‏ Acts 20

Paul's Departure from Ephesus; Paul's Removal to Troas

This section describes Paul’s travels after his long ministry in Ephesus. Paul had spent more time in Ephesus than in any other city, but now it was time for him to continue his mission. He visited other churches he had planted, encouraging the believers and strengthening their faith. Along the way, Paul adjusted his plans because of danger from the Jews, showing his wisdom and trust in God’s guidance. This passage highlights Paul’s dedication to the gospel and his care for the churches he had established.

v. 1: After the uproar in Ephesus had ended, Paul decided to leave the city. He had stayed there for a long time, but it was clear that his work there was done. Before departing, Paul gathered the disciples, embraced them, and said goodbye with love and prayer. This farewell was likely full of emotion, as Paul and the believers had formed strong bonds through their shared faith and struggles.

v. 2: Paul traveled to Macedonia, visiting the churches in Philippi and Thessalonica. He gave the believers much exhortation, encouraging them to stay faithful and grow in their faith. Paul’s visits were not just social; they were filled with teaching, reasoning, and urging the believers to live fully for Christ.

v. 3: Paul stayed in Greece, likely in Corinth, for three months. During this time, he continued to encourage and teach the disciples there. However, when Paul planned to sail to Syria, he learned of a plot by the Jews to harm him. To avoid danger, he decided to return through Macedonia instead of taking his usual route. This change shows Paul’s wisdom in dealing with opposition and his reliance on God’s leading.

v. 4: Several companions traveled with Paul as he journeyed. These included Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. These men likely helped Paul in his ministry, assisting with teaching and encouraging the churches. Traveling together also allowed Paul to train them for future ministry and provided support and encouragement.

v. 5: Paul’s companions went ahead to Troas and waited for him there. Paul valued the fellowship of other believers, and they were willing to wait for him so they could continue traveling together. This shows the importance of having close companions in the work of the gospel.

v. 6: Paul sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread and arrived in Troas five days later. He stayed in Troas for seven days. Although traveling took a lot of time, Paul did not see it as wasted. He used every opportunity, whether in travel or in teaching, to serve God and spread the gospel. This reminds us to make the most of our time, even in ordinary activities.

Paul Preaches at Troas; The Recovery of Eutychus

This passage tells the story of Paul’s last day in Troas during his journey. The Christians gathered for worship, breaking bread and listening to Paul preach. However, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep during the sermon, fell from a window, and died. Through God's power, Paul raised him back to life. This event encouraged the believers and demonstrated the truth of the gospel. It also reminds us of the importance of spiritual attentiveness and God's mercy in unexpected situations.

v. 7: The Christians in Troas gathered on the first day of the week, which they called the Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10 ^a). This was their regular time for worship, prayer, and breaking bread, referring to the Lord’s Supper. They met in an upper room, likely a simple and humble space in a house. Even though it was not a grand or comfortable meeting place, they showed their devotion by gathering together. The first day of the week became the Christian Sabbath, celebrated in honor of Jesus’ resurrection.

v. 8: The meeting took place in the evening, and many lamps were lit in the room. This provided light for the gathering and allowed the people to follow along as Paul spoke. It also demonstrated that their meeting was open and not hidden, showing their honesty and faithfulness to Christ.

v. 9: A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window, and as Paul continued speaking late into the night, the young man fell into a deep sleep. Overcome by sleep, he fell from the third story and was declared dead. This sad accident highlights the importance of being attentive during worship and guarding against distractions, especially when hearing God’s word.

v. 10: Paul went down to where the young man had fallen. He embraced him and assured the people, Do not be troubled, for his life is in him. Like Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament (1 Kings 17:21; 2 Kings 4:34 ^b), Paul showed compassion and faith, asking God to restore life to Eutychus. This miracle confirmed God’s power and brought comfort to the community.

v. 11: After raising Eutychus, Paul returned to the meeting. They broke bread together in fellowship, which likely included the Lord’s Supper. Paul continued talking with them until dawn, using every moment to teach and encourage them. The people valued this time with Paul, knowing they might not see him again.

v. 12: The young man was brought back alive to the assembly, and everyone rejoiced. This miracle not only saved Eutychus but also strengthened the faith of the believers. They were greatly comforted and encouraged by God’s display of power and care for them.

Paul on a Voyage

This passage describes Paul’s journey as he travels towards Jerusalem, making the most of every opportunity to do good along the way. Even as he moves from place to place, Paul is focused on serving Christ, whether by encouraging believers, preaching the gospel, or showing self-discipline and humility in his travels. His choices show us the importance of using our time wisely and putting God’s work first, even when it means making sacrifices or leaving friends behind for a time.

v. 13: Paul decided to walk to Assos while his companions took the ship. He may have wanted time alone for prayer, to visit believers along the way, or to practice self-discipline and prepare for future hardships (Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, 2 Timothy 2:3 ^c). Even though the road was rough, Paul chose it on purpose, showing his willingness to deny himself for Christ.

v. 14: When Paul arrived at Assos, his friends took him on board the ship, and they continued their journey together. Sometimes it is good to be alone for a while, but it is also important to join others and work together for God’s mission.

v. 15: The ship sailed past Chios, stopped at Samos, and stayed for a while at Trogyllium. The next day, they reached Miletus, which was near Ephesus. Paul was careful with his time and planned his journey so he could reach his goals and not be delayed.

v. 16: Paul did not stop at Ephesus because he knew his friends there would want him to stay longer, and he was determined to reach Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. He wanted to visit Jerusalem when many people would be there for the feast, to encourage believers and share the gospel with Jews and visitors from many lands. Paul’s example teaches us to keep our priorities clear and not be distracted, even by good things like friendship, when there is important work to do for God.

Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem and wanted to say goodbye to the leaders of the church at Ephesus. He did not travel into the city, but instead called for the elders to meet him at Miletus. This meeting is important because Paul gives them a final message, reminding them of his example and encouraging them to continue serving Jesus faithfully after he is gone.

v. 17: From Miletus, Paul sent a message to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. The elders were the leaders and shepherds of the Christian community in Ephesus. Paul wanted to speak to them personally before he continued his journey.

v. 18–21: When the elders arrived, Paul reminded them how he lived among them the whole time, serving the Lord with humility, facing many trials, and often with tears. He did not hold back anything that was helpful to them. He taught them in public and in their homes, urging both Jews and Greeks to turn to God in repentance and to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s life was an example of hard work, sincerity, and passionate teaching.

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v. 22–24: Paul explained that he was now going to Jerusalem, not knowing what would happen to him there. The Holy Spirit had warned him in every city that prison and hardship awaited him. But Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Paul’s main goal was to share the gospel, no matter what it cost him.

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v. 25–27: Paul told the elders that they would not see him again. He declared that he was innocent of anyone’s blood because he had not hesitated to proclaim the whole will of God to them. He had done his duty by teaching them everything God wanted them to know.

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v. 28–31: Paul warned the elders to keep watch over themselves and over all the believers. They were to be shepherds of God’s church, bought with Jesus’ own blood. He warned that after he left, false teachers would come in, like wolves, trying to destroy the church. Even some from among the elders themselves would distort the truth. Paul told them to be alert and remember how he had warned them night and day with tears.

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v. 32–35: Paul commended the elders to God and to the word of his grace, which could build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. He reminded them that he had not been greedy for anyone’s silver or gold; instead, he worked with his own hands to provide for his needs and the needs of his companions. He finished by quoting Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Paul encouraged them to work hard and help the weak.

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Paul Takes Leave of the Elders of Ephesus

This passage describes Paul’s emotional farewell to the elders from Ephesus. After his powerful and heartfelt sermon, Paul and the elders prayed together and shared a time of weeping and affection. The scene shows the deep Christian love and friendship that comes from serving God together. It also reminds us of the value of prayer when saying goodbye and the hope that believers have, even in painful partings.

v. 36: After speaking to the elders, Paul knelt down and prayed with them all. This was a humble and heartfelt prayer, asking God to guide, protect, and strengthen the church and its leaders. Paul’s prayer also set an example for the elders, teaching them to pray for their people and for each other. Praying together at times of parting can help keep hearts close, even when people are separated (Ephesians 3:14 ^d).

v. 37–38: After praying, everyone wept deeply. The elders hugged Paul and kissed him, showing their love and sadness. The hardest part for them was Paul’s words that they would never see his face again. This made the farewell feel like a funeral, and everyone was filled with grief. But these tears were also a way of saying thank you for Paul’s care and ministry. For Christians, even when we say goodbye in this life, we have hope that we will meet again with the Lord.

v. 38 (end): The elders walked with Paul to the ship, wanting to spend as much time as possible with him before he left. Their respect and love for Paul were clear, and they made the most of their last moments together. Even in their sorrow, they could trust that Jesus would be with them all, whether together or apart.