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Acts 20

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

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

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.

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.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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,

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:

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,

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

What does Acts 20:13 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:13 is part of the narrative in the Acts of the Apostles that details the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.

In this verse, the author, traditionally believed to be Luke, recounts the travel plans as they journey toward Assos.

The party had decided to travel by ship, while Paul had determined to go by land.

This difference in travel arrangements might suggest Paul's desire for some time alone, perhaps for prayer, reflection, or simply to walk through the region.

The group planned to reunite with Paul in Assos, indicating a prior arrangement and an understanding of each other's roles and wishes during the journey.

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Historical Context

Acts 20:13 occurs during Paul's third missionary journey, which took place in the first century CE.

Assos, mentioned in the verse, was an ancient Greek city in the Troad, a historical region located in what is now modern-day Turkey.

The journeys of Paul played a significant role in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities and into the Greco-Roman world.

The book of Acts was written against the backdrop of Roman dominion, where travel by sea and Roman roads facilitated the spread of ideas and religious beliefs.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might interpret this verse as showing the early Christian leaders' dedication and the way they followed divine guidance even in practical matters like travel.

Paul's decision to go by land could be seen as a personal calling or need for solitude.

The verse also has been interpreted as an example of the freedom Christian leaders had to follow their distinct paths, even while united in their mission. Others may view the coordination of the group's movement as an example of careful planning and responsible leadership.

Practical Applications

Acts 20:13 can offer practical applications to modern believers by exemplifying the balance between communal activity and personal time.

It suggests the importance of respecting individual needs within a group setting, and the value of solitude for personal growth and reflection.

The verse can also be applied in teaching the importance of planning and organization in conducting affairs, be they related to work, ministry, or personal life.

Cross-References

Acts 17:14: "And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still."
Acts 19:21: "After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome."
Acts 20:22: "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there."

Language Study

Key words in this verse offer insights into the actions and intentions of Paul and his companions:

"Ship" (Greek: πλοίῳ, ploiō) refers to the vessel used for sea travel.
"Sailed" (Greek: ἀποπλέω, apopleō) indicates the act of departing by sea.
"Assos" (Greek: Ἄσσος, Assos) is the name of the city where they intended to pick up Paul.
"Intending" (Greek: μέλλοντες, mellontes) demonstrates purposeful planning.
"Minding" (Greek: βουλόμενος, boulomenos) relates to Paul's personal wish or choice.
"Afoot" (Greek: πεζῇ, pezē) means to go on foot.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Assos, the ancient Greek city, was a part of the Greco-Roman cultural milieu in which philosophical schools flourished.

Paul's decision to walk might reflect the practice of Greek philosophers, such as the Peripatetics who were known for walking discussions.

Religiously, this passage lacks direct parallels in ancient myths but shows the practical aspects of religious life and travel that are common in historical accounts of religious leaders.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific or anthropological perspective, Paul's method of travel might be of interest.

Choosing to go on foot overland rather than by sea could have been influenced by various factors, including the season and weather conditions, which would have been of paramount importance in ancient travel.

Additionally, the physical and psychological effects of walking, known today for reducing stress and improving mood, might also be an area of discussion.

Commentaries

Commentators offer different insights on Acts 20:13:

John Calvin remarks on Paul's choice to go afoot, suggesting it was for his own private meditation or advantage of doing some good in the passage.
The Pulpit Commentary notes the variation in the mode of traveling among Paul and his companions without concluding on the reasons for it.
Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that Paul might have had reasons related to his pastoral work or personal devotion for traveling the way he did.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the simplicity and humility of Paul's way of travel and his freedom from pride and vanity.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 20:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?