Acts 20:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} we {G2249} went before {G4281} to {G1909} ship {G4143}, and sailed {G321} unto {G1519} Assos {G789}, there {G1564} intending {G3195} to take in {G353} Paul {G3972}: for {G1063} so {G3779} had he {G2258} appointed {G1299}, minding {G3195} himself {G846} to go afoot {G3978}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We went on ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, where we were planning to take Sha’ul aboard — he had arranged this because he wanted to go there by land.

Berean Standard Bible

We went on ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot.

American Standard Version

But we, going before to the ship, set sail for Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, intending himself to go by land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:13 details a specific logistical arrangement during Paul's return journey to Jerusalem, highlighting a temporary separation from his traveling companions. While his group sailed from Troas to Assos, Paul intentionally chose to travel the distance by foot, demonstrating his personal discipline, strategic planning, and potential desire for solitude or reflection amidst the demanding missionary enterprise. This brief account offers a glimpse into the practicalities of ancient travel and Paul's methodical approach to his ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the concluding phase of Paul's third missionary journey, as he meticulously makes his way back to Jerusalem. Having spent a significant period in Troas, marked by a lengthy sermon and the miraculous revival of [Eutychus](/acts/20-9 "Eutychus Falls from a Window"), Paul and his companions are now departing. The narrative immediately preceding this verse describes Paul's extended teaching and the emotional farewells in Troas. The "we" pronoun, consistently used from [Acts 20:5](/acts/20-5 "Paul and Companions Travel to Troas") onwards, signals Luke's presence as an eyewitness, lending a personal and reliable dimension to the account. This leg of the journey sets the stage for Paul's poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus, which follows shortly thereafter in [Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Travel in the ancient world was arduous and time-consuming, relying heavily on sea voyages or overland routes. Troas and Assos were significant port cities on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor. The distance between them by land was considerably shorter than by sea, as the sea route involved navigating around a peninsula. Paul's decision to walk would have been a common practice for many travelers, offering a more direct path and potentially avoiding the vagaries of wind and sea currents that could delay a ship. This period also saw the Roman Empire's established road networks, which facilitated land travel. Paul's choice reflects not only the practicalities of the era but also his personal habits, as he often traveled extensively on foot throughout his missionary journeys, enduring various hardships as described in [2 Corinthians 11:26-27](/2_corinthians/11-26-27 "Paul's Sufferings and Hardships").
* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:13 contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores **Paul's Strategic Planning and Leadership**. His "appointment" of the meeting place demonstrates his foresight and organizational skills in coordinating the movements of his team. Secondly, it highlights **Paul's Personal Discipline and Intentionality**. His choice to walk, rather than sail with the others, suggests a deliberate decision, perhaps for solitude, prayer, or simply a preference for the land route. This aligns with Paul's broader commitment to his mission, even in the mundane aspects of travel logistics. Thirdly, the consistent use of the "we" passages, including this verse, reinforces **Luke's Eyewitness Testimony and the Credibility of the Narrative**. Luke's presence adds a layer of authenticity and detail to the account of Paul's final journey to [Jerusalem](/acts/21 "Paul's Journey to Jerusalem"), a journey Paul knew would be fraught with peril, as he later articulates in [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **appointed (Greek, _diatássō_):** This verb (G1299) means "to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc." It signifies Paul's deliberate and authoritative planning. He didn't merely suggest; he "appointed" or "ordered" the rendezvous point, indicating a clear directive and his role as the leader orchestrating their travel logistics. This was a pre-arranged plan, not a spontaneous decision.
* **intending (Greek, _méllō_):** Used twice in the verse (G3195), "intending" and "minding," this word conveys the idea of being "about to be, do, or suffer something" or having a strong purpose. It emphasizes Paul's deliberate forethought and resolve regarding his travel method. His decision to walk was not an afterthought but a planned intention, underscoring his purposeful approach to every aspect of his ministry and personal journey.
* **to go afoot (Greek, _pezeúō_):** This verb (G3978) specifically means "to foot a journey, i.e. travel by land." It directly contrasts with the companions' action of sailing. This precise term highlights Paul's physical act of walking, emphasizing the personal and perhaps arduous nature of his chosen path for this segment of the journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos":** This clause describes the action of Paul's companions, including Luke ("we"). They proceeded to the ship and set sail for Assos, indicating a coordinated but separate departure from Troas. This highlights the practical division of labor and the use of maritime travel.
* **"there intending to take in Paul":** This phrase reveals the purpose of their journey to Assos: it was a pre-arranged meeting point. The companions sailed ahead with the specific intention of picking up Paul at Assos, demonstrating the meticulous planning involved in their travels.
* **"for so had he appointed":** This explanatory clause provides the reason for the companions' actions. Paul himself had "appointed" or commanded this arrangement. It underscores his leadership and the fact that the group was following his specific instructions for their travel itinerary.
* **"minding himself to go afoot":** This final clause explains Paul's personal decision and method of travel. While his companions sailed, Paul had deliberately "minded" or purposed to travel the distance between Troas and Assos by walking. This highlights his intentionality and perhaps a desire for a different experience or purpose during this segment of the journey.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but effective literary devices. The consistent use of the first-person plural pronoun "**we**" throughout this section of Acts is a prime example of **Eyewitness Account**, lending authenticity and immediacy to the narrative, as Luke, the author, was present for these events. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the mode of travel: the companions sail by ship, while Paul chooses to "go afoot." This juxtaposition draws attention to Paul's unique and deliberate decision. Furthermore, Paul's solitary walk can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, potentially representing a period of personal reflection, prayer, or spiritual preparation before the significant challenges and trials he anticipated in Jerusalem. This personal journey foreshadows the more profound and difficult path he was about to embark upon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:13, though seemingly a mundane detail of travel, subtly underscores the divine orchestration of human plans and the importance of intentionality in ministry. Paul's decision to walk reflects not just logistical efficiency but potentially a spiritual discipline—a time for solitude and communion with God before facing the looming trials in Jerusalem. It reminds us that even in the practicalities of life and ministry, there is room for purposeful choices that align with spiritual needs and God's broader purposes. The meticulous planning involved, with Paul appointing the meeting point, illustrates that God often works through organized, thoughtful human effort, not just spontaneous acts. This verse quietly affirms that even the journey itself can be a part of the spiritual preparation for what lies ahead.

* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")
* [Philippians 3:13-14](/philippians/3-13-14 "Pressing Toward the Goal")
* [1 Corinthians 9:27](/1_corinthians/9-27 "Paul's Discipline")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:13, while a brief logistical note, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Paul's intentional choice to walk, rather than sail with his companions, serves as a powerful reminder of the value of purposeful solitude and personal discipline amidst the demands of life and ministry. In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, we often neglect the quiet moments necessary for reflection, prayer, and spiritual recalibration. Paul's "walk" might have been his way of processing the intense ministry in Troas, preparing his heart for the difficult journey to Jerusalem, and seeking divine guidance. This verse challenges us to consider how we integrate intentional periods of quietness and personal spiritual disciplines into our busy schedules. It also highlights the balance between communal effort and individual responsibility. While Paul's companions sailed together, he chose a different, more solitary path for a segment, yet they remained connected by a shared purpose and a planned reunion. Our faith journey often involves both collective action and individual spiritual growth, both requiring deliberate choices and commitment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry might God be calling you to take a "walk"—a period of intentional solitude or personal discipline—even when others are taking a different path?**
* **How do you balance the demands of communal ministry and fellowship with your personal need for spiritual reflection and quiet time with God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to be more intentional and disciplined in your spiritual journey, mirroring Paul's deliberate choices?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul choose to walk from Troas to Assos instead of sailing with his companions?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state Paul's reasons, but several plausible explanations are often suggested. Geographically, the land route from Troas to Assos was significantly shorter and more direct than the sea route, which required sailing around a peninsula. This might have been a purely practical decision for efficiency. Theologically and spiritually, Paul might have desired a period of solitude for prayer, reflection, or spiritual preparation. He was keenly aware of the trials and imprisonment that awaited him in [Jerusalem](/acts/20-22-23 "Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem"), and this walk could have served as a time of intense communion with God, processing the past and preparing for the future. It also aligns with Paul's character as a man of great discipline and intentionality, often choosing arduous paths for the sake of the gospel, as seen throughout his missionary journeys.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:13, with Paul's intentional and solitary walk, subtly points to the greater, purposeful journey of Jesus Christ. Paul's "appointed" path, chosen with deliberate foresight, echoes the ultimate appointment of the Son of God to come into the world and accomplish redemption. Just as Paul set his face toward Jerusalem, anticipating trials, so too did Jesus resolutely "set His face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), knowing full well the suffering and death that awaited Him there. Christ's journey to the cross was the most deliberate and solitary walk in history, a path He trod alone in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Jesus in Gethsemane")) and on Calvary, even when His closest companions could not fully grasp or share His burden. Paul's physical discipline and intentionality in his mission serve as a faint but true reflection of Christ's perfect obedience and unwavering commitment to fulfill the Father's will, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Every step Paul took was in service of the gospel of Christ, mirroring the very mission of the One who walked among us to bring salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 6:46

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Mark 6:31

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Mark 6:33

And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.