Acts 20
BSB1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia. 2 After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. 4 Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. 6 And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days. 7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. 8 Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!" 11 Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed. 12 And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive. 13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The day after that we arrived at Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. 17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. 20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. 29 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. 35 In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" 36 When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. 38 They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Study Notes — Acts 20
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 20
- Themes from Acts 20
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 20
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts 20 begins with Paul's travels to Macedonia and Greece, where he spends three months preaching and teaching. He then returns to Troas, where he raises Eutychus from the dead after the young man falls from a window. Paul continues his journey to Miletus, where he meets with the Ephesian elders and delivers a farewell address, exhorting them to be faithful shepherds of the flock and warning them against false teachers. The chapter concludes with Paul's emotional departure from the elders, who are deeply grieved by his words. Key verses include Acts 20:24, where Paul expresses his commitment to finishing his course and testifying to the gospel, and Acts 20:28, where he charges the elders to feed and care for the church of God.
Context for the Chapter
Acts 20 is situated within the larger narrative of the book of Acts, which tells the story of the early Christian church. The chapter is part of a larger section that describes Paul's missionary journeys and his ministry to the churches. It is also closely tied to the themes of spiritual leadership, perseverance, and the importance of guarding against false teaching. In the broader biblical narrative, Acts 20 is connected to the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, particularly his emphasis on the importance of shepherding the flock (John 10:11).
Heart Application
As we reflect on Acts 20, we are called to examine our own commitment to the gospel and our willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Christ. We are also reminded of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the church and of guarding against false teaching. May we be faithful shepherds of the flock, feeding and caring for the church of God with humility, compassion, and courage.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts 20 is about Paul's journey to Macedonia and Greece, his return to Troas, and his farewell address to the Ephesian elders. It highlights the importance of spiritual leadership, perseverance, and guarding against false teaching. As Paul says in Acts 20:24, he considers his life worth nothing if only he may finish the race and complete the task of testifying to the gospel. This chapter encourages us to prioritize the well-being of the church and to be faithful shepherds of the flock.
Voices from the Church
“The true minister of Christ is a shepherd, not a hireling. He cares for the flock, not for his own gain or glory.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The church is the flock of God, and it is the duty of its leaders to feed and care for it, to guard it against false teachers, and to guide it in the ways of righteousness.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:1-6) — Paul travels to Macedonia and Greece, preaching and teaching in various cities.
- The Raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12) — Paul raises Eutychus from the dead after the young man falls from a window in Troas.
- Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:13-38) — Paul meets with the Ephesian elders in Miletus and delivers a farewell address, exhorting them to be faithful shepherds of the flock.
- Paul's Emotional Departure (Acts 20:36-38) — Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian elders, who are deeply grieved by his words.
- Conclusion (Acts 20:38) — The chapter concludes with Paul's departure from the elders, who are left to carry on the ministry in his absence.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
- Acts 20 emphasizes the need for faithful shepherds who will feed and care for the flock of God. This doctrine is closely tied to the theme of perseverance and the importance of guarding against false teaching.
- The Power of the Gospel
- The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and to bring people to faith in Christ. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and is closely tied to the theme of evangelism and discipleship.
- The Danger of False Teaching
- Acts 20 warns against the dangers of false teaching, which can threaten the well-being of the church. This doctrine is closely tied to the theme of spiritual leadership and the importance of guarding against false teachers.
- The Importance of Perseverance
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in ministry, even in the face of adversity and danger. This doctrine is closely tied to the theme of spiritual leadership and the need for faithful shepherds who will feed and care for the flock.
Lessons from Acts 20
- The Importance of Selfless Ministry — Paul's selfless ministry is a powerful example of what it means to prioritize the well-being of others above our own interests. We can learn from his example and strive to be more selfless in our own lives and ministries.
- The Need for Faithful Shepherds — The chapter highlights the importance of faithful shepherds who will feed and care for the flock of God. We can learn from Paul's exhortation to the Ephesian elders and strive to be more faithful in our own leadership roles.
- The Danger of False Teaching — Acts 20 warns against the dangers of false teaching, which can threaten the well-being of the church. We can learn from this warning and be more vigilant in our own lives and ministries, guarding against false teachers and prioritizing the truth of the gospel.
- The Importance of Perseverance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in ministry, even in the face of adversity and danger. We can learn from Paul's example and strive to be more persevering in our own lives and ministries, trusting in the power of God to sustain us.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and to bring people to faith in Christ. We can learn from this emphasis and prioritize the gospel in our own lives and ministries, trusting in its power to save and to sanctify.
Themes from Acts 20
- Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership in the church, highlighting the need for faithful shepherds who will feed and care for the flock of God.
- Perseverance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in ministry, even in the face of adversity and danger. This theme is closely tied to the importance of trusting in the power of God to sustain us.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and to bring people to faith in Christ. This theme is central to the Christian faith and is closely tied to the importance of prioritizing the gospel in our own lives and ministries.
- The Danger of False Teaching — Acts 20 warns against the dangers of false teaching, which can threaten the well-being of the church. This theme is closely tied to the importance of guarding against false teachers and prioritizing the truth of the gospel.
- Selfless Ministry — The chapter highlights the importance of selfless ministry, emphasizing the need for leaders to prioritize the well-being of others above their own interests.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Paul's selfless ministry in Acts 20, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- What is the importance of spiritual leadership in the church, and how can we prioritize the well-being of the flock?
- How can we guard against false teaching in our own lives and in the church, and what are the consequences of failing to do so?
- What is the significance of Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, and what can we learn from his words of exhortation?
- How can we be faithful shepherds of the flock, feeding and caring for the church of God with humility, compassion, and courage?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:1-6)
| Acts 20:1 | Paul travels to Macedonia and Greece, preaching and teaching in various cities. |
| Acts 20:2 | He spends time in these regions, encouraging the believers and strengthening the churches. |
| Acts 20:3 | He stays in Greece for three months, but his plans are thwarted by a plot against him. |
| Acts 20:4 | He decides to return to Macedonia, accompanied by several companions, including Sopater, Aristarchus, and Secundus. |
| Acts 20:5 | They travel to Troas, where they meet up with the rest of the group, including Luke and others. |
| Acts 20:6 | They spend seven days in Troas, where Paul preaches and teaches, and where the church is strengthened. |
2. The Raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)
| Acts 20:7 | On the first day of the week, the disciples gather to break bread, and Paul preaches to them, intending to leave the next day. |
| Acts 20:8 | There are many lamps in the upper room where they are meeting, and a young man named Eutychus is sitting on the windowsill. |
| Acts 20:9 | As Paul preaches on and on, Eutychus becomes sleepy and falls from the third story window, and is picked up dead. |
| Acts 20:10 | Paul goes down, throws himself on the young man, and prays, and Eutychus is restored to life. |
| Acts 20:11 | Paul returns to the upper room, breaks bread, and eats, and then continues preaching until dawn. |
| Acts 20:12 | The people are amazed and take the young man home alive, and are greatly comforted. |
3. Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:13-38)
| Acts 20:13 | Paul and his companions set sail from Troas, and travel to Assos, where they pick up Luke. |
| Acts 20:14 | They travel to Mitylene, and then to Chios, and then to Samos, and finally to Miletus. |
| Acts 20:15 | From Miletus, Paul sends for the elders of the church in Ephesus to come to him. |
| Acts 20:16 | When they arrive, Paul gives them a farewell address, exhorting them to be faithful shepherds of the flock. |
| Acts 20:17 | He reminds them of his ministry among them, and of the things he has taught them. |
| Acts 20:18 | He warns them of the dangers of false teaching, and exhorts them to be vigilant and to guard the flock. |
| Acts 20:19 | He expresses his concern for them, and his desire to see them again. |
| Acts 20:20 | He reminds them of the importance of humility, and of the need to serve one another in love. |
| Acts 20:21 | He testifies to the gospel of God's grace, and reminds them of the importance of persevering in the faith. |
| Acts 20:22 | He tells them that he is bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, and that he does not know what will happen to him there. |
| Acts 20:23 | He warns them that the Holy Spirit has testified to him in every city that imprisonment and hardships await him. |
| Acts 20:24 | He expresses his commitment to finishing his course and testifying to the gospel, regardless of the cost. |
| Acts 20:25 | He tells them that he will not see them again, and that he has declared to them the whole counsel of God. |
| Acts 20:26 | He warns them that he is innocent of the blood of all men, because he has not hesitated to declare to them the whole will of God. |
| Acts 20:27 | He reminds them that they are to feed and care for the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. |
| Acts 20:28 | He warns them that savage wolves will come in among them, and that they must be vigilant and guard the flock. |
| Acts 20:29 | He reminds them that they are to be faithful shepherds, and that they must feed and care for the church of God. |
| Acts 20:30 | He warns them that some men will arise from among their own number, and will distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. |
| Acts 20:31 | He reminds them that he has not hesitated to declare to them the whole will of God, and that they are to be faithful and vigilant. |
| Acts 20:32 | He commends them to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. |
| Acts 20:33 | He reminds them that he has not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing, and that he has worked hard to support himself and those with him. |
| Acts 20:34 | He tells them that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that he has shown them that by working hard and supporting the weak, they must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus. |
| Acts 20:35 | He reminds them of the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' |
| Acts 20:36 | When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them and prayed. |
| Acts 20:37 | They all wept and embraced Paul, grieving especially because he had said that they would not see his face again. |
| Acts 20:38 | They accompanied him to the ship, and he set sail for Palestine. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders?
Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders is significant because it emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership, perseverance, and guarding against false teaching. In Acts 20:28, Paul charges the elders to feed and care for the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. This address is also a powerful example of Paul's selfless ministry and his commitment to the gospel.
What can we learn from Paul's selfless ministry in Acts 20?
We can learn from Paul's selfless ministry the importance of prioritizing the well-being of others above our own interests. In Acts 20:24, Paul expresses his commitment to finishing his course and testifying to the gospel, regardless of the cost. This is a powerful example of what it means to be a faithful servant of Christ.
How can we guard against false teaching in our own lives and in the church?
We can guard against false teaching by being vigilant and prioritizing the truth of the gospel. In Acts 20:29-30, Paul warns the Ephesian elders about the dangers of false teaching and exhorts them to be faithful shepherds of the flock. We can also learn from Paul's example of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity and danger.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 20:24 → 2 Timothy 4:7 | In both Acts 20:24 and 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul expresses his commitment to finishing his course and testifying to the gospel, regardless of the cost. This highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in ministry. |
| 2 | Acts 20:28 → John 10:11 | In Acts 20:28, Paul charges the Ephesian elders to feed and care for the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. This is closely tied to Jesus' teaching in John 10:11, where he describes himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. |
| 3 | Acts 20:29-30 → Matthew 7:15 | In Acts 20:29-30, Paul warns the Ephesian elders about the dangers of false teaching and exhorts them to be faithful shepherds of the flock. This is closely tied to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:15, where he warns about the dangers of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are actually wolves. |
| 4 | Acts 20:32 → Ephesians 1:14 | In Acts 20:32, Paul commends the Ephesian elders to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. This is closely tied to the teaching in Ephesians 1:14, where Paul describes the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it. |
| 5 | Acts 20:35 → Luke 12:33 | In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' This is closely tied to the teaching in Luke 12:33, where Jesus teaches about the importance of storing up treasure in heaven by giving to the poor. |
| 6 | Acts 20:20 → 2 Corinthians 11:9 | In Acts 20:20, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of the importance of humility and serving one another in love. This is closely tied to the teaching in 2 Corinthians 11:9, where Paul describes his own ministry as one of humility and service to others. |
| 7 | Acts 20:21 → Romans 1:16 | In Acts 20:21, Paul testifies to the gospel of God's grace, and reminds the Ephesian elders of the importance of persevering in the faith. This is closely tied to the teaching in Romans 1:16, where Paul describes the gospel as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. |
| 8 | Acts 20:28 → 1 Peter 5:2-4 | In Acts 20:28, Paul charges the Ephesian elders to feed and care for the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. This is closely tied to the teaching in 1 Peter 5:2-4, where Peter exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God among them, not for shameful gain but eagerly. |
| 9 | Acts 20:32 → Hebrews 13:20-21 | In Acts 20:32, Paul commends the Ephesian elders to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. This is closely tied to the teaching in Hebrews 13:20-21, where the author commends the readers to God, who is able to equip them with everything good that they may do his will. |
| 10 | Acts 20:35 → Proverbs 19:17 | In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' This is closely tied to the teaching in Proverbs 19:17, where it is written that he who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. |
Sermons on Acts 20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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A Man on the Go by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the criticisms that the Apostle Paul faced in his ministry. Paul was criticized for constantly moving around, changing his plans, and preachin |
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"That They May Be one." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a |
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At the Price of God's Own Blood by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper emphasizes the importance of holiness, zeal for good works, and commitment to world evangelization. He highlights that Jesus bled and died to purc |
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Tripod of Effective Ministry by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ministry and warns against false teachers who may arise within the church. He urges the audience to be vigilant and to reme |
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A Call to Repentance by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to |
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"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |
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Watchman Nee - a Modern Day Vessel (Testimony by Stephen Kaung) by Watchman Nee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of breaking bread together as a way to remember the Lord. He shares the story of Lee Lung and his wife, who started breaking br |
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How God Taught Me to Give by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of how God led him to give towards missions. He recounts his experience of becoming the pastor of a church that held an annu |
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How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 20
In Acts 20, we see the apostle Paul as a faithful minister of the gospel, who is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Christ. His farewell address to the Ephesian elders is a powerful example of his selfless ministry, and it emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership, perseverance, and guarding against false teaching. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Paul's love to the church was such that he could not but be solicitous for its welfare, and his care extended itself to all the churches, for he was a father to them all.' This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful ministry and the need for believers to be vigilant against false teaching. As Henry writes, 'The apostle's parting advice to the elders is very pathetic, and shows how much he was affected with the thought of leaving them, and how much he was concerned for their welfare.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's Selfless Ministry
One of the most striking aspects of Acts 20 is Paul's selfless ministry. He is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the gospel, and he prioritizes the well-being of the churches above his own interests.
The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
The chapter highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in the church. Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders emphasizes the need for faithful shepherds who will feed and care for the flock.
The Danger of False Teaching
Acts 20 warns against the dangers of false teaching, which can threaten the well-being of the church. Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders to be vigilant and to guard against false teachers.