Acts 20:14

Acts 20:14 (KJV): "And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene."

Context of Acts 20:14

This verse continues the narrative of the Apostle Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, marking a significant leg of his third missionary journey. Following an extended stay in Troas, where he preached and famously raised Eutychus from the dead, Paul chose a unique travel plan. While his companions, including Luke (indicated by the "we"), sailed directly from Troas to Assos, Paul opted to travel the approximately 20 miles overland on foot. This personal choice allowed for a period of solitude or reflection before rejoining the group at Assos, a port city in ancient Mysia. From Assos, they then boarded the ship together and continued their voyage to Mitylene, a significant city on the island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea.

Key Themes and Messages

• Strategic and Deliberate Travel: Paul's decision to walk to Assos instead of sailing with his companions highlights his intentionality and a methodical approach to his journey. This might have been for personal reflection, prayer, or simply a preference for overland travel for that segment, showcasing the practicalities and sometimes arduous nature of early apostolic journeys.
• Companionship in Ministry: Despite Paul's solo walk, the verse immediately speaks of him rejoining "us," emphasizing the constant presence and support of his ministry team. This underlines the importance of companionship and mutual support in Christian service.
• Historical Accuracy and Detail: Luke, the author of Acts, meticulously records geographical details and travel itineraries. The precise naming of Assos and Mitylene lends credibility to the historical account, allowing readers to trace Paul's actual movements across the ancient world.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "we took him in" (KJV) translates the Greek verb anelabonto (ἀνελάβοντο), which simply means "they took him up" or "they received him on board." It denotes the practical action of taking Paul onto the ship. The consistent use of "we" throughout this section of Acts (known as the "we" passages, which began earlier in Acts 16:10) indicates that Luke, the author, was an eyewitness and participant in this part of Paul's journey, adding to the narrative's authenticity and rich detail.

Practical Application

Though a brief logistical note, Acts 20:14 offers subtle insights for believers today:

• Intentionality in Our Walk: Like Paul, we can be intentional about our paths, sometimes choosing a more challenging or solitary route for personal growth or spiritual reflection, even amidst a larger journey or ministry.
• Value of Community: Even independent leaders like Paul relied on their community. This reminds us of the necessity of rejoining and relying on our spiritual community for support, fellowship, and continued ministry.
• God's Sovereignty in Details: This verse, along with many others, shows God working through the mundane details of travel and logistics. Every step of our journey, even the seemingly ordinary, is part of His larger, sovereign plan for our lives and service.