Acts 20:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:17 marks a significant moment in Paul's third missionary journey, serving as the immediate prelude to his poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders. From the strategic port city of Miletus, Paul dispatches a message to Ephesus, summoning the recognized spiritual leaders of the church he had spent considerable time nurturing, demonstrating his deep pastoral concern and foresight in preparing the congregation for his impending departure and future challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the climactic and emotionally charged farewell discourse of Paul to the Ephesian elders, one of the longest and most significant speeches recorded in Acts. Immediately preceding this, Paul has been hurrying to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, choosing to sail past Ephesus to save time ([Acts 20:16](/acts/20-16 "Acts 20:16 - Paul's Urgency to Reach Jerusalem")). His decision to call the elders to Miletus, rather than making a time-consuming detour back to Ephesus, underscores the urgency of his journey while simultaneously highlighting the profound importance he placed on this final encounter with the leaders of a church he deeply loved. The subsequent verses ([Acts 20:18-35](/acts/20-18-35 "Acts 20:18-35 - Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders")) contain Paul's self-vindication, his warnings against false teachers, and his charge to the elders to shepherd God's flock, making verse 17 the crucial logistical setup for this pivotal address.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Miletus was a prominent seaport city in ancient Ionia, located south of Ephesus. Its strategic location made it a convenient meeting point for Paul, who was traveling by sea, without requiring him to re-enter the bustling and potentially dangerous city of Ephesus. Ephesus itself was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, a major commercial, political, and religious center, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul had previously spent over two years ministering extensively in Ephesus, resulting in significant growth and the establishment of a strong Christian community ([Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - Paul's Two Years of Ministry in Asia")). The existence of "elders" (plural) indicates a well-organized and mature church structure, reflecting the common practice of appointing local leaders in early Christian communities to ensure continued spiritual oversight and stability.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:17 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout Paul's ministry and the broader narrative of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Pastoral Responsibility and Care**, as Paul, despite his urgency, prioritizes a final personal meeting with the leaders he had trained, demonstrating his deep commitment to the spiritual well-being of the churches he established. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Established Church Leadership**, emphasizing the presence of recognized and functioning leadership bodies (elders) within the early church, crucial for its sustained growth and doctrinal purity. This concept is further developed in Paul's charge to them in [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's Charge to the Ephesian Elders"). Lastly, this meeting serves as a prelude to the theme of **Preparation for Future Challenges**, as Paul uses this opportunity to equip these leaders for the difficulties and false teachings they would inevitably face after his departure, emphasizing their vital role as shepherds of God's flock.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Greek, _pémpō'_):** This verb signifies "to dispatch," often on a temporary errand. In this context, it highlights Paul's deliberate action of sending a message or messenger to summon the elders. It implies a purposeful and authoritative directive, not merely a casual invitation, underscoring the importance and urgency of the meeting he desired.
* **called (Greek, _metakaléō'_):** Derived from `metá` (with, after) and `kaléō` (to call), this word means "to call elsewhere" or "to summon." It emphasizes that Paul was not going to them, but rather, he was calling them to him in Miletus. This act of summoning reflects Paul's apostolic authority and the elders' recognition of his spiritual leadership, indicating their willingness to travel a significant distance to meet him.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** Literally meaning "older" (comparative of `presbys`, "old man"), in the New Testament, this term denotes an appointed leader in the church. It refers to individuals entrusted with spiritual oversight, teaching, and governance of the local congregation. The plural form indicates a plurality of leadership in Ephesus, signifying a developed and organized church structure. These "elders" were spiritual shepherds, responsible for the care and guidance of God's people.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From a compound meaning "a calling out," this term refers to a popular meeting or, more specifically in this context, a religious congregation or Christian community. It signifies the assembly of believers, those "called out" by God from the world to form His unique people. The elders were leaders not just of a social group, but of this divinely constituted `ekklēsía`, the body of Christ in Ephesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus":** This clause establishes the geographical context and the initial action. Paul, located in the port city of Miletus, initiates contact with the church in Ephesus. The act of "sending" (Greek, _pémpō_) implies a deliberate and purposeful dispatch, likely of a messenger, to convey his summons. This logistical detail highlights Paul's strategic thinking and the urgency of his journey, as he avoids a direct return to Ephesus.
* **"and called the elders of the church":** This second clause specifies the recipients of Paul's summons and their identity. Paul specifically "called" (Greek, _metakaléō_) or summoned the "elders" (Greek, _presbýteros_) of the "church" (Greek, _ekklēsía_) in Ephesus. This indicates the presence of an established, organized leadership structure within the Ephesian Christian community, consisting of multiple spiritual leaders. Paul's direct engagement with these leaders underscores their vital role in the congregation and his desire to impart final instructions and encouragement to those entrusted with the care of God's flock.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Concise Narrative** to swiftly transition the reader into a pivotal moment. It functions as a **Framing Device**, setting the stage for Paul's extensive and significant farewell address that immediately follows. The mention of "elders" serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the part (the leaders) stands for the whole (the church), indicating that by addressing the elders, Paul is effectively addressing the entire congregation through its appointed representatives. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this summoning hints at the weighty and significant content of the ensuing discourse, preparing the reader for a moment of profound spiritual instruction and emotional farewell.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:17 is a foundational verse for understanding early church governance and the nature of pastoral leadership. It underscores the apostolic practice of establishing and entrusting local congregations to a plurality of qualified leaders. Paul's action demonstrates a deep theological conviction that the church, as the body of Christ, requires diligent oversight and spiritual shepherding. His willingness to inconvenience himself and the elders for this meeting highlights the immense value he placed on the spiritual health and future stability of the Ephesian church. This meeting was not merely administrative; it was a profound act of spiritual succession planning, ensuring the continuity of sound doctrine and faithful pastoring in the face of future challenges. It exemplifies the principle that spiritual authority is exercised through loving care and equipping, rather than mere control.

* [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders in Every City")
* [1 Peter 5:1-2](/1_peter/5-1-2 "1 Peter 5:1-2 - Shepherding the Flock of God")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's deliberate act of summoning the Ephesian elders, even at personal cost and urgency, provides a profound model for Christian leadership and congregational responsibility. It reminds us that true spiritual care extends beyond initial evangelism to the ongoing nurturing, equipping, and safeguarding of God's people. For those in leadership, it underscores the weighty calling to shepherd the flock with diligence, foresight, and sacrificial love, preparing them for spiritual challenges and guarding against false teachings. For congregants, it highlights the importance of recognizing, respecting, and supporting the leaders God has placed over them, understanding that their role is vital for the church's health and stability. This verse calls us to pray for our leaders, to participate actively in the life of the church, and to uphold the biblical pattern of mature, accountable leadership that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's action in Acts 20:17 challenge our understanding of what constitutes "urgent" priorities in ministry and Christian life?**
* **What qualities do you believe Paul looked for in the "elders" he appointed, and how do these qualities apply to leaders in the church today?**
* **In what ways can we, as members of the church, support and pray for our spiritual leaders, recognizing the weight of their responsibility?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul send for the elders to come to Miletus instead of going to Ephesus himself?**

Answer: Paul was on an urgent journey to Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by the day of Pentecost ([Acts 20:16](/acts/20-16 "Acts 20:16 - Paul's Urgency")). Ephesus was a large and bustling city, and a direct visit would have required a significant detour and likely a prolonged stay, which his tight schedule did not permit. Miletus, a major port city south of Ephesus, offered a convenient and time-efficient meeting point. By summoning the elders to Miletus, Paul demonstrated both his urgency to reach Jerusalem and his deep pastoral concern for the Ephesian church, prioritizing a crucial farewell and instruction session over a time-consuming personal visit to the city itself.

**Who were these "elders" and what was their role in the early church?**

Answer: The "elders" (Greek: _presbýteros_) were appointed spiritual leaders within the local Christian community in Ephesus. The term signifies mature, experienced individuals entrusted with oversight, teaching, and governance of the congregation. In the New Testament, the terms "elder," "overseer" (Greek: _episkopos_), and "pastor" are often used interchangeably to describe the same office or function of spiritual leadership within a local church ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Elders as Overseers") and [Titus 1:5-7](/titus/1-5-7 "Titus 1:5-7 - Qualifications for Elders/Overseers")). Their role was to shepherd God's flock, protect it from false teaching, teach sound doctrine, and guide the church in its mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:17, though seemingly a simple logistical detail, points profoundly to the ongoing headship of Christ over His church and His provision for its care. Paul, as an apostle, was merely an instrument in Christ's hands, establishing structures and appointing leaders who would continue the work of shepherding Christ's flock ([John 21:15-17](/john/21-15-17 "John 21:15-17 - Jesus' Charge to Peter to Feed His Sheep")). The "elders of the church" were not self-appointed, but were raised up by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ had poured out, to oversee the community of believers purchased by His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - The Church Purchased by Christ's Blood")). This act of calling and equipping leaders in Ephesus reflects Christ's commitment to building His church, against which the gates of hell will not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Building His Church")). Paul's concern for the church's future stability, his warnings against wolves, and his emphasis on sound doctrine ([Acts 20:29-31](/acts/20-29-31 "Acts 20:29-31 - Paul's Warning Against False Teachers")), all underscore the necessity of faithful leadership in preserving the purity of the Gospel, which is the message of Christ. Ultimately, the entire structure and care of the church, as exemplified by this meeting, is designed to lead believers into deeper fellowship with and obedience to Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - Christ, the Chief Shepherd")), who continues to govern and nourish His body through His Spirit and appointed servants.

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

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;