PrevActs 20:15Next

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 20:15 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 20:15 from the King James Version of the Bible records a segment of the Apostle Paul's journey by sea.

This passage describes the travel route and the timeline as Paul and his companions make their way to Miletus.

It details a sequential stop at several locations: they start from an unspecified 'thence', pass by Chios on the next day, arrive at Samos, stay at Trogyllium briefly, and finally reach Miletus on the following day.

These locations are all actual historical places, mostly islands and ports situated in the Aegean Sea.

The literal meaning is straightforward, outlining the travel itinerary of Paul’s journey.

Deeper meaning could be extracted from Paul's urgency and commitment to his mission, which can be inferred from the narrative of his travels.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 20:15 is situated within the context of Paul’s third missionary journey, during which he traveled through parts of Asia Minor and Greece, spreading Christianity and strengthening the early church.

This verse is a part of the travelogue that describes Paul's return trip to Jerusalem.

Chios, Samos, and Trogyllium are all in the vicinity of modern Turkey and Greece.

Miletus was an ancient Greek city on the western coast of Asia Minor, close to these islands, which was a common stop for travelers and traders in the ancient world.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates Paul's dedication to his ministry. Despite obstacles and persecution, he consistently moves forward.

From a Christian perspective, Paul's journey can serve as a metaphor for the Christian life, characterized by perseverance and a sense of mission.

One could argue that Luke, the author of Acts, includes these details to provide a factual account that adds credibility to the narrative and shows the historical rootedness of the Christian faith.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 20:15 could encourage modern readers to be diligent and purposeful in their endeavors.

It reminds us of the importance of setting goals and being steadfast in pursuing them.

For Christians, it can serve as an inspiration to be committed to their faith and to spread their religious beliefs, just as Paul did.

Cross-References

Acts 16:11-12 (KJV): "Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;"
Acts 18:21 (KJV): "But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will.

And he sailed from Ephesus."

Acts 19:1 (KJV): "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 21:1 (KJV): "And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:"

Language Study

In Acts 20:15, "we sailed" (εκπλεύσαντες) implies they actively departed or set sail, showing intention and movement.

"Next day" (τῇ δε επιούσῃ) suggests a methodical progress and passage of time.

"Over against" (κατέναντι) in relation to Chios gives the sense that their route was directly opposite to the island.

"Tarried" (ἐπεμείναμεν) at Trogyllium indicates a brief stop or delay in their journey. The progression of these terms narrates a journey taken with purpose, with pauses for rest or specific tasks.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The journey of Paul can be compared to other cultural and religious figures who have undertaken travels or pilgrimages, such as the travels of Buddha, the Islamic Hijra of Muhammad, or the voyages of Odysseus in Greek mythology.

In each case, the travels serve to highlight the resolve and teachings of the central figures, as well as their impact on the regions they visit.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse doesn't engage with complex natural phenomena but does align with what we know of ancient seafaring and navigation.

The sequence of travel to these specific islands and coastal cities is geographically sound and corresponds with the sailing knowledge and practices of the time.

Acts 20:15 provides valuable historical data for scholars interested in the patterns of ancient travel routes.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators often discuss Acts 20:15 in relation to its narrative and historical detail. They sometimes debate the exact locations of ancient sites like Trogyllium.

Commentators generally agree that Luke, the author of Acts, included such details to give an accurate historical account of Paul’s missionary activities.

There's also agreement on the significance of Paul's decision to bypass Ephesus on this trip to avoid delays on his journey to Jerusalem (as he indicates in Acts 20:16), highlighting his commitment to the Jerusalem church and the urgency of his mission.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:15 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 20:15 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?