large exhortacions he came into Grece
Young's Literal Translation
and having gone through those parts, and having exhorted them with many words, he came to Greece;
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
And whan he had gone thorow those partes, and exhorted them with many wordes, he came into Grekelonde,
Mace New Testament (1729)
after having visited the faithful in those parts, and given them many exhortations, he went to Greece.
Simplified Cowboy Version
He stopped at ranches along the way and spread the word to anyone who would listen. He finally made his way all the way down to Greece.

Contextual Overview

1With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Then, saying his good-byes, he left for Macedonia. Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope. Then he came to Greece and stayed on for three months. Just as he was about to sail for Syria, the Jews cooked up a plot against him. So he went the other way, by land back through Macedonia, and gave them the slip. His companions for the journey were Sopater, son of Pyrrhus, from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, both Thessalonians; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and the two from western Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. They went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. Meanwhile, we stayed in Philippi for Passover Week, and then set sail. Within five days we were again in Troas and stayed a week. We met on Sunday to worship and celebrate the Master's Supper. Paul addressed the congregation. Our plan was to leave first thing in the morning, but Paul talked on, way past midnight. We were meeting in a well-lighted upper room. A young man named Eutychus was sitting in an open window. As Paul went on and on, Eutychus fell sound asleep and toppled out the third-story window. When they picked him up, he was dead. Paul went down, stretched himself on him, and hugged him hard. "No more crying," he said. "There's life in him yet." Then Paul got up and served the Master's Supper. And went on telling stories of the faith until dawn! On that note, they left—Paul going one way, the congregation another, leading the boy off alive, and full of life themselves. In the meantime, the rest of us had gone on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we planned to pick up Paul. Paul wanted to walk there, and so had made these arrangements earlier. Things went according to plan: We met him in Assos, took him on board, and sailed to Mitylene. The next day we put in opposite Chios, Samos a day later, and then Miletus. Paul had decided to bypass Ephesus so that he wouldn't be held up in Asia province. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost, if at all possible. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the leaders of the congregation. When they arrived, he said, "You know that from day one of my arrival in Asia I was with you totally—laying my life on the line, serving the Master no matter what, putting up with no end of scheming by Jews who wanted to do me in. I didn't skimp or trim in any way. Every truth and encouragement that could have made a difference to you, you got. I taught you out in public and I taught you in your homes, urging Jews and Greeks alike to a radical life-change before God and an equally radical trust in our Master Jesus. "But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I'm completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God. "And so this is good-bye. You're not going to see me again, nor I you, you whom I have gone among for so long proclaiming the news of God's inaugurated kingdom. I've done my best for you, given you my all, held back nothing of God's will for you. "Now it's up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God's people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for. "I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another. 3 "Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. "I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You're far happier giving than getting.'" Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed. And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go. They knew they would never see him again—he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship. 4Macedonia and Greece With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Then, saying his good-byes, he left for Macedonia. Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope. Then he came to Greece and stayed on for three months. Just as he was about to sail for Syria, the Jews cooked up a plot against him. So he went the other way, by land back through Macedonia, and gave them the slip. His companions for the journey were Sopater, son of Pyrrhus, from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, both Thessalonians; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and the two from western Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5They went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. Meanwhile, we stayed in Philippi for Passover Week, and then set sail. Within five days we were again in Troas and stayed a week.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

those: Acts 20:6, Acts 16:12, Acts 17:1, Acts 17:10

given: Acts 20:7, Acts 20:11, Acts 2:40, Acts 14:22, Acts 15:41, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, cir, am 4064, ad 60

Greece: That is Greece properly so called, bounded on the west by Epirus, on the east by the Aegean sea, on the north by Macedonia, and on the south by the Peloponnesus. In its largest acceptation it also comprehended all Macedonia, Thessaly, Epirus, Peloponnesus, and the near by islands. Zechariah 9:13

Reciprocal: Luke 4:31 - taught Acts 13:15 - if Acts 15:32 - exhorted Romans 12:8 - exhorteth Romans 15:19 - so that 2 Corinthians 2:13 - I went 2 Corinthians 11:28 - the care

Cross-References

Genesis 20:11
Abraham said, "I just assumed that there was no fear of God in this place and that they'd kill me to get my wife. Besides, the truth is that she is my half sister; she's my father's daughter but not my mother's. When God sent me out as a wanderer from my father's home, I told her, ‘Do me a favor; wherever we go, tell people that I'm your brother.'"
Genesis 26:1
There was a famine in the land, as bad as the famine during the time of Abraham. And Isaac went down to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, in Gerar.
Genesis 26:7
The men of the place questioned him about his wife. He said, "She's my sister." He was afraid to say "She's my wife." He was thinking, "These men might kill me to get Rebekah, she's so beautiful."
Genesis 26:16
Finally, Abimelech told Isaac: "Leave. You've become far too big for us."
Ecclesiastes 7:20
There's not one totally good person on earth, Not one who is truly pure and sinless.
Ephesians 4:25
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
Colossians 3:9
Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And when he had gone over those parts,.... Of Macedonia, and the cities in it before mentioned;

and had given them much exhortation; to abide by the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel, and to walk worthy of it in their lives and conversations; and this exhortation he was frequently giving, as often as he had opportunity, improving his time much this way, and continued long at it: and, having pursued it to a sufficient length,

he came into Greece; or Hellas; which, according to Ptolomy e and Solinus, f, is properly true Greece; the former makes it to be the same with Achaia, where Corinth was; and the latter says it was in his time called Attica, where Athens was; so Pliny g, who also says, that Thessaly was so called: this Hellas included Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Achaia, which is properly Greece, Peloponnesus, and the adjacent islands.

e Geograph. l. 3. c. 15. f Polyhist, c. 12. g Nat. Hist. l. 4. c. 7.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Over those parts - The parts of country in and near Macedonia. He probably went to Macedonia by Troas, where he expected to find Titus 2 Corinthians 2:12; but, not finding him there, he went by himself to Philippi, Thessalonica, etc., and then returned to Greece proper.

Into Greece - Into Greece proper, of which Athens was the capital. While in Macedonia he had great anxiety and trouble, but was at length comforted by the coming of Titus, who brought him intelligence of the liberal disposition of the churches of Greece in regard to the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem, 2 Corinthians 7:5-7. It is probable that the Second Epistle to the Corinthians was written during this time in Macedonia, and sent to them by Titus.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Acts 20:2. He came into Greece — εις την ελλαδα, Into Hellas, Greece properly so called, the regions between Thessaly and Propontis, and the country of Achaia. He did not, however, go there immediately: he passed through Macedonia, Acts 20:1, in which he informs us, 2 Corinthians 7:5-7, that he suffered much, both from believers and infidels; but was greatly comforted by the arrival of Titus, who gave him a very flattering account of the prosperous state of the Church at Corinth. A short time after this, being still in Macedonia, he sent Titus back to Corinth, 2 Corinthians 8:16-17, and sent by him the second epistle which he wrote to that Church, as Theodoret and others suppose. Some time after, he visited Corinth himself, according to his promise, 1 Corinthians 16:5. This was his third voyage to that city, 2 Corinthians 12:14; 2 Corinthians 13:1. What he did there at this time cannot be distinctly known; but, according to St. Augustin, he ordered every thing relative to the holy eucharist, and the proper manner in which it was to be received. See Calmet.


 
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