Acts 20:12 kjv
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Acts 20:12 nkjv
And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
Acts 20:12 niv
The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Acts 20:12 esv
And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.
Acts 20:12 nlt
Meanwhile, the young man was taken home alive and well, and everyone was greatly relieved.
Acts 20 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 17:17-24 | Elijah... laid him on his own bed... The Lord heard... and the life... | Elijah raises widow's son, demonstrating God's power. |
| 2 Kgs 4:32-37 | Elisha... put his mouth upon his mouth... the child sneezed seven times... | Elisha raises Shunammite's son, akin to apostolic miracle. |
| Mk 5:35-43 | "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." | Jesus raises Jairus's daughter from the dead. |
| Lk 7:11-17 | He came up and touched the bier... And the dead man sat up... | Jesus raises the widow's son at Nain. |
| Jn 11:38-44 | He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." | Jesus resurrects Lazarus, a public display of power over death. |
| Acts 9:36-42 | Peter knelt down and prayed... "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes... | Peter raises Dorcas (Tabitha), demonstrating apostolic power. |
| Rom 8:11 | If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you... | The Spirit as the source of resurrection life. |
| 2 Cor 1:3-4 | God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction... | God's nature as the ultimate source of comfort. |
| Jn 14:16 | And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper... | The Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Counselor." |
| Phl 2:1-2 | Any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit... | Plea for unity based on the comfort received. |
| Ps 119:50 | This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. | God's word and promises as a source of comfort. |
| Is 49:13 | Sing for joy, O heavens... for the Lord has comforted his people... | God's comfort brings widespread joy. |
| Acts 2:22 | Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works... | Miracles validate God's chosen messenger. |
| Acts 14:3 | The Lord bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders... | Signs and wonders confirm apostolic preaching. |
| Rom 15:18-19 | For what Christ has accomplished through me... by the power of signs... | Paul's ministry authenticated by miraculous power. |
| Heb 2:3-4 | How shall we escape... God also bore witness by signs and wonders... | God validates the gospel message through powerful acts. |
| Mk 16:20 | The Lord working with them and confirming the word by accompanying signs. | Jesus works with His disciples, validating their message. |
| Acts 2:42-47 | They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching... with glad and generous hearts. | Community's joyful reaction to divine presence and teaching. |
| Acts 4:29-31 | Grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness... | The church prays for boldness and sees God's power demonstrated. |
| Jn 20:30-31 | Many other signs Jesus did... but these are written so that you may believe. | Miracles serve the purpose of leading to belief. |
| 1 Cor 15:20-22 | Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who are asleep. | Resurrection of Christ as the foundation of future hope. |
| Rom 6:23 | For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life... | Contrast of death (sin's consequence) with God's life. |
| Jn 10:10 | I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. | Jesus' mission to bring abundant life. |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 12 Meaning
Acts 20:12 describes the immediate aftermath of Eutychus's resurrection: the community embraced him back into their homes, profoundly comforted by this powerful demonstration of God's life-giving power through the apostle Paul. The phrase "not a little comforted" is a rhetorical understatement (litotes), emphatically conveying an immense and overwhelming sense of relief, joy, encouragement, and affirmation of faith for the believers gathered.
Acts 20 12 Context
Acts 20 records Paul's journey back to Jerusalem, filled with an intense sense of spiritual urgency and impending suffering. In Troas, on the eve of his departure, Paul preached for an extended period, leading to a miraculous event. Eutychus, a young man, fell asleep while Paul was speaking late into the night, tumbled from a third-story window, and was picked up dead. Paul, moved by the Holy Spirit, went down, threw himself on Eutychus, and declared that his life was in him. This miraculous resurrection immediately preceded their final communion meal and Paul's continuing conversation with them until daybreak, reinforcing the significance of the divine intervention. The events surrounding Eutychus underscore the powerful presence of God validating Paul's ministry and providing deep encouragement to the community during a moment of profound spiritual importance, just before Paul's departure and a time of expected hardship.
Acts 20 12 Word analysis
- And they took (καὶ ἀνήγαγον - kai anēgagon): This Greek verb is generally used for leading up or bringing up. Here, in context, it simply means "brought" or "carried," suggesting they retrieved Eutychus, emphasizing their agency in restoring him to safety and the community.
- the young man (τὸν νεανίσκον - ton neaniskon): Refers to Eutychus. The term neaniskos typically denotes a young man, usually in the prime of his youth, often from early teens to around thirty. This highlights the tragedy of his death and the profound joy of his restoration.
- home (ζῶντα εἰς τὸν οἶκον - zōnta eis ton oikon): Literally, "alive to the house." Oikon refers to a house or dwelling. It suggests they brought him back to their homes or a common gathering place within their residences, restoring him fully into their community and care. This wasn't just a brief revival; he was functionally returned to them.
- alive (ζῶντα - zōnta): The adjective "alive" is critically placed, emphasizing his complete return to life, not merely an unconscious state. This stands in stark contrast to his earlier declared state of "dead" (Acts 20:9), proving the miracle was a genuine resurrection, demonstrating God's triumph over death.
- and were not a little comforted (καὶ παρεκλήθησαν οὐ μετρίως - kai pareklēthēsan ou metriōs): This phrase employs a Greek literary device called "litotes," where a negative is used to express an affirmative. "Not a little" means "very greatly" or "exceedingly."
- comforted (παρεκλήθησαν - pareklēthēsan): Derived from parakaleō, meaning to call alongside, to encourage, exhort, or comfort. This comfort wasn't just relief from sadness, but a profound spiritual encouragement and affirmation of their faith, experiencing the tangible presence and power of God, especially after such a frightening incident. It echoes the concept of the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete (Comforter/Counselor).
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "And they took the young man home alive": This phrase highlights the tangible result of Paul's miracle. The emphasis is on restoration—Eutychus was not just momentarily revived, but fully brought back to the living, physically present and safe within their community. This was an undeniable, visible event that dispelled any doubt.
- "and were not a little comforted": This litotes signifies an overflowing measure of comfort and spiritual reassurance. It reflects immense joy, profound relief, and strong validation of their faith and the apostolic message. The believers understood that God was indeed with them and through His apostle, could even conquer death, providing strength and courage for the uncertain future.
Acts 20 12 Bonus section
The Troas incident, culminating in Acts 20:12, mirrors Old Testament miracles performed by Elijah and Elisha, thus aligning Paul with the great prophets of Israel and demonstrating the continuation of God's miraculous power in the New Covenant era. This display of power was particularly significant because it happened during a Christian "breaking of bread" (a fellowship meal, possibly incorporating the Lord's Supper), reinforcing the sanctity and divine presence within their worship gatherings. The church's experience of this miracle deeply affirmed their community life and their spiritual connection to God, giving them great encouragement despite Paul's impending departure. The comfort wasn't just for Eutychus's family, but for the entire assembly, affirming their shared faith and purpose.
Acts 20 12 Commentary
Acts 20:12 provides a concluding thought to the dramatic incident of Eutychus. Far from being a mere narrative detail, it underscores the profound spiritual impact of the resurrection. The phrase "not a little comforted" reveals the emotional and theological significance of the event. It wasn't just that a young man's life was saved; it was God's tangible intervention, providing immense encouragement to the gathered community. This comfort would have been multi-faceted: relief from a tragic accident, validation of Paul's divine authority, and a powerful assurance of God's active presence in their midst. This incident solidified their faith as Paul prepared to face perilous times ahead, reminding them of the divine power that transcends even death.