Acts 20
Acts 20 details Paul's journey as he visits various churches to encourage and strengthen the believers. The chapter highlights his pastoral care and deep commitment to the church, despite knowing the trials that awaited him. It includes his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing watchfulness and perseverance in faith.
Acts 20:1-5 (NKJV)
After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
Paul resumes his missionary journey after quelling a disturbance in Ephesus. He visits Macedonia and Greece, spending time encouraging the believers. Due to a Jewish plot against him, he changes his travel plans, showcasing the constant dangers he faced. This passage also notes the companions who traveled with Paul, highlighting the collective effort in his mission.
Acts 20:6 (NKJV)
But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Leaving Philippi post-Passover, Paul and his team take five days to reach Troas. Their stay here for a week suggests significant interactions and teachings were planned with the church in Troas.
Acts 20:7 (NKJV)
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
On the "first day of the week," beginning at sunset on Saturday, the disciples continued their gathering from the Sabbath. During this time, they came together specifically to break bread, which involved taking part in an act of shared eating that held significant meaning in their communal worship. Paul used this continued meeting to provide extended teachings, speaking to the group until midnight in light of his upcoming departure, ensuring he left them with ample guidance and spiritual insight.
Acts 20:8 (NKJV)
There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.
This verse simply sets the scene in Troas, indicating that the meeting was well-attended and held at night, necessitating many lamps.
Acts 20:9 (NKJV)
And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
Eutychus, a young man, tragically falls from a window during Paul's long discourse, leading to what seemed like a fatal accident. This incident highlights the length and depth of Paul's teachings, which often extended late into the night.
Acts 20:10 (NKJV)
But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him."
Paul's immediate response is to embrace Eutychus, miraculously reviving him. This miracle, similar to those performed by Elijah and Elisha, reassures the witnesses and underscores Paul's apostolic power.
Acts 20:11 (NKJV)
Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.
After the incident, Paul resumes his fellowship, breaking bread and continuing his teachings until dawn. This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his ministry and the spiritual nourishment he provided.
Acts 20:12 (NKJV)
And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
The restoration of Eutychus brings immense comfort to those present, reinforcing their faith in God's power and Paul's ministry.
This approach provides a structured yet concise exploration of each verse, shedding light on Paul's missionary endeavors and the foundational aspects of early Christian community life.
Acts 20:13 (NKJV)
Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot.
Paul sends his team ahead by ship while he chooses to travel overland to Assos. This decision might reflect his desire for private reflection or to engage with believers along the route.
Acts 20:14 (NKJV)
And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.
Reunited with his team at Assos, Paul continues his journey by sea to Mitylene. This mode of travel indicates his strategic use of both land and sea routes to spread the Gospel efficiently.
Acts 20:15 (NKJV)
We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos, and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.
Paul's voyage details his stops along various islands, highlighting the expansive geographic scope of his missionary work and the diverse communities he reached.
Acts 20:16 (NKJV)
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
Paul chooses to bypass Ephesus to save time, aiming to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. This reflects his commitment to connecting with the church in Jerusalem and celebrating significant Jewish feasts, despite his focus on Gentile missions.
Acts 20:17-21 (NKJV)
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In Miletus, Paul summons the Ephesian elders, providing a heartfelt review of his ministry. He emphasizes his humble service, perseverance through persecution, and dedication to teaching both Jews and Gentiles about repentance and faith in Jesus.
Acts 20:22-24 (NKJV)
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Paul shares his compelling sense of duty to continue to Jerusalem despite forewarnings of imprisonment and hardship. His resolve to complete his mission exemplifies his profound commitment to spreading the Gospel.
Acts 20:25 (NKJV)
“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.”
Paul solemnly predicts that he will not meet the Ephesian elders again, stressing the seriousness of his journey and the possible finality of his farewells.
Acts 20:26-27 (NKJV)
“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
Paul asserts his diligence in proclaiming God's full message, clearing himself of any neglect in his duty as a teacher and apostle.
Acts 20:28 (NKJV)
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
Paul charges the Ephesian elders to vigilantly shepherd the church, emphasizing their divine appointment and the sacred value of the congregation, redeemed by Jesus' sacrifice.
Acts 20:29-31 (NKJV)
“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
Paul warns of future threats from both external and internal sources who would disrupt the church's unity and integrity. His admonition to remain watchful is underscored by his emotional investment and continuous teaching during his time with them.
Acts 20:32 (NKJV)
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Paul entrusts the elders to God's care and the transformative power of His grace, highlighting the assurance of spiritual growth and a heavenly inheritance for the faithful.
Acts 20:33-35 (NKJV)
“I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Paul defends his integrity, noting his self-sufficiency and his teachings on generosity and supporting the vulnerable, embodying the teachings of Jesus.
Acts 20:36-38 (NKJV)
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely and embraced Paul, kissing him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
In a poignant farewell, Paul and the Ephesian elders share a deeply emotional prayer. The profound sadness at his departure highlights the strong bonds and the impact of his ministry among them.
This chapter vividly showcases Paul's dedication to his mission, his pastoral care, and his prophetic insights into the challenges the early church would face.