Acts20

After the uproar in Ephesus, Paul traveled through Macedonia and Greece, exhorting the disciples. At Troas, he miraculously restored Eutychus to life after the young man fell from a window during Paul's lengthy sermon. Paul then journeyed to Miletus, where he delivered a poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, reflecting on his ministry, warning of future dangers, and preparing for his journey to Jerusalem.

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Paul Travels to Macedonia and Greece

¶ 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.

Eutychus Restored to Life at Troas

¶ 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.

Journey to Miletus

¶ 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.

Paul’s Farewell Address to Ephesian Elders

¶ 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.

Warning Against False Teachers

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.

Final Exhortation and Farewell

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.

Study Notes for Acts 20

Verse 3

Paul's planned sea route to Syria was abandoned due to a Jewish plot against his life, forcing him to take the longer land route back through Macedonia. This highlights the constant danger he faced.

Verse 4

The list of companions represents delegates from various churches (likely carrying collection money for Jerusalem), emphasizing the unity and breadth of Paul's ministry.

Verse 5

The use of 'us' indicates the resumption of the 'We-sections,' showing that Luke (the author) had rejoined Paul’s company, likely at Philippi.

Verse 6

The 'days of unleavened bread' (Passover week) marks the timing of their departure. They spent seven days in Troas, allowing time for fellowship and instruction.

Verse 7

This verse provides important evidence for the early church practice of gathering on 'the first day of the week' (Sunday) for fellowship and the Eucharist ('to break bread').

Verse 9

The detail about the young man falling from the 'third loft' (three stories high) emphasizes the gravity of the accident, confirming his death.

Verse 10

Paul’s action of falling upon the body is reminiscent of the prophets Elijah (1 Kings 17:21) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:34), demonstrating God's power working through him.

Verse 11

The breaking of bread here likely refers to both the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) and a communal meal (agape feast), concluding the all-night meeting.

Verse 13

Paul chose to travel afoot from Troas to Assos (about 20 miles), perhaps for quiet reflection, prayer, or private conversation with his companions before the emotional journey toward Jerusalem.

Verse 16

Paul bypassed Ephesus, the center of his recent ministry, because he was rushing to reach Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Pentecost, viewing it as an opportune time for ministry.

Verse 17

Paul summons the elders (presbyteroi) from Ephesus to Miletus. This address is unique in Acts, functioning as Paul’s pastoral and theological testament.

Verse 19

Paul emphasizes that his ministry was marked by humility, suffering ('tears and temptations'), and opposition, setting an example for the leaders.

Verse 20

Paul’s comprehensive teaching method included public sermons and private discipleship ('from house to house'), ensuring no truth was withheld.

Verse 21

The core content of Paul's gospel is summarized here: the call for 'repentance toward God' (a change of mind and direction) and 'faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.'

Verse 22

'Bound in the spirit' suggests Paul felt an inner, divinely-compelled obligation to go to Jerusalem, even though he knew danger awaited him.

Verse 24

This is a foundational statement of Paul's dedication. His goal was not self-preservation, but the completion of the ministry received from Christ—testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Verse 25

Paul’s conviction that this was his final meeting with them lends a profound solemnity and urgency to his subsequent warnings and instructions.

Verse 26

Paul uses language reminiscent of the prophetic watchman (Ezek. 33:1-9) to assert his innocence, having faithfully discharged his duty to instruct them completely.

Verse 27

'All the counsel of God' (the whole purpose or plan of God) indicates the comprehensive nature of his teaching, encompassing the full scope of Christian truth, not just selective doctrines.

Verse 28

This verse contains a crucial charge to the elders (overseers/bishops), emphasizing their divine appointment by the Holy Spirit to shepherd the church. The phrase 'church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood' is a powerful Christological statement.

Verse 29

The 'grievous wolves' represent external threats—false teachers or heretics who will infiltrate the church after Paul leaves, seeking to destroy the community.

Verse 30

Paul warns that danger will also arise internally, as leaders from within the community will deviate from the truth ('speaking perverse things') to gain a following.

Verse 32

Paul commends the elders to God and 'the word of his grace,' recognizing that ultimate strength, preservation, and spiritual inheritance come from divine power and Scripture.

Verse 34

Paul’s self-sufficiency through manual labor ('these hands') was a hallmark of his ministry, ensuring he was not a financial burden and modeling diligent work.

Verse 35

This verse quotes a saying of Jesus not recorded in the Gospels, confirming the existence of oral traditions about Jesus' teachings preserved by the early church.

Verse 36

Paul concludes the address with a deeply personal act of corporate prayer, kneeling down with the leaders, symbolizing humility and reliance on God.

Verse 38

The profound sorrow reflects the genuine love and bond between Paul and the Ephesian leaders, especially due to his prediction of never seeing them again (v. 25).

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Acts20

Paul Travels to Macedonia and Greece

Eutychus Restored to Life at Troas

Journey to Miletus

Paul’s Farewell Address to Ephesian Elders

Warning Against False Teachers

Final Exhortation and Farewell

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