Imagine gathering with friends for a final farewell, knowing you might never see each other again. In Acts 20, Paul does just that while sharing a powerful message with the leaders of the early church.
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
Paul's Journey
After some chaos in Ephesus, Paul bids farewell to the disciples and sets off on a journey through Macedonia and Greece. He spends three months in Greece, but upon learning of a plot against him, he decides to go back through Macedonia instead of sailing directly to Syria.
A Memorable Gathering
Paul and his companions sail to Troas, where they stay for a week. On the first day of the week, the disciples gather to break bread. Paul, eager to share with them, talks long into the night - so long that a young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, falls asleep and tumbles three stories down, apparently dead. But Paul rushes down, embraces him, and reassures everyone that he is alive. Eutychus is brought back to life, and Paul continues teaching until dawn.
A Farewell to Ephesus
During his journey, Paul decides to bypass Ephesus to avoid delays, but he knows he must speak to the church leaders one last time. He calls the elders to Miletus and shares his heartfelt farewell. He recalls how he served them with humility, faced trials, and preached the good news of Jesus. Paul warns them about the dangers that will come after his departure, urging them to stay vigilant and care for the flock of believers.
Paul concludes his poignant speech by reminding them of his example of hard work and generosity, quoting Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." After his speech, they share a tearful farewell, knowing they will not see him again.
Why It Matters
The Importance of Community
This chapter highlights the significance of community and fellowship in the early church. Paul's deep connection with the disciples shows us that relationships matter. Just as Paul encouraged his friends, we too can uplift those around us.
Facing Challenges with Courage
Paul's willingness to face challenges, even knowing that hardships await him, teaches us about courage. He prioritizes his mission to spread the good news, reminding us to stay committed to our values, even when the path ahead seems difficult.
Leadership and Stewardship
Paul's farewell to the church leaders serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership. His call to care for the church underscores the importance of integrity and vigilance in guiding others. As you navigate your own community, consider how you can lead and serve those around you.
If you're looking for a church community to be a part of, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Joining a local church provides opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, and growth in faith.
Coming Up Next: Acts 21
In the next chapter, Acts 21, Paul continues his journey toward Jerusalem, facing more challenges and prophecies about his future. What awaits him on this next part of his journey? Stay tuned to find out!