Imagine sitting in a crowded room, candles flickering, as a beloved leader gives his final speech before departing. In Acts 20, we witness such a poignant moment with Paul and the church in Ephesus.
The Reading: Acts 20
World English Bible1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
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2 When he had gone through those parts, and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece.
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3 When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.
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4 These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea; Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
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5 But these had gone ahead, and were waiting for us at Troas.
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6 We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.
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7 On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and continued his speech until midnight.
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8 There were many lights in the upper room where we were gathered together.
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9 A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor, and was taken up dead.
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10 Paul went down, and fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Don’t be troubled, for his life is in him.”
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11 When he had gone up, and had broken bread, and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even until break of day, he departed.
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12 They brought the boy in alive, and were greatly comforted.
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13 But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there; for he had so arranged, intending himself to go by land.
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14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard, and came to Mitylene.
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15 Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus.
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16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
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17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the assembly.
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18 When they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time,
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19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;
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20 how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,
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21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
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22 Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;
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23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.
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24 But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
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25 “Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching God’s Kingdom, will see my face no more.
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26 Therefore I testify to you today that I am clean from the blood of all men,
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27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
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28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
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29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
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30 Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
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31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
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32 Now, brothers, I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
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33 I coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or clothing.
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34 You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.
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35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
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36 When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
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37 They all wept a lot, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,
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38 sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
After a tumultuous uproar in the previous city, Paul gathers his disciples in Ephesus before heading off to Macedonia. He travels through various regions, encouraging fellow believers and collecting support for his mission. However, while in Greece, a plot against his life forces him to change his plans and return to Macedonia.
The Journey to Troas
Paul sails to Troas, where the disciples gather on the first day of the week to break bread. As he speaks late into the night, a young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, falls asleep and tumbles three stories down, seemingly dead. In a dramatic twist, Paul rushes down, embraces Eutychus, and assures everyone that he is alive. After breaking bread and chatting until dawn, Paul leaves for Assos, where he meets up with his companions again.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As Paul continues his journey, he stops in Miletus and sends for the elders of the Ephesian church. He reflects on his time with them, emphasizing his dedication and the challenges he faced. He warns them of impending dangers to the church, urging them to be vigilant and protect their flock. This heartfelt farewell is filled with emotion, as Paul knows he may never see them again. The chapter closes with tears and a prayer, marking a significant moment of connection and love among them.
Why It Matters
Lessons from Paul's Journey
Acts 20 offers profound lessons on leadership and faith. Paul's determination to spread the Good News, even in the face of danger, reminds us of the importance of perseverance. It's a call to embrace our own journeys, no matter the obstacles.
The Importance of Community
The story of Eutychus illustrates the need for community support. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but the presence of others can revive our spirits - sometimes quite literally! This underscores the value of gathering together, sharing meals, and building one another up, just as Paul did.
Watching Over Each Other
Paul's advice to the Ephesian elders highlights the responsibility of leadership. It's a reminder for us to look out for one another, protecting our communities from potential harm. In today's world, we can still find strength and wisdom in these teachings, reminding us to support and uplift each other.
If you're looking for a place to foster these connections, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Building a supportive community can make a significant difference in your faith journey.
Coming Up Next: Acts 21
In the next part of the journey in Acts 21, Paul faces new challenges and continues to spread his message. What awaits him as he ventures toward Jerusalem? Stay tuned to find out!