Acts 20 describes Paul’s final journey through Macedonia and Greece, his farewell to the elders of Ephesus, and his heartfelt exhortations. It is a chapter filled with reflection, encouragement, and warnings, as Paul prepares to leave for Jerusalem, uncertain of what awaits him but resolved to complete his mission.
Overview of Acts 20:
Journey through Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:1-6):
- After the uproar in Ephesus, Paul encourages the disciples and departs for Macedonia. He travels through Macedonia, encouraging the believers along the way, then spends three months in Greece.
- As Paul is about to sail to Syria, he learns of a plot by the Jews to kill him, so he decides to return through Macedonia instead. He is accompanied by several companions representing various churches, including Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus.
Eutychus Raised from the Dead (Acts 20:7-12):
- In Troas, Paul meets with believers and preaches at a gathering on the first day of the week, breaking bread with them. He speaks late into the night, as he plans to leave the next day.
- A young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, falls asleep during Paul’s lengthy sermon, falls from the third story, and is pronounced dead. Paul rushes down, embraces him, and miraculously brings him back to life, comforting the believers.
Paul’s Journey to Miletus and Farewell to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:13-38):
- Paul sails from Troas and stops in Miletus, about 30 miles south of Ephesus. He summons the elders of the Ephesian church to meet him there, as he is eager to reach Jerusalem in time for Pentecost and does not have time to stop in Ephesus.
- In his farewell speech, Paul reminds the elders of his ministry among them, how he served with humility, tears, and endured trials due to opposition from the Jews. He testifies that he did not shrink back from declaring anything profitable to them, teaching both publicly and from house to house.
- Paul warns them that he is going to Jerusalem, where the Holy Spirit has revealed that imprisonment and hardships await him. Nevertheless, he is determined to finish his race and the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus: to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
- He also warns the elders to be vigilant, as after his departure, “savage wolves” will come in among them, trying to lead the disciples astray. He urges them to be on guard and to remember his example of serving without seeking material gain, working with his own hands to support himself and others.
- Paul concludes by reminding them of Jesus’ teaching, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” After a tearful farewell, they pray, embrace him, and accompany him to the ship, grieving because they will not see him again.
Important Points in Acts 20:
Encouragement and Pastoral Care:
- Paul’s journey through Macedonia and Greece emphasizes his dedication to encouraging the churches he established. This pastoral care illustrates the importance of strengthening and supporting believers, especially in times of hardship.
First Day of the Week Gathering:
- In Troas, Paul meets with the believers on the “first day of the week” (Sunday), which highlights the early church practice of gathering on this day, likely in commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection.
Eutychus’ Resurrection:
- The story of Eutychus demonstrates God’s compassion and power, as Paul, by God’s power, raises him from the dead. This miracle brings comfort to the church in Troas, highlighting God’s care for believers and the hope of resurrection.
Paul’s Selfless Service:
- Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders is a powerful testimony of his dedication and integrity. He recalls his selfless service, enduring hardships without seeking financial gain, focusing on proclaiming the gospel and supporting others. His example becomes a model for Christian leadership.
Warning Against False Teachers:
- Paul warns the Ephesian elders about the “savage wolves” that will try to distort the truth and mislead believers after his departure. This warning emphasizes the responsibility of church leaders to protect and uphold sound doctrine.
Commitment to God’s Calling:
- Despite knowing that imprisonment and suffering await him in Jerusalem, Paul is determined to complete his mission. His willingness to face hardship for the sake of the gospel shows his absolute commitment to fulfilling God’s calling.
Paul’s Famous Words on Giving:
- Paul’s reference to Jesus’ teaching, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” highlights the Christian principle of selfless giving. This teaching encourages the elders to lead generously and focus on serving others.
Emotional Farewell:
- Paul’s farewell with the Ephesian elders is deeply emotional, marked by prayer, tears, and expressions of affection. It shows the strong bond between Paul and the believers in Ephesus and underscores the impact of his ministry on the church there.
Acts 20 encapsulates Paul’s pastoral heart, his commitment to finishing the race, and his deep love for the believers. His instructions to the Ephesian elders reveal the essential qualities of a Christian leader: faithfulness, humility, vigilance, and generosity. This chapter serves as both a model for church leadership and a testament to Paul’s dedication to the gospel.
