Acts Chapter 20: Paul’s Ministry and Farewell to Ephesian Elders


Summary
Acts 20 narrates Paul’s travels through Macedonia and Greece, a miraculous event in Troas, and his poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing his dedication to the gospel. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Paul’s Travels (20:1–6): After the Ephesus riot, Paul encourages believers in Macedonia, travels to Greece, and returns through Macedonia to Troas, avoiding a Jewish plot in Syria. Luke (“we”) and others join him, sailing from Philippi after Passover.
  • Eutychus Raised in Troas (20:7–12): In Troas, Paul speaks late into the night on the first day of the week. Eutychus, a young man, falls asleep, plummets from a third-story window, and dies. Paul embraces him, declaring him alive, and continues teaching until dawn. The believers are comforted.
  • Journey to Miletus (20:13–16): Paul sails past Ephesus to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, stopping in Miletus to summon the Ephesian elders.
  • Farewell to Ephesian Elders (20:17–38): Paul addresses the elders, recounting his sacrificial ministry, preaching repentance and faith, and warning of future false teachers (“savage wolves”). He declares his resolve to face trials in Jerusalem, entrusting them to God’s word. He emphasizes self-support through work, citing Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The elders weep, pray, and bid him farewell, grieved at his prediction of not seeing them again.
Cross-References
  • Paul’s Travels:
    • 2 Corinthians 2:12–13: Paul’s ministry in Macedonia.
    • Romans 15:19: Paul’s mission from Jerusalem to Illyricum.
    • Acts 19:21: Paul’s plan to visit Jerusalem and Rome.
  • Eutychus Miracle:
    • Acts 9:36–41: Peter raises Dorcas.
    • 1 Kings 17:21–22: Elijah raises a widow’s son.
    • John 11:43–44: Jesus raises Lazarus.
  • Farewell Speech:
    • Acts 21:13: Paul’s readiness to suffer.
    • 1 Timothy 4:6–8: Paul’s reflection on finishing the race.
    • Ezekiel 34:2–4: False shepherds contrasted with Paul.
  • Warnings of False Teachers:
    • Matthew 7:15: Wolves in sheep’s clothing.
    • 2 Timothy 4:3–4: Departure from sound doctrine.
    • Jude 1:4: False teachers infiltrate churches.
  • Self-Support and Giving:
    • 1 Thessalonians 2:9: Paul’s labor to avoid burdening others.
    • John 13:34: Jesus’ command to love sacrificially.
    • Ephesians 4:28: Work to give to others.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Gospel to the ends of the earth.
    • Philippians 1:21: For Paul, to live is Christ.
Theological Meaning
Acts 20 is rich with theological themes that underscore Paul’s mission and leadership:
  • Faithful Ministry: Paul’s tireless preaching (20:20, 31) and self-sacrifice reflect Christ-like service, modeling pastoral dedication (2 Corinthians 12:15; 1 Peter 5:2).
  • God’s Power: The raising of Eutychus (20:10) demonstrates God’s authority over death through Paul, affirming the gospel’s truth (Acts 14:3; Romans 15:19).
  • Resolve in Suffering: Paul’s commitment to face trials (20:22–24) mirrors Jesus’ resolve (Luke 9:51), prioritizing God’s will over personal safety (Philippians 3:10).
  • Protecting the Flock: Paul’s warning about false teachers (20:29–30) emphasizes the elders’ duty to guard the church with God’s word, ensuring doctrinal purity (Titus 1:9; Hebrews 13:17).
  • Grace of Giving: Paul’s example of self-support and Jesus’ quoted words (20:35) highlight generosity as a mark of discipleship, reflecting God’s grace (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  • God’s Providence: Paul’s journey toward Jerusalem (20:16) aligns with God’s plan for him to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11), showing divine guidance amid opposition (Romans 8:28).
  • Community Bond: The elders’ emotional farewell (20:37–38) underscores the church’s unity and love, built on shared faith (John 13:35).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did Paul travel through Macedonia and Greece (20:1–3)?
    • Paul encouraged churches in Macedonia (e.g., Philippi, Thessalonica) and spent three months in Greece (likely Corinth), strengthening believers (20:2; 2 Corinthians 7:5). He avoided a Jewish plot by rerouting through Macedonia (20:3; Acts 23:12).
  2. What happened to Eutychus in Troas (20:7–10)?
    • Eutychus fell asleep during Paul’s long sermon, fell from a third-story window, and died (20:9). Paul, by God’s power, restored him to life, embracing him and declaring him alive (20:10; Acts 9:40).
  3. Why did Paul meet the Ephesian elders in Miletus (20:16–17)?
    • Paul bypassed Ephesus to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (20:16). He summoned the elders to Miletus, 30 miles away, for a final exhortation, knowing he might not return (20:17, 25; Acts 19:21).
  4. What was Paul’s message to the Ephesian elders (20:18–35)?
    • Paul recounted his faithful ministry (20:18–21), warned of trials in Jerusalem (20:22–24), urged vigilance against false teachers (20:29–31), and encouraged self-support and generosity, citing Jesus (20:35; 1 Timothy 3:1–7).
  5. Why did Paul warn about “savage wolves” (20:29–30)?
    • Paul foresaw false teachers, both external and internal, distorting truth for personal gain (20:29–30; Matthew 7:15). He urged elders to protect the church with sound doctrine (Titus 2:1).
  6. What did Paul mean by “the whole counsel of God” (20:27)?
    • Paul preached all God’s truth—repentance, faith, and salvation—without omission, ensuring a complete gospel message (20:27; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 20:21).
  7. Why did Paul quote Jesus’ words about giving (20:35)?
    • Though not in the Gospels, Jesus’ saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (20:35), reinforced Paul’s example of working to support others, urging generosity (Galatians 6:10; John 13:34).
  8. Why were the elders so emotional at Paul’s farewell (20:37–38)?
    • The elders loved Paul for his three-year ministry (20:31) and grieved his prediction of not seeing him again (20:38). Their tears reflected deep bonds in Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Paul’s travels (circa AD 57; 20:1–6) followed the Ephesus riot (Acts 19:23–41). The “first day of the week” (20:7) indicates Sunday worship, early Christian practice (1 Corinthians 16:2). Troas was a port city (20:6; Acts 16:8). Miletus (20:15) was near Ephesus, a key church hub (Acts 19:1). Pentecost (20:16) was a major Jewish festival, drawing pilgrims (Acts 2:1). The elders (20:17) were church overseers (1 Timothy 3:1).
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why Eutychus fell (20:9). Late-night gatherings and oil lamps created drowsy conditions. Paul’s manual labor (20:34) was unusual for teachers, showing humility (1 Corinthians 4:12). The elders’ kissing Paul (20:37) was a customary farewell (Genesis 45:15). Jewish plots (20:3) reflect rising tensions pre-AD 66 revolt (Josephus, Wars 2.12).
  • Application: Acts 20 calls believers to serve faithfully, guard truth, and give generously. It encourages resolve in God’s call, trust in His power, and love for the church, even in farewells (2 Timothy 4:2).
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