Acts 20:6 – “But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes Paul’s continued travels as he made his way back toward Jerusalem. Paul and his companions left Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread and took five days to reach Troas, where they stayed for a week. The mention of the festival helps place this event on the calendar—it happened in the spring, shortly after Passover.

Paul was on his third missionary journey, and he was moving with urgency. He wanted to reach Jerusalem in time for Pentecost (Acts 20:16), but he also took time to strengthen and encourage believers along the way. His stay in Troas became significant because of the events that followed, including the well-known story of Eutychus falling from a window and being brought back to life (Acts 20:7-12).

This verse gives us insight into how Paul traveled—he was methodical, strategic, and deeply invested in the people he met. He didn’t just pass through towns; he spent time teaching, encouraging, and preparing believers for what was ahead.

Historical Context

• Philippi was an important Roman colony in Macedonia (modern-day Greece). Paul had a strong connection to the believers there, as seen in his letter to the Philippians. This was the city where Paul and Silas were imprisoned and miraculously freed (Acts 16:16-40).
• The Festival of Unleavened Bread was a major Jewish holiday that lasted seven days and was closely tied to Passover. This reference suggests that Paul, though primarily preaching to Gentiles, still acknowledged Jewish customs.
• Troas was a coastal city in what is now Turkey. It was a key location for Paul’s missionary journeys, and earlier in Acts (Acts 16:8-10), he received a vision there that led him to preach in Macedonia.
• The five-day journey indicates that sailing conditions may not have been ideal. On a previous trip, the same journey took only two days (Acts 16:11). This detail reminds us that missionary work in Paul’s time was physically demanding and often unpredictable.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Timing Matters – Paul’s travel plans were influenced by important events like Passover and Pentecost. This reminds us that God has a perfect timing for everything, and we should seek His guidance in our plans (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
2. The Importance of Fellowship – Paul didn’t travel alone; he joined his fellow believers and spent time strengthening them. The Christian life is meant to be lived in community (Hebrews 10:24-25).
3. Commitment to the Gospel Despite Hardship – The five-day voyage shows that Paul’s journey wasn’t always easy. Yet, he remained committed to the mission. This teaches us perseverance in serving God (2 Timothy 4:7).

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, switches back to the first-person perspective (“we”), indicating that he was traveling with Paul. This change in narration gives credibility to the details of the story—it’s an eyewitness account.

The verse also serves as a transition between Paul’s time in Philippi and the events in Troas. Even though it might seem like just a travel detail, it actually helps build the timeline of Paul’s journey and highlights his dedication to both evangelism and discipleship.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 16:8-10 – Paul’s earlier visit to Troas, where he received a vision calling him to Macedonia.
• Exodus 12:17-20 – The Festival of Unleavened Bread and its significance in Jewish history.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
• 2 Timothy 4:7 – Paul’s commitment to finishing his mission, despite hardships.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encouragement to meet together as believers and strengthen one another.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that God’s work often requires patience and perseverance. Paul didn’t take shortcuts—he stayed faithful to his mission, even when travel was difficult or slow. In the same way, we must be patient and trust that God is leading us in the right direction, even if progress seems slow.

It also shows us the importance of community. Paul didn’t just rush from place to place; he intentionally spent time with fellow believers. In a world that often values speed over depth, this challenges us to slow down and invest in our relationships with other Christians.

Finally, it encourages us to trust in God’s timing. Paul left after the Festival of Unleavened Bread and was aiming to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. His journey was guided by God’s plan, and ours should be too. We may not always understand the delays or detours, but we can trust that God’s timing is perfect.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He provides for His people along the way. Paul’s journey was long and difficult, but he was never alone—God surrounded him with faithful companions and gave him opportunities to strengthen believers at every stop.

This verse also reflects God’s faithfulness to His mission. The gospel was spreading, just as Jesus had commanded (Acts 1:8), and God was guiding Paul’s journey step by step. God’s love is not only for individuals but for the whole church, ensuring that His message reaches all people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s journey echoes Jesus’ own ministry. Just as Jesus traveled from place to place, teaching and preparing His disciples, Paul did the same. Both faced difficulties along the way, yet they remained committed to their mission.

Additionally, Paul’s observance of Jewish festivals reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of these traditions. The Festival of Unleavened Bread was a time of remembering God’s deliverance from Egypt, and Jesus is our ultimate deliverance from sin (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Paul’s perseverance also mirrors Jesus’ determination to reach Jerusalem, knowing that suffering awaited Him (Luke 9:51). Jesus stayed faithful to His mission, and Paul followed in His footsteps. We are called to do the same.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever experienced a delay in your plans that ended up being part of God’s greater purpose? How did you respond?
2. How can you be more intentional about building community and strengthening fellow believers?
3. What does this verse teach us about trusting God’s timing in our lives?
4. How does Paul’s perseverance in his journey encourage you in your own faith walk?
5. In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in guiding your life, even when things don’t go as expected?

Acts 20:6 is more than just a travel record—it’s a powerful reminder of God’s timing, the value of Christian fellowship, and the importance of perseverance. Like Paul, we are all on a journey, and through every step, we can trust that God is leading us exactly where we need to be.