And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Acts 20 recounts a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry, marking the near end of his third missionary journey. It's a chapter filled with emotion, strategic decisions, and a powerful demonstration of God's grace. Understanding the context of Acts 20 helps us appreciate the weight of Paul's words and actions.
The Journey Resumes (Acts 20:1-6)
Following the events in Ephesus (Acts 19), Paul, true to his plan (Acts 19:21), sets out for Macedonia (Acts 20:1). His initial plan to sail directly to Corinth was altered due to troubling news of division and sin within the Corinthian church. He first visited the churches in Macedonia, offering encouragement and correction, before heading south to Greece, where he spent three months (Acts 20:2-3). A Jewish plot against him forced another change of plans, leading him to retrace his steps through Macedonia, sail to Troas, and then travel down the western coast of Turkey. Luke rejoins Paul's company during this leg of the journey, as indicated by the shift to the first-person plural "we" in Acts 20:6.
A Night in Troas: Teaching and a Miraculous Revival (Acts 20:7-12)
One significant stop on this journey was in Troas. Here, the believers gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread, a likely reference to the Lord's Supper. Paul, knowing his time was short, spoke at length, continuing his message until midnight (Acts 20:7). During this extended teaching, a young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, succumbed to sleep and fell three stories to his death (Acts 20:9).
In a powerful display of God's power, Paul went down, embraced Eutychus, and brought him back to life (Acts 20:10). This miraculous event likely provided immense encouragement to the church. After this, they returned upstairs, shared a meal, and Paul continued teaching until daybreak (Acts 20:11). This passage illustrates the importance of gathering together as believers, the power of God's Word, and the reality of God's miraculous intervention. It's reminiscent of both Peter and Jesus raising the dead, showcasing the power of the Holy Spirit.
Miletus: A Farewell to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:13-17)
From Troas, Paul continued his journey, making several stops along the way. He bypassed Ephesus, concerned that a visit would delay his arrival in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Instead, he landed in Miletus, a port city about thirty miles south of Ephesus, and summoned the elders of the Ephesian church to meet him there (Acts 20:16-17).
Paul's Heartfelt Farewell Address (Acts 20:18-35)
The meeting with the Ephesian elders is the heart of Acts 20. Paul's farewell address is a powerful and emotional reminder of his ministry among them and a warning about the challenges they would face.
A Review of Paul's Ministry (Acts 20:18-21)
Paul begins by reminding the elders of his humble and dedicated service among them. He emphasizes his humility, tears, and perseverance in the face of Jewish opposition (Acts 20:19). He taught them publicly and from house to house, proclaiming "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:20-21). Repentance involves an internal decision to turn away from sin, while faith in Jesus means trusting in Him alone for eternal life.
Looking Ahead: Compelled by the Spirit (Acts 20:22-24)
Paul then speaks of his impending journey to Jerusalem, driven by the Holy Spirit, despite knowing that chains and afflictions await him (Acts 20:22-23). He declares that his life is of no value to himself; what matters most is finishing the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus: to testify to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24). This speaks to a powerful sense of purpose and dedication to God's calling.
A Clear Conscience and a Warning (Acts 20:25-31)
Paul expresses his confidence that the Ephesian elders will never see him again (Acts 20:25). He affirms that he has faithfully proclaimed the whole counsel of God, making him innocent of their blood (Acts 20:26-27), echoing the role of the watchman in Ezekiel 3:16-27. He warns them to be on guard for themselves and for the flock, because after his departure, "savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:28-29). He even foresees that some from their own number will rise up and distort the truth to draw disciples away after them (Acts 20:30). He reminds them of his three years of tireless warning, even with tears (Acts 20:31).
Paul's warning underscores the constant need for vigilance and discernment within the church. False teachers, like "savage wolves," seek to exploit and lead astray. Protecting the flock requires pastors who are deeply rooted in God's Word, able to discern negative influences, and motivated by genuine love for God's people.
Entrusting Them to God's Grace (Acts 20:32-35)
As he prepares to leave, Paul commits the Ephesian elders to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). He reminds them of his own example of selfless service, working to support himself and not coveting anyone's possessions (Acts 20:33-34). He quotes Jesus, saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35), emphasizing the importance of generosity and service in the Christian life.
A Tearful Farewell (Acts 20:36-38)
The chapter concludes with a touching scene of farewell. Paul knelt down and prayed with all of them (Acts 20:36). They wept, embraced him, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all because of the words he had spoken, that they would not see his face again (Acts 20:37-38). This emotional response reveals the deep bond of love and respect that existed between Paul and the Ephesian elders.
Acts 20 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful ministry, the need for vigilance against false teaching, and the power of God's grace to sustain and build up believers. It's a chapter that challenges us to examine our own hearts and commitments to Christ and to consider how we can best serve Him and His church.
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Acts 20 recounts a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry, marking the near end of his third missionary journey. It's a chapter filled with emotion, strategic decisions, and a powerful demonstration of God's grace. Understanding the context of Acts 20 helps us appreciate the weight of Paul's words and actions.
The Journey Resumes (Acts 20:1-6)
Following the events in Ephesus (Acts 19), Paul, true to his plan (Acts 19:21), sets out for Macedonia (Acts 20:1). His initial plan to sail directly to Corinth was altered due to troubling news of division and sin within the Corinthian church. He first visited the churches in Macedonia, offering encouragement and correction, before heading south to Greece, where he spent three months (Acts 20:2-3). A Jewish plot against him forced another change of plans, leading him to retrace his steps through Macedonia, sail to Troas, and then travel down the western coast of Turkey. Luke rejoins Paul's company during this leg of the journey, as indicated by the shift to the first-person plural "we" in Acts 20:6.
A Night in Troas: Teaching and a Miraculous Revival (Acts 20:7-12)
One significant stop on this journey was in Troas. Here, the believers gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread, a likely reference to the Lord's Supper. Paul, knowing his time was short, spoke at length, continuing his message until midnight (Acts 20:7). During this extended teaching, a young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, succumbed to sleep and fell three stories to his death (Acts 20:9).
In a powerful display of God's power, Paul went down, embraced Eutychus, and brought him back to life (Acts 20:10). This miraculous event likely provided immense encouragement to the church. After this, they returned upstairs, shared a meal, and Paul continued teaching until daybreak (Acts 20:11). This passage illustrates the importance of gathering together as believers, the power of God's Word, and the reality of God's miraculous intervention. It's reminiscent of both Peter and Jesus raising the dead, showcasing the power of the Holy Spirit.
Miletus: A Farewell to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:13-17)
From Troas, Paul continued his journey, making several stops along the way. He bypassed Ephesus, concerned that a visit would delay his arrival in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Instead, he landed in Miletus, a port city about thirty miles south of Ephesus, and summoned the elders of the Ephesian church to meet him there (Acts 20:16-17).
Paul's Heartfelt Farewell Address (Acts 20:18-35)
The meeting with the Ephesian elders is the heart of Acts 20. Paul's farewell address is a powerful and emotional reminder of his ministry among them and a warning about the challenges they would face.
A Review of Paul's Ministry (Acts 20:18-21)
Paul begins by reminding the elders of his humble and dedicated service among them. He emphasizes his humility, tears, and perseverance in the face of Jewish opposition (Acts 20:19). He taught them publicly and from house to house, proclaiming "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:20-21). Repentance involves an internal decision to turn away from sin, while faith in Jesus means trusting in Him alone for eternal life.
Looking Ahead: Compelled by the Spirit (Acts 20:22-24)
Paul then speaks of his impending journey to Jerusalem, driven by the Holy Spirit, despite knowing that chains and afflictions await him (Acts 20:22-23). He declares that his life is of no value to himself; what matters most is finishing the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus: to testify to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24). This speaks to a powerful sense of purpose and dedication to God's calling.
A Clear Conscience and a Warning (Acts 20:25-31)
Paul expresses his confidence that the Ephesian elders will never see him again (Acts 20:25). He affirms that he has faithfully proclaimed the whole counsel of God, making him innocent of their blood (Acts 20:26-27), echoing the role of the watchman in Ezekiel 3:16-27. He warns them to be on guard for themselves and for the flock, because after his departure, "savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:28-29). He even foresees that some from their own number will rise up and distort the truth to draw disciples away after them (Acts 20:30). He reminds them of his three years of tireless warning, even with tears (Acts 20:31).
Paul's warning underscores the constant need for vigilance and discernment within the church. False teachers, like "savage wolves," seek to exploit and lead astray. Protecting the flock requires pastors who are deeply rooted in God's Word, able to discern negative influences, and motivated by genuine love for God's people.
Entrusting Them to God's Grace (Acts 20:32-35)
As he prepares to leave, Paul commits the Ephesian elders to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). He reminds them of his own example of selfless service, working to support himself and not coveting anyone's possessions (Acts 20:33-34). He quotes Jesus, saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35), emphasizing the importance of generosity and service in the Christian life.
A Tearful Farewell (Acts 20:36-38)
The chapter concludes with a touching scene of farewell. Paul knelt down and prayed with all of them (Acts 20:36). They wept, embraced him, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all because of the words he had spoken, that they would not see his face again (Acts 20:37-38). This emotional response reveals the deep bond of love and respect that existed between Paul and the Ephesian elders.
Acts 20 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful ministry, the need for vigilance against false teaching, and the power of God's grace to sustain and build up believers. It's a chapter that challenges us to examine our own hearts and commitments to Christ and to consider how we can best serve Him and His church.