Acts 20:17

¶ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

And {G1161} from {G575} Miletus {G3399} he sent {G3992} to {G1519} Ephesus {G2181}, and called {G3333} the elders {G4245} of the church {G1577}.

But he did send from Miletus to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the Messianic community.

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.

Acts 20:17 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's third missionary journey, serving as the introduction to his poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders. From the port city of Miletus, Paul sends for the leaders of the church in Ephesus, a significant congregation he had spent considerable time nurturing.

Historical and Cultural Context

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, intending to arrive by Pentecost (Acts 20:16). Miletus was a strategic stop, a major port city south of Ephesus. Instead of making a time-consuming detour back to Ephesus, Paul, demonstrating his urgency and foresight, calls the church leaders to meet him. Ephesus itself was a crucial center where Paul had spent over two years, establishing a strong church and ministering extensively (Acts 19:10). The summoning of these "elders" indicates a developed and organized church structure, a common feature in early Christian communities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Pastoral Responsibility: Paul's decision to call the elders from Ephesus, even amidst his urgent travel plans, highlights his deep love and concern for the spiritual well-being of the churches he established. This demonstrates a profound sense of apostolic and pastoral care.
  • Established Church Leadership: The presence of "elders" (plural) in Ephesus signifies a recognized and functioning leadership body within the early church. These were not merely older members but appointed spiritual leaders responsible for guiding and overseeing the congregation.
  • Preparation for the Future: This meeting serves as a prelude to Paul's final instructions and warnings, preparing these leaders for the challenges they would face after his departure, emphasizing their role as shepherds of God's flock.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "elders" is presbyteros (πρεσβύτερος). While literally meaning "older men," in this context, it refers to those appointed to positions of spiritual authority and oversight within the local congregation. These individuals were entrusted with the care, teaching, and governance of the church, a role often synonymous with "overseers" or "bishops" (episkopos) in the New Testament (as seen in Acts 20:28 and Titus 1:5-7).

Practical Application

This verse underscores the enduring importance of godly, established leadership within the church. Paul's example teaches us that true spiritual leaders are deeply invested in the welfare of their flock and are committed to equipping others for ministry. For believers today, it reminds us to pray for and support our church leaders, and for those in leadership, it serves as a powerful reminder of the weighty responsibility to shepherd God's people with care and diligence, preparing them for spiritual challenges ahead.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Titus 1:5

    ¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

  • Acts 11:30

    Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

  • Acts 20:28

    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.

  • Acts 14:23

    And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

  • James 5:14

    Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

  • 2 John 1:1

    ¶ The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

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