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Acts 20 Paul's Travels and Ministry Continues

1 Through Macedonia and Greece
When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia.

2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,

3 where he stayed three months. Because the Jews made a plot against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.

4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

5 These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas.

6 But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

7 Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.

8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting.

9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.

10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!”

11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.

12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

13 Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot.

14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.

15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Kios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus.

16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.

18 When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia.

19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.

20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.

23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.

24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

25 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.

26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.

28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.

31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.

35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.

37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.

38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Previous Chapter Acts 19 Next Chapter Acts 21

Analysis of Acts Chapter 20

Acts Chapter 20 is a pivotal passage in the New Testament that provides a unique insight into Paul’s missionary journey, his pastoral heart, the organization of the early church, and the centrality of the message of the Gospel. This chapter, written by Luke, covers Paul’s travels through Macedonia and Greece, an extended discourse in Troas, and a poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders. Each section of this chapter contributes to our understanding of Paul’s ministry and the growth of the early Christian church.

Verses 1-6: Paul’s Journey Through Macedonia and Greece

After the uproar in Ephesus (Acts 19), Paul decided to embark on a journey through Macedonia and Greece. In these verses, Luke briefly recounts Paul’s travels and his interactions with the disciples in various regions.

  • Verse 1: “After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples; and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.” Paul’s immediate concern following the Ephesus riot is to strengthen the disciples. This reflects his pastoral concern and dedication to the spiritual well-being of the believers.
  • Verse 2: “When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.” Here, Paul continues to encourage the believers in Macedonia before moving on to Greece. This demonstrates his commitment to building up the church through teaching and encouragement.
  • Verse 3: “There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.” Despite the constant threat to his life, Paul remains focused on his mission. His decision to alter his travel plans in response to the plot against him shows his prudence and adaptability.
  • Verses 4-6: These verses list several companions who traveled with Paul, highlighting the communal aspect of his ministry. This group of fellow workers and believers played a critical role in spreading the Gospel and supporting Paul in his endeavors.

Verses 7-12: Paul’s Sermon in Troas

This passage details Paul’s lengthy sermon in Troas and the dramatic events that unfolded as a result.

  • Verse 7: “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.” This verse highlights the early Christian practice of gathering on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread and fellowship. Paul’s eagerness to teach and his sense of urgency are evident as he speaks until midnight, knowing he must leave the next day.
  • Verses 8-9: “There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.” Eutychus’s fall and subsequent death serve as a sobering reminder of the human element even in sacred gatherings.
  • Verses 10-12: “But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, ‘Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.’ And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.” This miraculous event not only confirms Paul’s apostolic authority but also reassures the believers of God’s power and presence among them. It also exemplifies Paul’s deep compassion and calmness in the face of crisis.

Verses 13-16: Paul’s Travel to Miletus

In this section, Luke provides a detailed account of Paul’s travel itinerary as he makes his way to Miletus, demonstrating the meticulous planning involved in Paul’s missionary journeys.

  • Verse 13: “But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land.” This demonstrates Paul’s strategic planning and his commitment to making the most of his time by combining his journey with ministering along the way.
  • Verses 14-15: “And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus.” These verses detail the specific locations Paul and his companions travel through, highlighting the geographical and historical context of his mission.
  • Verse 16: “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.” Paul’s determination to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost shows his dedication to observing Jewish feasts and his urgency in fulfilling his mission. His decision to bypass Ephesus indicates his awareness of potential delays and his focus on his immediate goal.

Verses 17-38: Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

This section is one of the most emotional and profound parts of Acts, where Paul delivers a farewell address to the elders of the Ephesian church. This speech not only reflects Paul’s deep relationship with the Ephesians but also provides timeless principles for Christian leadership and ministry.

  • Verse 17: “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.” Paul’s decision to summon the Ephesian elders to Miletus underscores the importance he places on personal, face-to-face communication, especially when delivering such a significant message.
  • Verses 18-21: “And when they came to him, he said to them: ‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.'” In his opening remarks, Paul reminds the elders of his conduct and dedication during his time in Ephesus. He emphasizes his humility, perseverance through trials, and his thorough teaching and preaching, which included a call to repentance and faith in Jesus.
  • Verses 22-24: “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul shares his sense of divine compulsion to go to Jerusalem, despite the forewarning of suffering. His willingness to face persecution highlights his selflessness and unwavering commitment to his divine calling.
  • Verses 25-27: “And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Paul acknowledges the finality of his departure, expressing that he has fully discharged his responsibility in proclaiming God’s message to them, hence he is “innocent of the blood of all.”
  • Verses 28-31: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.” Paul’s exhortation to the elders to guard themselves and the flock emphasizes the pastoral and protective responsibilities of church leaders. His warning about future dangers underscores the need for vigilance and discernment within the church community.
  • Verses 32-35: “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Commending the elders to God and His word, Paul stresses the sufficiency of God’s grace and scripture in building up the church. He also highlights his own example of hard work, self-sufficiency, and generosity, teaching that spiritual leaders should be motivated by service rather than material gain.
  • Verses 36-38: “And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.” The chapter concludes with a deeply emotional farewell, illustrating the profound bond between Paul and the Ephesian elders. Their sorrow and expressions of affection reflect the deep impact of Paul’s ministry and the mutual love and respect that characterized their relationship.

Conclusion

Acts Chapter 20 offers a rich tapestry of themes and lessons. It demonstrates Paul’s unwavering commitment to his mission, his pastoral concern for the believers, and his foresight in preparing the church leaders for future challenges. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of teaching, the centrality of the Gospel, and the need for vigilance and leadership within the church. Paul’s example of selfless service, strategic planning, and deep relational ministry continues to be a powerful model for Christian leaders and believers today.