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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 20:14 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:14 discusses a part of the apostle Paul's third missionary journey.

The verse narrates a logistical detail of the trip when Paul's companions, who are on a ship, stopped at Assos to pick him up and then proceeded to Mitylene.

Paul had previously decided to travel by foot to Assos (from Troas), which is narrated in the preceding verse (Acts 20:13).

The deeper meaning reflects Paul's commitment to his mission and his interactions with his fellow believers, suggesting a sense of community and support among the early Christians.

It may also represent Paul's desire for solitude and prayer before rejoining his companions for the next leg of the journey.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The verse is set during the apostolic age during Paul's travels across the Mediterranean to preach the Gospel.

Assos and Mitylene were ancient cities located in what is now modern-day Turkey and the island of Lesbos, Greece, respectively.

Assos was also known as Behramkale, and Mitylene was the capital city of Lesbos.

During this time, travel by sea was common for long distances, but Paul's decision to walk indicates either a personal preference for solitude or a strategic pastoral visit.

The Book of Acts was authored by Luke, who was a companion of Paul on some of these journeys.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Acts is important for understanding the spread of Christianity and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding missionary work.

From a Christian perspective, the actions of Paul and his companions might be seen as being guided by the Holy Spirit.

This verse does not contain significant doctrinal content but reflects the theme of companionship and steadfastness in mission work. Different denominations might not diverge much regarding the theological interpretation of this verse, seeing it as a straightforward historical account.

Practical Applications

One practical application of this verse is that it demonstrates the importance of fellowship and teamwork in Christian ministry.

Just as Paul had companions to help him and accompany him in his travels, Christians today can be reminded of the value of community and support in their own lives and ministries.

It may also encourage modern believers to sometimes seek solitude for personal reflection or prayer, before rejoining their community for collective action or worship.

Cross-References

Acts 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 19:1 - "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,"
Acts 16:10 - "And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek for Acts 20:14 include:

"Assos" (Ἄσσος): The name of the city where Paul was to be taken aboard the ship.
"we took him in" (ἀναλαβόντες αὐτὸν): Phrasal verb meaning "we took him on board" or "we received him."
"came" (ἤλθομεν): Simple past tense of the verb "to come."
"Mitylene" (Μιτυλήνη): The name of an ancient city and the administrative center of the island of Lesbos.

These terms reflect specific geographical locations and simple narrative details of travel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, similar travel narratives can be found in various cultures, often involving gods or heroes on quests, such as the travels of Odysseus in Homer's "Odyssey." Unlike these mythical stories, Acts is a historical account of early Christian figures.

The inclusion of travel details illustrates Luke's intent to provide an accurate historical record, which is a characteristic approach of Hellenistic historiography.

In terms of religious comparisons, many religious texts include travel narratives, such as the Islamic accounts of Muhammad's travels during the Hijra.

However, Acts 20:14 does not have a comparable religious ritual significance.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse's account of sea travel reflects modes of transportation in the ancient world that are of interest to historians and archaeologists. Advances in maritime archaeology have allowed for better understanding of ancient ship designs and navigation techniques.

While the verse itself does not directly intersect with modern science, it does provide a historical context that can be enriched through scientific exploration.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians approach this verse primarily as a historical record of Paul's actions.

For instance, John Calvin's commentary points out Paul's intent to be alone as he traveled by foot to Assos and then join his companions to go to Mitylene.

Matthew Henry notes that Paul's practice was to preach where Christ was not known, and his journey by foot might have been an opportunity to do just that.

Contemporary commentaries echo this understanding, viewing the verse as a straightforward description of Paul's missionary journey without attributing significant theological meaning to these specific travel details.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:14 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 20:14 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?