What does Acts 20:17 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:17 describes an event in the Apostle Paul's journey where he makes a strategic decision during his return trip to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey.

Rather than visiting the prominent city of Ephesus directly, Paul chooses to stay in Miletus, a city some distance away.

From Miletus, Paul sends a message to the leaders of the Ephesian church, inviting them to come to him for a final face-to-face meeting.

This verse sets the stage for his heartfelt farewell address to the Ephesian elders that follows in Acts 20:18-35.

The verse literally tells us that Paul summoned the elders of the church at Ephesus while he was in Miletus.

The deeper significance is found in Paul's recognition of the importance of providing guidance, encouragement, and warnings to the church leaders he had worked with, knowing that he would not see them again.

His action reflects his pastoral concern and his commitment to the well-being of the churches he had planted.

Historical Context

Acts 20:17 occurs near the end of Paul's third missionary journey, roughly around A.D. 56-58.

Miletus was an ancient city in Asia Minor, not far from Ephesus, which was an important and influential center in the early Christian world.

Ephesus was known for its significant Jewish population and housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis.

During this period, Christianity was spreading through the region, but it faced both Jewish and pagan opposition.

By calling the Ephesian elders to Miletus, Paul may have been avoiding a potentially lengthy and distracting visit to Ephesus, as he had spent a considerable amount of time there on his previous trip (Acts 19).

His haste to return to Jerusalem might also indicate his intention to be there for the Feast of Pentecost.

Theological Insights

Paul’s decision to call upon the elders of Ephesus has been interpreted in various ways by theologians.

Some view it as a display of his pastoral priorities, emphasizing the importance of leadership in the early church. It indicates that church elders play a crucial role in maintaining and teaching the faith among believers.

Others suggest that this act shows Paul’s foreknowledge of trials to come and the need for strong church leadership after his departure.

His farewell address that follows is often considered a testament to the challenges that early Christian leaders would face, such as false teachings and internal strife.

Practical Applications

Acts 20:17 offers several practical applications for contemporary readers.

It highlights the need for intentional leadership and the value of mentorship within the church.

Leaders are encouraged to invest time in guiding and equipping other leaders, understanding the lasting impact such investment can have.

The verse also encourages personal engagement over distance when face-to-face interaction is not feasible. In modern contexts, this can relate to the utilization of technology to maintain connections and impart wisdom across geographic barriers.

Cross-References

• Acts 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."
• 2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine."
• 1 Peter 5:1-2 - "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;"
• Titus 1:5 - "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "elders" is "πρεσβυτέρους" (presbyterous), which refers to older, experienced members of the church who held a position of leadership and authority.

The term came to be associated with those who were appointed as overseers or shepherds of congregations.

"Called" is translated from the Greek verb "μετακαλέσαμενος" (metakalesamenos), suggesting an authoritative summons, and indicates the importance Paul placed on this meeting with the leaders.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman society, city elders often played significant roles in local governance and were respected for their wisdom and experience.

In Jewish culture, elders were also community leaders and had authority in religious matters.

The early Christian use of the term "elders" likely draws on these established cultural roles to signify the leadership structure within the church.

Comparatively, in other ancient religions, leadership might have been more hierarchical and often centered around temple cults or philosophical schools.

The role of the Christian elders as depicted in the New Testament presents a model of mutually accountable leadership focused on serving the community.

Scientific Perspectives

There is little direct intersection between this verse and modern scientific understandings.

However, the act of sending for the elders can be seen through the lens of communication studies, examining how early Christian communities were networked and maintained cohesion over distances through effective communication methods - an area of interest in both historical and social scientific research.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 20:17 generally agree on the significance of Paul's actions in terms of establishing and instructing the early church leadership.

John Calvin highlights Paul's diligence in teaching and his care for the church in Ephesus, noting the gravity of this farewell meeting.

Matthew Henry comments on the wisdom of Paul to avoid the distractions that a visit to Ephesus might have brought, suggesting a focus on the greater good of his mission over personal affections or interests.

More contemporary scholars, like F. F. Bruce and Darrell Bock, discuss the socio-political undertones of the meeting, noting how Paul's summoning of the Ephesian elders reflects an organized and structured community in which Paul played a critical role as a guiding figure and spiritual father.