Read · Listen · Study

Acts 20 · Berean Standard Bible

Playback speed

¹When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia. ²After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece, ³where 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. ⁴Paul 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. ⁵These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. ⁶And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days. ⁷On 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. ⁸Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. ⁹And 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. ¹⁰But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!” ¹¹Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed. ¹²And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive. ¹³We 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. ¹⁴And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. ¹⁵Sailing 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. ¹⁶Paul 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. ¹⁷From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. ¹⁸When 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. ¹⁹I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. ²⁰I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, ²¹testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. ²²And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. ²⁴But 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. ²⁵Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. ²⁶Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. ²⁷For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. ²⁸Keep 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. ²⁹I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ³⁰Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. ³¹Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. ³²And 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. ³³I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. ³⁴You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. ³⁵In 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.’ ” ³⁶When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. ³⁷They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. ³⁸They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

Acts

Acts 20

A Farewell to the Faithful

✦

Objective

Acts 20 offers a profound look at Paul's pastoral heart as he concludes his third missionary journey. The chapter highlights his commitment to strengthening believers, his deep love for the Church, and his unwavering dedication to proclaiming the Gospel despite personal cost. Through his farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul provides a model of servant leadership, warning against false teachers, urging vigilance, and pointing to God's grace as the source of strength and hope. Acts 20 reminds us to live with urgency, faithfulness, and a heart for the people God calls us to serve.

Detailed Analysis

Event Description

After the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41), Paul departs for Macedonia, where he encourages the believers. He continues his journey through Greece, spending three months there. However, a plot by the Jews forces him to change his travel plans, and instead of sailing directly to Syria, he returns through Macedonia. Paul is accompanied by a group of coworkers representing various churches, including Timothy, Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, and others. They eventually regroup in Troas, preparing to celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread.

Central Themes

Encouragement in Ministry: Paul prioritizes building up believers wherever he goes, exemplifying the importance of encouragement in Christian community.

Unity Among Churches: The diverse group accompanying Paul reflects the interconnectedness and unity of the early Church across regions.

Faith Amid Opposition: Paul's change in travel plans due to a plot against him demonstrates his vigilance and trust in God's protection.

Cultural & Historical Context

Encouraging the Churches: Paul's encouragement aligns with his broader ministry philosophy, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Colossians 2:2. Plots Against Paul: This isn't the first time Paul faces danger from opponents, recalling similar situations in Acts 9:23-25 and Acts 23:12-13. Unity of the Church: The diverse companions represent the universal nature of the Church, fulfilling Jesus' vision in John 17:20-23.

Key Verse

"He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece." (Acts 20:2)

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

Paul's Midnight Teaching in Troas

In a dimly lit upper room, oil lamps flicker as Paul passionately preaches to the attentive crowd. The hum of his voice fills the air, but in a corner, Eutychus leans against the windowsill, his eyes heavy with sleep. Suddenly, a gasp rises from the group as he falls. Paul rushes down, his arms embracing the lifeless body. A moment of silence is broken by Paul's declaration: "He's alive!" The room erupts in joy as the young man is carried back upstairs.

Paul's Farewell at Miletus

The shoreline of Miletus is bathed in golden light as Paul stands before the elders of Ephesus, his voice filled with emotion. Tears stream down their faces as Paul charges them to care for the flock. Kneeling together on the sand, they pray, their hands resting on Paul's shoulders. As he boards the ship, the elders stand silently, their hearts heavy yet strengthened by his words.

Song

Finish the Race

Verse 1

Through trials, tears, and storms I've sailed, The Gospel preached, His grace unveiled. With humble heart, the truth proclaimed, For His great glory, not my name.

Verse 2

Guard the flock, protect the fold, The wolves will come, both young and old. Be strong in Him, His Word your guide, For Christ alone is glorified.

Chorus

Oh, to finish the race, to run the course, Led by His Spirit, my only source. To testify to the grace I've known, And give my life to make Him known.

Bridge

It's more blessed to give than receive, Through every trial, in Him believe. Though tears may fall, the Spirit stays, His strength sustains through all my days.

Outro

And give my life to make Him known.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Embrace the urgency of living a life that testifies to God's grace, knowing that our time on earth is limited.

Trust in God's presence and provision, even when facing challenges or suffering for your faith.

Community & Society

Encourage and strengthen others in your church community, reminding them of God's faithfulness and calling.

Be vigilant in guarding your church against false teachings, holding fast to the truth of God's Word.

Global Perspective

Support pastors, missionaries, and leaders who dedicate their lives to proclaiming the Gospel, praying for their perseverance and protection.

Rejoice in the unity of the global Church, working together to strengthen believers and share the Gospel with all nations.

Conclusion

Acts 20 offers a deeply personal glimpse into Paul's heart as he concludes his ministry in the region. From raising Eutychus to life to his tearful farewell to the Ephesian elders, the chapter highlights his relentless commitment to the Gospel and his love for God's people. Paul's example challenges us to live with urgency, faithfulness, and selflessness, seeking to glorify Christ in all we do. Let us, like Paul, strive to "finish the race" and fulfill the task God has given us, trusting in His grace every step of the way.