Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 20

Acts of the Apostles 20.1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. Acts of the Apostles 20.2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, Acts of the Apostles 20.3 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.4 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.5 These going before tarried for us at Troas. Acts of the Apostles 20.6 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.7 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. Acts of the Apostles 20.9 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. Acts of the Apostles 20.11 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts of the Apostles 20.13 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. Acts of the Apostles 20.15 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.16 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Acts of the Apostles 20.18 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, Acts of the Apostles 20.19 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: Acts of the Apostles 20.20 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, Acts of the Apostles 20.21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts of the Apostles 20.22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Acts of the Apostles 20.23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. Acts of the Apostles 20.24 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Acts of the Apostles 20.26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. Acts of the Apostles 20.27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Acts of the Apostles 20.28 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Acts of the Apostles 20.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts of the Apostles 20.31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts of the Apostles 20.32 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Acts of the Apostles 20.34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. Acts of the Apostles 20.35 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. Acts of the Apostles 20.36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. Acts of the Apostles 20.37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, Acts of the Apostles 20.38 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.

Acts of the Apostles : Chapter 20

Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

In Acts 20, we witness the apostle Paul's poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders. This pivotal moment raises a vital question: what legacy should a Christian leader leave? This moving text traces Paul's journey through Macedonia and Greece, including the incident with Eutychus and his final, emotional speech to the Ephesian church leaders.

The Importance of Perseverance and Spiritual Vigilance

Chapter 20 highlights fundamental themes such as perseverance, discipleship, and spiritual vigilance. Paul exhorts the elders to watch over the flock and prepare for the adversities that will inevitably arise. These leadership principles are crucial to ensuring the spiritual health of the church.

Five Enlightening Bible Passages

To deepen our understanding of Christian leadership as presented in Acts 20, let's examine five biblical passages that resonate with these teachings:

1. 1 Thessalonians 2:9

"You surely remember, brothers, our hard work and labor. We worked night and day so as not to be a burden to anyone, while we preached to them the gospel of God." This passage illustrates the type of sacrificial ministry that Paul evokes in his speech in Acts 20.

2. Philippians 3:18

"For as I have often told you, and now say again with tears, many are those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ." Here, Paul shares an emotion similar to that which he displays in his farewell address in Acts 20.

3. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. Instead, having itching ears, they will gather together teachers for themselves according to their own desires. They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn aside to myths." This warning resonates with the concerns Paul expresses to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20.

4. 1 Peter 5:2-3

"Shepherd the flock of God under your care. Care for it, not out of obligation, but willingly, as God would have it. Do not do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve." This advice from Peter mirrors Paul's instructions to the elders in Acts 20.

5. Ephesians 4:11-12

"And he appointed some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be edified." This passage illustrates the leadership role Paul discusses with the Ephesian elders in Acts 20.

In conclusion, Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders reminds us of the importance of leadership marked by service, vigilance, and dedication to the body of Christ. May we, in turn, leave a legacy that glorifies God and builds up our community.