Acts 20:3

And [there] abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And {G5037} there abode {G4160} three {G5140} months {G3376}. And when the Jews {G5259}{G2453} laid {G1096} wait {G1917} for him {G846}, as he was about {G3195} to sail {G321} into {G1519} Syria {G4947}, he purposed {G1096}{G1106} to return {G5290} through {G1223} Macedonia {G3109}.

where he spent three months. As he was preparing to set sail for Syria, he discovered a plot against him by the unbelieving Jews; so he changed his mind and decided to return by way of Macedonia.

where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.

And when he had spent three months there, and a plot was laid against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.

Commentary

Context

Acts 20:3 finds the Apostle Paul concluding a significant three-month stay, most likely in Corinth, during his third missionary journey. This period followed extensive ministry in Macedonia and Greece, where he strengthened churches he had previously founded and continued his evangelistic work. His original intention was to sail directly from Greece to Syria, a common route that would likely lead him back to Antioch, the starting point of many of his missionary endeavors, and eventually to Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Opposition: The verse highlights the unrelenting hostility Paul faced, specifically from certain Jewish factions. This "laying wait" (Greek: epiboulē, meaning a plot or conspiracy) was a recurring challenge in Paul's ministry, as seen in numerous instances where his life was threatened due to his preaching of the Gospel. This underscores the intense spiritual and physical dangers inherent in spreading the Christian message in the early church.
  • Prudence and Divine Guidance: Faced with a credible threat to his life, Paul demonstrates remarkable wisdom and adaptability. Instead of proceeding with his original, more direct sea voyage, he alters his plans and decides to return through Macedonia. This detour, though longer, was a safer land route. This action reflects both Paul's practical caution and an implicit reliance on God's providence to guide his steps and protect him for the sake of his mission, even if it meant changing well-laid plans.
  • Commitment to Ministry: Despite the dangers and plots against him, Paul does not abandon his mission. His determination to continue his journey, even if by an altered route, showcases his unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his desire to reach Jerusalem, where he felt compelled to deliver an offering and conclude his journey, as mentioned in Acts 19:21.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laid wait" translates the Greek word epiboulē (ἐπιβουλὴ), which denotes a deliberate plot, ambush, or conspiracy. It signifies a premeditated act of malice, not a random encounter. This emphasizes the serious nature of the threat Paul faced, highlighting the organized opposition against his apostolic ministry, similar to the plots described in Acts 14:19 where he was stoned.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Expect Opposition: Just as Paul faced plots, those committed to living out and sharing their faith may encounter resistance or opposition. This should not deter, but rather prepare, us.
  • Wisdom and Adaptability: Paul's decision to change his route teaches us the importance of prudence and flexibility. While we trust in God's sovereignty, we are also called to exercise wisdom and caution in our plans, adapting when circumstances or potential dangers arise. Sometimes, the wisest path is not the most direct one.
  • God's Protection and Purpose: Even amidst threats and changed plans, God's purposes for Paul's life and ministry were fulfilled. This reminds us that God can use unexpected detours and even hostile actions to further His will and protect His servants, leading to His ultimate glory.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 20:19

    Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:26

    [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;

  • Acts 9:23

    ¶ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

  • Acts 9:24

    But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

  • Acts 25:3

    And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:5

    ¶ For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.

  • Proverbs 1:11

    If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
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