The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coastThe term "brothers" refers to fellow believers in Christ, indicating the close-knit community of early Christians. This action of sending Paul away was likely due to the threat posed by hostile Jews from Thessalonica who had come to Berea to stir up trouble (
Acts 17:13). The urgency implied by "immediately" suggests the seriousness of the threat. The "coast" likely refers to the Aegean Sea, indicating a strategic move to ensure Paul's safety and facilitate his continued missionary work. This reflects the early church's commitment to protecting its leaders and spreading the Gospel.
but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea
Silas and Timothy staying behind indicates their role in strengthening and encouraging the new believers in Berea. This decision shows the importance of discipleship and the establishment of a strong foundation for the church. Berea was known for its noble character, as the Bereans were commended for their eagerness to examine the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). This setting provided a fertile ground for Silas and Timothy to continue teaching. Their presence also highlights the teamwork and division of labor in early Christian missions, ensuring that the work continued even when key leaders like Paul had to move on.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulA key apostle in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this passage, Paul is being sent away for his safety.
2.
SilasA leader in the early church and companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. He remains in Berea to continue the work.
3.
TimothyA young disciple and close associate of Paul, who also stays in Berea with Silas.
4.
BereaA city in Macedonia where Paul, Silas, and Timothy preached. The Bereans were noted for their noble character and eagerness to examine the Scriptures.
5.
The BrothersFellow believers in Berea who took action to ensure Paul's safety by sending him to the coast.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community in MinistryThe early church worked as a team, with each member playing a crucial role. Paul, Silas, and Timothy demonstrate the importance of supporting one another in ministry.
The Role of Scripture in DiscernmentThe Bereans are commended for their diligence in examining the Scriptures. This serves as a model for believers to test teachings against the Word of God.
Courage and Wisdom in Facing OppositionThe decision to send Paul away shows a balance of courage and wisdom. Believers today can learn to discern when to stand firm and when to seek safety.
Commitment to the Gospel Despite ChallengesSilas and Timothy's decision to remain in Berea highlights their commitment to the Gospel, even in potentially hostile environments.
Trust in God's SovereigntyThe unfolding events in Berea remind us that God is in control, orchestrating circumstances for the advancement of His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 17:14?
2.How does Acts 17:14 demonstrate the importance of protecting church leaders today?
3.What can we learn from the Bereans' actions in Acts 17:14?
4.How does Acts 17:14 connect with Jesus' instructions in Matthew 10:23?
5.How should we respond when facing opposition, as seen in Acts 17:14?
6.How can Acts 17:14 inspire us to support our church leaders' safety?
7.Why did Paul leave Berea so quickly in Acts 17:14?
8.How does Acts 17:14 demonstrate the early church's response to persecution?
9.What role did Silas and Timothy play in Acts 17:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 17?
11.What is the identity of the Bereans?
12.What caused Timothy's death?
13.Do archaeological or historical records confirm an early Christian presence in Thessalonica as suggested by 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7?
14.1 Thessalonians 3:1-2: How do we verify Paul's claim that Timothy was sent from Athens to Thessalonica when some question the historical route and timeline of Paul's journeys?What Does Acts 17:14 Mean
The brothers- Luke identifies the believers in Berea as “the brothers,” showing the family bond Christ creates (seeActs 9:30;Romans 8:29).
- Their swift action reveals a heartfelt commitment to protect Paul, the servant through whom the gospel reached them (cf.1 Thessalonians 2:8).
- This care modelsJohn 15:12, where Jesus commands, “Love one another as I have loved you”.
immediately sent Paul to the coast- “Immediately” underscores the real danger posed by the Jews from Thessalonica who had stirred up the crowd (Acts 17:13).
- God’s sovereignty works through practical steps; the brothers use the ordinary means of travel to preserve Paul’s life, just as church leaders once sent away the apostles inActs 9:29–30.
- Moving Paul serves the larger mission: Jesus had told him, “I will send you far away to the Gentiles” (Acts 22:21), and this journey will soon bring him to Athens (Acts 17:15).
but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea- Their staying behind demonstrates that gospel work continues even when a key leader must leave.
- Silas and Timothy likely strengthened and organized the young church, echoingActs 15:32 where prophets “encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words”.
- Timothy’s later familiarity with Macedonian believers (Philippians 2:19–22) can be traced to moments like this, where he invested deeply in local congregations.
- The pattern reflects2 Timothy 2:2—“entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”.
summaryActs 17:14 shows a united, protective church acting decisively: believers rush Paul to safety so the mission can advance, while Silas and Timothy anchor the fledgling Berean fellowship. God directs each servant—some to move on, others to remain—so that both outreach and discipleship flourish.
(14)
To go as it were to the sea.--The English version conveys the impression that the movement was a feint in order to baffle the pursuers. Many of the better MSS., however, give "as far as the sea," and this is probably the meaning even of the reading followed by the Authorised version. The absence of any mention of places between Ber?a and Athens, (as,
e.g.,Amphipolis and Apollonia are mentioned in
Acts 17:1), is presumptive evidence that St. Paul actually travelled by sea, and rounding the promontory of Sunium, entered Athens by the Piraeus. He had been accompanied so far by some of those who had escorted him from Beraea, but when they too went back, he was, we must remember, for the first time since the commencement of his missionary labours, absolutely alone. His yearning for companionship and counsel is shown in the urgent message sent to Silas and Timotheus to come "with all speed" (literally,
as quickly as possible)
. As far as we can gather from
1Thessalonians 3:1-3, Timotheus came by himself to Athens, probably after the scene at the Areopagus, and was sent back at once with words of counsel and comfort to those whom he reported as suffering much tribulation.
Verse 14.- Forth for
away, A.V.;
as far as for
as it were (
ἕως for
ὡς), A.V. and T.R.;
and for
but, A.V. and T.R.;
Timothy for
Timotheus, A.V.
As far as to the sea. If the reading of the T.R. is right,
ὡς merely indicates the direction. Literally,
ὡς ἐπὶ κ.τ.λ, means "with the thought of going to the sea," but thence, by a common usage, it describes the action without reference to the thought. The English phrase, "they made for the sea," is nearly equivalent. The object of going to the sea, seventeen miles from Beraea, was to take ship for Athens. This he probably did either at Pydna or at Dium.
Silas and Timothy. Whether Timothy left Philippi with St. Paul, or whether, as is not improbable, he joined him at Thessalonica, cannot be decided. Anyhow, Paul now left Silas and Timothy to watch over the Thessalonian converts.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.brothersἀδελφοὶ(adelphoi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.immediatelyεὐθέως(eutheōs)Adverb
Strong's 2112:Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.sentἐξαπέστειλαν(exapesteilan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1821:From ek and apostello; to send away forth, i.e. to despatch, or to dismiss.PaulΠαῦλον(Paulon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972:Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.toπορεύεσθαι(poreuesthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.[coast],θάλασσαν(thalassan)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281:Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.[but]τε(te)Conjunction
Strong's 5037:And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.SilasΣιλᾶς(Silas)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4609:Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul. Contraction for Silouanos; Silas, a Christian.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.TimothyΤιμόθεος(Timotheos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5095:Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian.remainedὑπέμεινάν(hypemeinan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5278:From hupo and meno; to stay under, i.e. Remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. Bear, have fortitude, persevere.[in Berea].ἐκεῖ(ekei)Adverb
Strong's 1563:(a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.
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NT Apostles: Acts 17:14 Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
