About Acts

Acts records the birth and growth of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author: LukeWritten: c. AD 62-64Reading time: ~5 minVerses: 38
Holy SpiritWitnessChurch GrowthMissionPersecutionUnity

King James Version

Acts 20

38 verses with commentary

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

View commentary
After Ephesus riot 'Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them' before departing. Affectionate farewell characterized Paul's pastoral relationships. 'Departed for to go into Macedonia' continued the planned journey despite opposition.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation , he came into Greece,

View commentary
'When he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.' The 'much exhortation' indicates intensive teaching during this revisitation. Three months in Greece allowed extended ministry in Corinth.

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

View commentary
'When the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.' Jewish plot forced route change. Paul adapted plans to avoid danger while continuing mission. Flexibility in method preserved life and ministry.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

View commentary
The list of companions - 'Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timotheus, Tychicus, and Trophimus' - shows Paul's team ministry model. Representatives from different churches accompanied the collection. Shared ministry and accountability characterized apostolic work.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

View commentary
'These going before tarried for us at Troas' - the 'us' indicates Luke's presence. Division of the group shows organizational planning. Troas became the rendezvous point for the traveling party.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

View commentary
'We sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread' - Paul observed Passover timing. 'Came unto them to Troas in five days' - weather affected travel. 'We abode seven days' allowed sabbath gathering.

Eutychus Raised from the Dead

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

View commentary
'Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.' Sunday gathering for communion and teaching shows early Christian practice. 'Ready to depart on the morrow' created urgency for extended teaching.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

View commentary
'There were many lights in the upper chamber' - detailed observation suggests Luke's presence. The lamps created heat and reduced oxygen, contributing to Eutychus's drowsiness. Luke's careful details establish historical reliability.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

View commentary
Eutychus 'fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead' - Luke's medical assessment confirmed death. 'Being fallen into a deep sleep as Paul was long preaching' combined exhaustion with extended sermon. Human frailty and divine power intersect in this narrative.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

View commentary
Paul's action - 'fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him' - echoes Elijah (1 Kings 17:21) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:34). The embrace transferred life. 'His life is in him' announced restoration.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

View commentary
'When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day' - uninterrupted ministry continued after the miracle. The resurrection didn't end the gathering but enabled its continuation.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

View commentary
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. This brief verse concludes the remarkable account of Eutychus's restoration. The Greek phrase ēgagon ton paida zōnta (ἤγαγον τὸν παῖδα ζῶντα) literally means "they brought the boy living." The word paida (παῖδα) can mean child, youth, or servant, while zōnta (ζῶντα) emphasizes he was genuinely alive—not merely revived but fully restored.

The phrase "not a little comforted" (ou metriōs, οὐ μετρίως) is a litotes—deliberate understatement for rhetorical effect. In other words, they were greatly comforted. The Greek verb parakaleō (παρακαλέω) means to encourage, console, or strengthen. The resurrection of Eutychus provided powerful confirmation of the gospel Paul had been preaching and demonstrated God's power present among the early church.

This miracle parallels Elijah's raising of the widow's son (1 Kings 17:17-24), Elisha's raising of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:32-37), and Jesus's raising of the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17). These resurrections foreshadowed Christ's own resurrection and served as signs pointing to the life-giving power of the gospel. The believers' comfort came not merely from Eutychus's restoration but from the assurance that the same resurrection power that raised Christ operates in and through His church.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

View commentary
'We went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.' Paul's choice to walk while others sailed allowed time for reflection or ministry. Different transport suited different purposes.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

View commentary
And when he met with us at Assos—Paul rejoined Luke and the traveling party at Assos after walking alone approximately 20 miles from Troas while his companions sailed. The Greek verb συμβάλλω (symballō, "met with") suggests a planned rendezvous, indicating Paul's deliberate choice to travel by land while the ship made its coastal voyage.

We took him in (ἀναλαβόντες, analabontes)—literally "having taken him up" aboard the ship. Came to Mitylene—a significant port city on the island of Lesbos, approximately 30 miles south of Assos. This verse marks the resumption of the "we" sections in Acts (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16), indicating Luke's eyewitness participation. Paul's solitary walk may have provided time for prayer and reflection as he journeyed toward Jerusalem and the suffering he knew awaited him (Acts 20:22-23).

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

View commentary
And we sailed thence—Luke's precise travelogue continues with characteristic nautical detail. The itinerary from Assos traces Paul's third missionary journey's final leg toward Jerusalem: Chios (Greek island opposite Smyrna), Samos (birthplace of Pythagoras), Trogyllium (promontory between Samos and Miletus), and Miletus (major Ionian port 30 miles south of Ephesus).

This seemingly mundane geographical catalog serves theological purpose—it demonstrates the gospel's westward march through the Greco-Roman world's cultural centers. Paul's urgency (speudō, v. 16—'hastening') to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost drives this rapid coastal hopping. The mention of Miletus foreshadows verses 17-38's emotional farewell address to Ephesian elders, one of Acts' most theologically rich passages on pastoral ministry and apostolic succession.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

View commentary
Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus (παρέπλευσεν, parepleusen—to sail past)—a deliberate strategic decision showing apostolic priorities. Paul intentionally avoided stopping at Ephesus despite his deep love for this church (Acts 19:8-10; 20:31). The verb 'determined' (κρίνω, krinō) indicates a firm, reasoned decision.

He hasted...to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost—Pentecost (πεντηκοστή, pentēkostē—'fiftieth day') came fifty days after Passover, when Jerusalem swelled with Jewish pilgrims from across the empire. Paul's urgency reflects both pastoral duty (delivering the Gentile collection, Romans 15:25-27) and personal devotion to his Jewish heritage. Despite knowing 'bonds and afflictions' awaited him (Acts 20:23), he pressed toward Jerusalem with prophetic resolve, foreshadowing Christ's own steadfast journey to the cross (Luke 9:51).

Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

View commentary
'From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.' The 30-mile summons brought Ephesian leaders for a final meeting. Paul's determination to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost (v.16) prevented Ephesian visit, but pastoral concern demanded this gathering.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

View commentary
'Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.' Paul appeals to their knowledge of his consistent character. 'At all seasons' indicates unchanging commitment regardless of circumstances.

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

View commentary
'Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations.' Three characteristics mark Paul's ministry: humility, compassion (tears), and perseverance through trials. 'The lying in wait of the Jews' added constant danger.

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

View commentary
'I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you' - complete teaching without avoiding difficult subjects. 'Publickly, and from house to house' indicates both corporate and individual instruction. Full-orbed ministry addresses crowds and individuals.

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

View commentary
'Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.' The dual message - repentance and faith - summarizes gospel proclamation. Both Jews and Greeks needed identical response despite different backgrounds.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there :

View commentary
'I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem' - divine compulsion directed Paul's journey. 'Not knowing the things that shall befall me there' combined certainty of calling with uncertainty of details. Obedience doesn't require complete knowledge.

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. abide me: or, wait for me

View commentary
'Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.' The Spirit's consistent message prepared Paul for suffering. 'Bonds and afflictions' - specific warnings of imprisonment and persecution.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

View commentary
Paul's declaration - 'neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy' - expresses ultimate commitment to Christ's mission above self-preservation. His purpose was completing his ministry and 'testifying the gospel of the grace of God,' showing that life's value lies in fulfilling divine calling rather than mere survival. This sacrificial devotion exemplifies Jesus's teaching about losing one's life to find it (Mark 8:35).

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

View commentary
'I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.' This sobering prediction intensified the farewell. Paul's focus on 'the kingdom of God' summarizes his message - Christ's reign proclaimed and established.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

View commentary
'I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.' This solemn declaration asserted complete faithfulness in witness. 'Blood' language echoes Ezekiel's watchman (Ezekiel 33:8-9) - failure to warn makes one guilty.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

View commentary
'I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.' Complete proclamation of divine truth, not selected comfortable portions, characterized Paul's ministry. 'All the counsel' includes difficult doctrines and uncomfortable applications.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

View commentary
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood—Paul's charge to Ephesian elders combines pastoral authority, responsibility, and motivation. Take heed... unto yourselves prioritizes leaders' spiritual health before ministry. The Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (ἐπισκόπους) establishes divine appointment, not human ambition, as pastoral authority's source. To feed (ποιμαίνειν, 'shepherd') defines pastoral work as nourishing, guiding, protecting. Church of God, which he purchased with his own blood grounds pastoral urgency in the cross—shepherds serve blood-bought people. The phrase 'his own blood' remarkably attributes blood-shedding to God, affirming Christ's deity.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

View commentary
'I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.' False teachers would emerge after apostolic departure. 'Wolves' and 'flock' use shepherd imagery for destructive leaders attacking God's people.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

View commentary
'Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.' Internal threats compound external dangers. Leaders seeking personal following rather than Christ's glory corrupt the church from within.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

View commentary
'Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.' Paul's emotional investment over three years modeled pastoral vigilance. 'Night and day with tears' shows constant, compassionate care.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

View commentary
Paul's final commendation - 'I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace' - identifies the twin foundations for Christian perseverance: God's person and His revealed Word. The 'word of his grace' doesn't merely inform but actively 'builds up' and gives inheritance. This confidence in Scripture's power through the Spirit's work remains the church's hope across generations.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

View commentary
'I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.' Financial integrity protected ministry credibility. Paul rejected any accusation of mercenary motive. Freedom from covetousness demonstrated gospel sincerity.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

View commentary
'Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.' Paul's tent-making supported both himself and others. Physical labor served the gospel by removing accusation and modeling work ethic.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

View commentary
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive—Paul cites an unrecorded saying of Jesus (not in the Gospels) to model generous labor. So labouring refers to Paul's tentmaking (v.34), supporting himself and companions rather than burdening churches. Ye ought to support the weak makes labor's purpose not self-enrichment but enabling generosity to needy believers. More blessed to give than to receive inverts natural selfishness—joy comes from giving, not getting. This Jesus-saying became foundational for Christian generosity and work ethic.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

View commentary
'When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.' Prayer concluded the farewell, committing them to God. Kneeling expressed humility and earnestness. Shared prayer bonded departing shepherd and remaining flock.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

View commentary
'They all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him.' Deep emotional expression marked this farewell. Mediterranean culture allowed public emotional display. The combination of weeping, embracing, and kissing expressed profound love.

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

View commentary
'Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more.' The finality of departure intensified grief. Loss of face-to-face relationship, not merely Paul's suffering, caused deepest sorrow. Presence matters in pastoral care.

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study