Acts20

After the uproar in Ephesus, Paul traveled through Macedonia and Greece, exhorting the disciples. At Troas, he miraculously restored Eutychus to life after the young man fell from a window during Paul's lengthy sermon. Paul then journeyed to Miletus, where he delivered a poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, reflecting on his ministry, warning of future dangers, and preparing for his journey to Jerusalem.
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Paul Travels to Macedonia and Greece

1
When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia.
2
After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,
3
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. ​
4
Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. ​
5
These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. ​
6
And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days. ​

Eutychus Restored to Life at Troas

7
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. ​
8
Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.
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And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. ​
10
But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!” ​
11
Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed. ​
12
And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive.

Journey to Miletus

13
We went on ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot. ​
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And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.
15
Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The day after that we arrived at Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus.
16
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. ​

Paul’s Farewell Address to Ephesian Elders

17
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. ​
18
When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.
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I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. ​
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I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, ​
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testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. ​
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And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ​
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I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.
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But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. ​
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Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. ​
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Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. ​
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For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. ​

Warning Against False Teachers

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Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. ​
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I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ​
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Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. ​
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Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Final Exhortation and Farewell

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And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. ​
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I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
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You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. ​
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In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ​
36
When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. ​
37
They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.
38
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. ​

Study Notes for Acts 20

Verse 3

Paul's planned sea route to Syria was abandoned due to a Jewish plot against his life, forcing him to take the longer land route back through Macedonia. This highlights the constant danger he faced.

Verse 4

The list of companions represents delegates from various churches (likely carrying collection money for Jerusalem), emphasizing the unity and breadth of Paul's ministry.

Verse 5

The use of 'us' indicates the resumption of the 'We-sections,' showing that Luke (the author) had rejoined Paul’s company, likely at Philippi.

Verse 6

The 'days of unleavened bread' (Passover week) marks the timing of their departure. They spent seven days in Troas, allowing time for fellowship and instruction.

Verse 7

This verse provides important evidence for the early church practice of gathering on 'the first day of the week' (Sunday) for fellowship and the Eucharist ('to break bread').

Verse 9

The detail about the young man falling from the 'third loft' (three stories high) emphasizes the gravity of the accident, confirming his death.

Verse 10

Paul’s action of falling upon the body is reminiscent of the prophets Elijah (1 Kings 17:21) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:34), demonstrating God's power working through him.

Verse 11

The breaking of bread here likely refers to both the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) and a communal meal (agape feast), concluding the all-night meeting.

Verse 13

Paul chose to travel afoot from Troas to Assos (about 20 miles), perhaps for quiet reflection, prayer, or private conversation with his companions before the emotional journey toward Jerusalem.

Verse 16

Paul bypassed Ephesus, the center of his recent ministry, because he was rushing to reach Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Pentecost, viewing it as an opportune time for ministry.

Verse 17

Paul summons the elders (presbyteroi) from Ephesus to Miletus. This address is unique in Acts, functioning as Paul’s pastoral and theological testament.

Verse 19

Paul emphasizes that his ministry was marked by humility, suffering ('tears and temptations'), and opposition, setting an example for the leaders.

Verse 20

Paul’s comprehensive teaching method included public sermons and private discipleship ('from house to house'), ensuring no truth was withheld.

Verse 21

The core content of Paul's gospel is summarized here: the call for 'repentance toward God' (a change of mind and direction) and 'faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.'

Verse 22

'Bound in the spirit' suggests Paul felt an inner, divinely-compelled obligation to go to Jerusalem, even though he knew danger awaited him.

Verse 24

This is a foundational statement of Paul's dedication. His goal was not self-preservation, but the completion of the ministry received from Christ—testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Verse 25

Paul’s conviction that this was his final meeting with them lends a profound solemnity and urgency to his subsequent warnings and instructions.

Verse 26

Paul uses language reminiscent of the prophetic watchman (Ezek. 33:1-9) to assert his innocence, having faithfully discharged his duty to instruct them completely.

Verse 27

'All the counsel of God' (the whole purpose or plan of God) indicates the comprehensive nature of his teaching, encompassing the full scope of Christian truth, not just selective doctrines.

Verse 28

This verse contains a crucial charge to the elders (overseers/bishops), emphasizing their divine appointment by the Holy Spirit to shepherd the church. The phrase 'church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood' is a powerful Christological statement.

Verse 29

The 'grievous wolves' represent external threats—false teachers or heretics who will infiltrate the church after Paul leaves, seeking to destroy the community.

Verse 30

Paul warns that danger will also arise internally, as leaders from within the community will deviate from the truth ('speaking perverse things') to gain a following.

Verse 32

Paul commends the elders to God and 'the word of his grace,' recognizing that ultimate strength, preservation, and spiritual inheritance come from divine power and Scripture.

Verse 34

Paul’s self-sufficiency through manual labor ('these hands') was a hallmark of his ministry, ensuring he was not a financial burden and modeling diligent work.

Verse 35

This verse quotes a saying of Jesus not recorded in the Gospels, confirming the existence of oral traditions about Jesus' teachings preserved by the early church.

Verse 36

Paul concludes the address with a deeply personal act of corporate prayer, kneeling down with the leaders, symbolizing humility and reliance on God.

Verse 38

The profound sorrow reflects the genuine love and bond between Paul and the Ephesian leaders, especially due to his prediction of never seeing them again (v. 25).

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