Acts 20:14

KJV

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G5613} he met {G4820} with us {G2254} at {G1519} Assos {G789}, we took {G353} him {G846} in {G353}, and came {G2064} to {G1519} Mitylene {G3412}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.

Berean Standard Bible

And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.

American Standard Version

And when he met us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:14 details a specific leg of the Apostle Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, following his extended ministry in Troas. This verse records Paul's unique decision to travel overland by foot from Troas to Assos, while his companions sailed directly. Upon his arrival in Assos, he rejoined the group, was taken aboard their ship, and together they proceeded to Mitylene. This seemingly simple logistical note highlights Paul's intentionality, the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry, and Luke's meticulous historical record-keeping, all within the broader narrative of Paul's determined progression towards Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:14 is situated within the latter part of Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his return voyage from Macedonia and Achaia towards Jerusalem. The preceding verses ([Acts 20:7-12](/acts/20-7-12 "Paul's Farewell in Troas and the Raising of Eutychus")) recount Paul's extended stay in Troas, marked by his lengthy farewell sermon and the miraculous raising of Eutychus. Following this significant event, Paul's immediate companions, including Luke (indicated by the "we" passages), set sail from Troas. Paul, however, chose a different route for the first leg, walking the considerable distance to Assos, where he was to meet the ship. This verse thus marks the reunion of Paul with his traveling party and the continuation of their maritime journey towards their ultimate destination, Jerusalem, which Paul knew would bring him hardship, as he later prophesied in [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Paul's Anticipation of Suffering in Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Assos was a significant port city in the ancient Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), located on the Aegean coast. It was approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Troas. Traveling overland by foot was a common and often preferred mode of transport for shorter distances, especially for those who might desire solitude or a more direct route than the winding coastal voyages. Mitylene was the capital city of the island of Lesbos, a large island in the Aegean Sea, south of Assos. The journey from Assos to Mitylene would have involved a relatively short sea voyage. Paul's choice to walk to Assos, while his companions sailed, could have been for personal reflection, prayer, or simply to take a more direct route over the rugged terrain, avoiding the longer sea journey around the cape. The detailed geographical references underscore Luke's commitment as a historian to accurately document Paul's movements, providing a verifiable itinerary for his readers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies **Strategic and Deliberate Travel** in ministry. Paul's choice to walk to Assos, rather than sail, highlights his intentionality and perhaps a need for personal space or reflection amidst his demanding schedule, a theme also seen in his retreats for prayer, such as in [Acts 14:23](/acts/14-23 "Paul and Barnabas Appointing Elders"). Secondly, it underscores the vital theme of **Companionship and Teamwork in Ministry**. Despite Paul's temporary solo journey, the immediate reunion with "us" (Luke and other companions) emphasizes the collaborative nature of apostolic work and the mutual support essential for effective evangelism and church planting, echoing the sending out of disciples in pairs as seen in [Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two"). Finally, the meticulous naming of locations like Assos and Mitylene reinforces the theme of **Historical Accuracy and Verifiability** in Luke's account, grounding the spiritual narrative in real-world geography and events, a characteristic of Luke's gospel as well, for example, in [Luke 3:1-2](/luke/3-1-2 "The Historical Setting of John the Baptist's Ministry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **met (Greek, _symbállō'_):** This verb means "to combine," "to join," or "to meet with." In this context, it signifies Paul's intentional rendezvous with his traveling companions. It implies a pre-arranged meeting, emphasizing the coordinated effort of the missionary team. The term can also carry nuances of "conferring" or "pondering," suggesting that Paul's solo journey may have been a time of deep thought or prayer before rejoining the group.
* **took him in (Greek, _analambánō'_):** Literally meaning "to take up" or "to receive up," this verb describes the action of the companions receiving Paul onto the ship. It denotes the practical act of boarding, but also subtly conveys the welcoming and inclusion of Paul back into the fellowship of his traveling party. It highlights the physical act of embarkation as well as the communal aspect of their journey.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb means "to come" or "to go" and is used here to describe the group's journey by sea from Assos to Mitylene. It indicates forward movement and progression towards their destination. The continuous nature of their journey, moving from one port to the next, is captured by this verb, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of their mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he met with us at Assos":** This clause establishes the setting and the reunion. Paul, having traveled overland from Troas, arrived at Assos, a port city. The "us" indicates Luke's presence and his eyewitness account, confirming that Paul's companions were waiting for him there as planned. The meeting signifies the re-establishment of the full traveling party.
* **"we took him in":** This phrase describes the action of Paul's companions. Upon his arrival at Assos, they received him onto the ship, indicating their readiness to continue the voyage together. This simple act underscores the practical support and camaraderie among the missionary team.
* **"and came to Mitylene":** This final clause details the next leg of their journey. After Paul boarded the ship at Assos, the entire group set sail and arrived at Mitylene, the capital of Lesbos. This continues Luke's precise itinerary, demonstrating the methodical and purposeful progression of Paul's journey towards Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in Acts 20:14 employs several literary devices to enhance its historical and theological impact. The most prominent is **Itinerary/Travelogue**, where Luke meticulously records geographical locations and travel movements. This precise detailing of places like Troas, Assos, and Mitylene lends significant **Historical Accuracy** to the narrative, grounding the spiritual events in verifiable reality. Furthermore, the consistent use of the **"We" Passages** (e.g., "met with us," "we took him in," "we came") throughout this section of Acts is a powerful device. It serves as a direct indicator of Luke, the author, being an eyewitness and active participant in these events, thereby bolstering the **Authenticity** and reliability of his account. This personal involvement adds a layer of immediacy and intimacy to the narrative, inviting the reader into the journey alongside Paul and his companions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:14, though a seemingly mundane logistical detail, subtly reinforces profound theological truths. It highlights God's sovereign hand guiding even the practicalities of ministry and travel, showing that every step of Paul's journey, whether by foot or by sea, was part of a divinely orchestrated plan. Paul's choice for solitude before rejoining the group suggests the importance of personal spiritual discipline and reflection, even for a seasoned apostle, while the subsequent reunion emphasizes the indispensable value of Christian community and mutual support in fulfilling God's mission. The journey itself, leading Paul inevitably towards Jerusalem and the trials that awaited him, serves as a microcosm of the Christian life, marked by both personal conviction and communal reliance, all under the watchful eye of the Lord.

* [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12](/ecclesiastes/4-9-12 "The Strength of Two")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Philippians 4:14-16](/philippians/4-14-16 "Paul's Gratitude for Support")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:14, while detailing a simple travel arrangement, offers rich insights for contemporary believers. Paul's decision to walk to Assos, while his companions sailed, speaks to the importance of intentionality and personal discipline in our spiritual journeys. There are times when we might need to step away from the group, to seek solitude for reflection, prayer, or simply to process God's leading in a more focused way. Yet, this verse also immediately reminds us of the indispensable value of community. Paul, despite his personal journey, rejoined his companions, highlighting that even the most independent leaders need the support, fellowship, and practical assistance of their spiritual family. Our Christian walk is a balance of personal devotion and communal participation. We are called to be intentional in our individual pursuit of God, but never to neglect the vital role of the body of Christ for mutual encouragement, accountability, and shared mission. Every detail of our lives, even the seemingly mundane logistics, can be consecrated to God's purpose, reminding us that He is sovereign over all our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When was a time you felt led to take a "solo walk" in your spiritual journey, and what did you learn from that experience?**
* **How do you balance your personal spiritual disciplines with your participation and reliance on Christian community?**
* **In what ways can you better support or "take in" those who are serving alongside you in ministry or life?**

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

Answer: The text does not explicitly state Paul's reason for walking the approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) overland from Troas to Assos while his companions sailed. However, scholars propose several possibilities: it could have been for personal reflection, prayer, or a desire for solitude after the intense ministry in Troas, including the raising of Eutychus in [Acts 20:9-12](/acts/20-9-12 "The Raising of Eutychus"). Walking was also a common mode of travel and could have been a more direct route over the terrain than the sea journey around the cape. Paul often demonstrated a rugged and disciplined approach to his travels and ministry, as seen in his various hardships described in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ").

**What is the significance of the "we" passages in Acts, and how does Acts 20:14 contribute to them?**

Answer: The "we" passages in Acts (e.g., [Acts 16:10-17](/acts/16-10-17 "The Macedonian Call"), [Acts 20:5-15](/acts/20-5-15 "Paul's Journey from Troas"), [Acts 21:1-18](/acts/21-1-18 "Journey to Jerusalem"), [Acts 27:1-28:16](/acts/27-1-28-16 "Paul's Voyage to Rome")) are sections where the narrator, Luke, switches from third-person to first-person plural, indicating his direct presence and participation in Paul's journeys. Acts 20:14, with phrases like "met with us" and "we took him in," is a clear example of such a passage. Its significance lies in providing eyewitness testimony, greatly enhancing the historical reliability and authenticity of the narrative. It assures the reader that these events were recorded by someone who was physically present and involved, lending credibility to Luke's detailed account of the early church's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:14, though a seemingly minor detail of Paul's travel itinerary, subtly points to Christ in its broader narrative and underlying principles. Paul's determined journey towards Jerusalem, despite knowing the hardships that awaited him, mirrors Christ's resolute journey to Jerusalem to accomplish His redemptive work, as highlighted in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"). Just as Paul's companions "took him in" and supported him on his path, so too does Christ gather and sustain His disciples, inviting them into His mission and providing the necessary resources for their journey of faith. The communal aspect of the journey, with Paul rejoining his team, reflects the very nature of the Church as the Body of Christ, where individual members are interdependent and united in purpose, as described in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "The Body of Christ"). Furthermore, Paul's intentionality in his travel, whether walking or sailing, speaks to the purposeful and deliberate nature of Christ's own life and ministry, every step of which was aligned with the Father's will. Ultimately, the meticulous recording of Paul's journey, leading him to fulfill his apostolic calling, serves as a testament to God's sovereign guidance over His servants, echoing Christ's promise to be with His disciples "always, to the end of the age" in [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Christ's Presence"), ensuring the advancement of His kingdom through their faithfulness.

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.