Acts 20
Acts 20 describes the final stages of Paul's third missionary journey and contains important teachings and events.
Key Points
1. Paul's Journey Through Macedonia and Greece (Verses 1-6)
Paul Encourages the Disciples: After the uproar in Ephesus (Acts 19), Paul leaves for Macedonia, where he encourages the disciples. He travels through the region and then to Greece, staying there for three months.
A Plot Against Paul: A plot by some Jews against Paul’s life forces him to change his travel plans. Instead of sailing directly to Syria, he returns through Macedonia.
Travel Companions: Paul is accompanied by several companions, including Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus. They travel ahead to Troas, where Paul later joins them.
2. Paul’s Stay in Troas and Eutychus’s Resurrection (Verses 7-12)
Paul Preaches in Troas: On the first day of the week, the believers gather to break bread, and Paul speaks to them. He continues preaching until midnight, as he plans to leave the next day.
Eutychus Falls Asleep and Dies: A young man named Eutychus falls asleep while sitting in a window during Paul’s long sermon. He falls from the third story and is found dead.
Eutychus Raised to Life: Paul goes down, embraces Eutychus, and tells the people not to be alarmed. Eutychus comes back to life, and Paul continues talking until daylight. This miracle greatly encourages the believers.
3. Paul’s Journey to Miletus (Verses 13-16)
Travel from Troas to Miletus: Paul and his companions continue their journey by sea, making several stops before reaching Miletus.
Avoiding Ephesus: Paul chooses not to stop in Ephesus to avoid delays, as he is eager to reach Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost.
4. Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders (Verses 17-38)
Summoning the Elders: Paul sends for the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him in Miletus.
Paul’s Farewell Speech: In a heartfelt address, Paul reflects on his ministry among them, reminding the elders of his humility, perseverance through trials, and his commitment to preaching the gospel of God’s grace.
Warning and Encouragement: Paul warns the elders about future challenges, including false teachers (referred to as “savage wolves”) who will try to lead the flock astray. He urges them to be vigilant and to shepherd the church, which was purchased with Christ’s blood.
Paul’s Commitment: He emphasizes that he has not coveted anyone’s possessions and has worked to support himself and his companions. Paul encourages the elders to help the weak, quoting Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Prayer and Departure: After speaking, Paul kneels and prays with all of them. They are deeply moved, especially because Paul has told them they will not see him again. They embrace, weep, and accompany him to the ship.
Takeaways:
Perseverance in Ministry: Paul’s journey through hardship, his encouragement of believers, and his tireless preaching demonstrate a deep commitment to the gospel.
Resurrection and Encouragement: The resurrection of Eutychus is a powerful sign of God’s life-giving power and serves to strengthen the faith of the believers in Troas.
Leadership and Vigilance: Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders is a key moment in Acts, highlighting the responsibilities of church leaders to guard the faith and care for the community. His warning against false teachings remains relevant to church leaders today.
Humility and Generosity**: Paul’s example of humility, hard work, and generosity is a model for Christian living, emphasizing the importance of serving others selflessly.
Acts 20 is a chapter rich in instruction, focusing on the importance of faithful ministry, the role of church leadership, and the enduring power of the gospel to transform and sustain the lives of believers.