After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.
1. What motivated Paul to leave Ephesus?
Paul departed from Ephesus for Macedonia (probably going first to Philippi). In the final days of his Ephesian ministry, after writing 1 Corinthians , Paul had had considerable conflict with the Corinthian church, making a “painful” visit to them (probably by sea) and writing a “tearful” letter upon his return to Ephesus ,
2 Corinthians 2:1-4 (NKJV) But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? 3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
which he at first regretted having sent .
2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NKJV) For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.
As his time in Ephesus neared its completion Paul wanted to return to Corinth, but feared how he might be received there after having sent the harsh letter. He evidently sent Titus ahead to “test the waters” at Corinth. Upon leaving Ephesus, Paul did not head directly to Corinth by sea, but first went north, visiting the Christian communities along the way and hoping to meet up with Titus returning from Corinth. He went to Troas, and then possibly on to other churches in Macedonia. In Macedonia (perhaps at Philippi, Thessalonica, or Berea) Titus finally joined him and brought the good news that the church had repented of its opposition to Paul’s leadership and had become reconciled to him (2 Cor. 7:5–16). Paul then wrote 2 Corinthians. ESVN
Evidently soon after the riot Paul left Ephesus to pursue his plan to return to Jerusalem through Macedonia and Achaia (19:21). He travelled up to Troas where he could have ministered for some time because “a door was opened” for him there (2 Cor. 2:12). Nevertheless he was uneasy about the trouble in the Corinthian church. He had sent Titus to Corinth, evidently from Ephesus, with a severe letter to the church. He was eager to hear what the reaction to it had been (2 Cor. 2:3-4; 7:8-12; 12:18). So rather than staying in Troas, Paul moved west into Macedonia where he met Titus who was returning from Corinth (2 Cor. 7:5-8). After receiving Titus’ favorable report of affairs in Corinth, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians from somewhere in Macedonia, probably in the fall of A.D. 56 (cf. 2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1-2).CN
Acts 20:2-7 (NKJV) Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece 3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia–also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
2. Why does Paul continue to move around?
Most or all of this period was likely spent in Corinth. a plot … against him by the Jews. Tragically, most of the opposition to Paul’s ministry stemmed from his fellow countrymen. The Jewish community of Corinth hated Paul because of its humiliating debacle before Gallio, and the stunning conversions of two of its most prominent leaders, Crispus, and Sosthenes. Luke does not record the details of the Jews’ plot, but it undoubtedly involved murdering Paul during the voyage to Palestine. The apostle would have been an easy target on a small ship packed with Jewish pilgrims. Because of that danger, Paul canceled his plans to sail from Greece to Syria. Instead, he decided to go N into Macedonia, cross the Aegean Sea to Asia Minor, and catch another ship from there. That delay cost Paul his opportunity to reach Palestine in time for Passover; but he hurried to be there in time for Pentecost .
Sopater of Berea … Trophimus of Asia. Paul’s traveling companions came from the various provinces in which he had ministered. These men were likely the official representatives of their churches, chosen to accompany Paul as he took the offering to Jerusalem .
The first person plural pronoun reveals that Luke rejoined Paul in Philippi. Being a Gentile, he was able to remain there to minister after Paul and Silas were forced to leave. This verse begins the second of the three “we passages” in which Luke accompanied Paul on his travels .
from Philippi. Paul, along with Luke, and possibly Titus, crossed the Aegean Sea from Philippi to Troas. That crossing, due to unfavorable winds, took 5 days; Paul’s earlier crossing from Troas to Neapolis (Philippi’s port) had taken only two days. In Troas, they were reunited with the rest of their party. days of Unleavened Bread. I.e., Passover . MSBN
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. 9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
3. What about the Sabbath?
Sunday, the day the church gathered for worship, because it was the day of Christ’s resurrection. The writings of the early church Fathers confirm that the church continued to meet on Sunday after the close of the NT period. Scripture does not require Christians to observe the Saturday Sabbath: 1) the Sabbath was the sign of the Mosaic Covenant, whereas Christians are under the New Covenant; 2) there is no NT command to keep the Sabbath; 3) the first command to keep the Sabbath was not until the time of Moses (Ex 20:8); 4) the Jerusalem Council (chap. 15) did not order Gentile believers to keep the Sabbath; 5) Paul never cautioned Christians about breaking the Sabbath; and 6) the NT explicitly teaches that Sabbath keeping was not a requirement (see notes on Ro 14:5; Gal 4:10, 11; Col 2:16, 17). to break bread. The common meal associated with the communion service (1Co 11:20–22). The fumes given off by these oil-burning lamps help explain why Eutychus fell asleep (The early church met in homes; the first church buildings date from the third century.
4. Was this kid really dead?
The Gr. word suggests he was between 7 and 14 years old. His youth, the fumes from the lamps, and the lateness of the hour gradually overcame his
resistance. He dozed off, fell out of the open window, and was killed………. his life is in him. This does not mean that he had not died, but that his life had been restored. As a physician, Luke knew whether someone had died, as he plainly states was the case with Eutychus. MSBN
Paul raised this boy from the dead. You will remember also that Simon Peter raised Dorcas from the dead. This was a gift that belonged to the apostles. After the canon of Scripture was established, the sign gifts were not manifested—they disappeared from the church. When Dr. Luke writes that they “were not a little comforted,” he means they were really thrilled that this precious young man had been raised from the dead and was back in their midst. And now Paul continues to preach through the night even until daybreak. JVM
13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
5. Why did Paul choose to sail past Ephesus?
Having spent three years in Ephesus, Paul knew he would be delayed with too many farewells there, so he chose to sail past the city so that he could reach Jerusalem by the feast of Pentecost. JVM
Still trying to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost (50 days after Passover), Paul decided to have the elders (i.e., pastors, overseers) of the Ephesian church meet him in Miletus. MSBN
17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
6.What is the purpose of this farewell speech?
“Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders is the nearest approximation to the Pauline letters in Acts. Its general content recalls how in his letters Paul encouraged, warned, and exhorted his converts. Moreover, its theological themes and vocabulary are distinctively Pauline. In his three missionary sermons (13:16-41; 14:15-17; 17:22-31) and five defenses (chs. 22—26), Paul addressed non-Christian audiences. But he was speaking to Christians here. It is significant that, in a situation similar to those he faced in many of his letters, this farewell to the Ephesian elders reads like a miniature letter of his. This becomes all the more significant when we recall that nowhere else in Acts is there any evidence for a close knowledge of Paul’s letters. “The address is constructed in a way familiar to all readers of Paul’s letters. The body of it has three parts, which deal with (1) Paul’s past ministry at Ephesus (vv. 18-21), (2) Paul’s present plans in going to Jerusalem (vv. 22-24), and (3) the future of Paul himself and of the church at Ephesus (vv. 25-31). It concludes with a blessing (v. 32) and then adds further words of exhortation that point the hearers to Paul’s example and the teachings of Jesus (vv. 33-35). Heading each section is an introductory formula: ‘you know’ (hymeis epistasthe) at v. 18; ‘and now behold’ (kai nyn idou) at v. 22; ‘and now behold I know’ (kai nyn idou ego oida) at v. 25; and ‘and now’ (kai ta nyn) at v. 32.” This is probably one of the few speeches in Acts that Luke heard with his own ears. The Greek physician Galen wrote that his students took down his medical lectures in shorthand, so perhaps this is what Luke did on this occasion. CN
22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count 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 testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
7. What is Paul plans for Jerusalem?
Verses 22-25 look forward to what the future holds for Paul, and how this bears upon his final words to them at Miletus. While Paul has “set his face toward Jerusalem,” intent on arriving there before Pentecost,he does so knowing, in general terms, what awaits him. In several of the cities he has visited, the Spirit of God has informed Paul and others that “imprisonment and persecutions awa it him.” In addition, Paul knows that these saints will never see his face again. No wonder the saints in Troas were willing for Paul to preach to them till midnight and to talk with them until dawn. No wonder the elders in Ephesus were willing to make the 30-mile trek to Miletus to meet with Paul.
Paul’s courage and perseverance in the face of these trials that awaited him in Jerusalem would have silenced and stopped many, but not Paul. Paul did not consider self-preservation his primary motivation. He was a man of humility, who was willing to put the interests of others ahead of his own. Thus, he was determined to fulfill his calling, which was the proclamation of the good news of the grace of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Here was a man who should be imitated. Here was a man whose teaching and exhortation should be heard. His words of exhortation now follow, and Luke has prepared us to hear and to heed them. RD
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26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
8. Innocent of the blood of all men?
We as Christians and especially those who are called to preach and teach are responsible for what we say and do with regard to the Gospel. Lives depend on us proclaiming and explaining the good News to people who are on their way to Hell and need to be saved.
Paul knew that he would not see these folk again in this life. Paul also knew that he had honestly given to them the entire counsel of God.
As I write this, I am a retired preacher. I have made many blunders and have failed in many ways. But as I look back on my ministry, I can sat truthfully that when I stood in the pulpit, I declared the Word of God as I saw it. I have the deep satisfaction of knowing that if I went back to any pulpit which I have held, I haven’t a thing to add to what I have already said. I don’t mean I couldn’t say it in a better way, but the important thing is that I declared the whole counsel of God. I have always believed that the important issue is to get out the entire Word of God. JVM
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Paul is saying that he is not accountable before God for any future doctrinal or moral error that might come to the Ephesian church, for (giving the reason why he is not culpable) he did not shrink from declaring any part of the teaching of the Word of God. The whole counsel of God refers to the entirety of God’s redemptive plan unfolded in Scripture. Even though some parts of God’s Word were unpopular or difficult, Paul did not omit any of them in his preaching. In refusing to pass over teachings that might have offended some, Paul gave a courageous example that is a model for all who would teach God’s Word after him. ESVN
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
9. To Who was Paul referring to?
Paul exhorts these elders to watch out for themselves, as well as for the flock of God. Because some of them would be enticed to pervert the gospel in order to create a personal following, they must first “watch out for themselves.” Every time you commence a flight on a commercial airline, you are instructed about the use of the oxygen mask. Adults are told to place the oxygen mask on themselves first, and then to put a mask on any small child with them. This is because the person who does not first put the mask on themselves will not be able to help little children who cannot help themselves. In a similar way, these shepherds of the flock must first tend to themselves – to their own relationship with Jesus Christ – and then they will be able to shepherd the flock of God.
Once again, Paul contrasts his ministry with those who will arise in Ephesus as false teachers. These men would seek to develop allegiance to themselves by tailoring their message and their methods to suit the whims of their followers.
32 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
10. Why is Paul reminding them that he coveted no one’s silver and gold?
He was reminding these elders of his example that they were to follow as they led the church as he had led them. They were to serve without concern for present material reward. Paul’s policy was not to ask others to support him but to labor at his trade when he or his fellow workers or his converts needed financial support. He did not hesitate to raise money for others, but there are no references in Acts or in his epistles to his having asked for money for himself. I do not believe Paul would object to modern support-raising efforts by Christian workers provided the support raiser was willing to work if his supporters proved unfaithful. Paul emphasized motives (v. 33) and example (v. 35). He wanted to give rather than receive and to model that attitude so his converts could see how to demonstrate it in everyday life. CN- MSBN…….MacArthur NASB Study Notes
- NIVSN…..NIV Study Notes.
- JVM ….J Vernon McGee,
- ACC …. Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- BN …..Barnes Notes
- WBC…… Wycliffe Bible Commentary
- CN …… Constables Notes
- IC……….Ironside Commentary
- NET………Net Bible Study Notes.
- JFB…………..Jamieson Fausset Brown Commentary
- VWS……………..Vincent Word Studies
- CMM………….Commentary on Matthew and Mark
- BDB………….. Barclay’s Daily Study Bible (NT)
- Darby………..John Darby’s Synopsis of the OT and NT
- Johnson………Johnson’s Notes on the New Testament.
- NTCMM…………..The NT Commentary: Matthew and Mark.
- RD………….Robert Deffinbaugh bible.org
- ASB…………..Apologetics Study bible
- ESVN………….ESV Study Bible Notes
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