Acts 20:6 - Exposition

Tarried for abode, A.V. We ; distinctly marking that Luke, the author of the narrative, whom we left at Philippi ( Acts 16:13 , Acts 16:14 ), joined him again at the same place. Renan 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 thus secured as his companion in the voyage the historian who was to write an account of it, with such infinite charm of manner and such perfect truth." It may be noted that this passage is quite conclusive against the notion entertained by some, that Timothy was the writer of the Acts. From Philippi ; i.e. from Neapolis, the port of Philippi. After the days of unleavened bread , which lasted eight days, including the day of eating the Passover. In five days . An unusually long voyage, owing, doubtless, to unfavorable winds. On the former occasion when he sailed from Troas to Neapolis he was only two days ( Acts 16:11 ). Where we tarried seven days . As the last of these seven days was Sunday—" the first day of the week"—he must have arrived on the preceding Monday, and left Neapolis on the preceding Thursday. Some, however, reckon the days differently. It must be remembered that the apostle's movements were dependent upon the arrival and departure of the merchant ships by which he traveled.