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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 20:2 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 20:2 from the King James Version reads: "And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece," This verse succinctly recounts part of the Apostle Paul's missionary journey.

"Gone over those parts" refers to Paul traveling through various regions, which likely included areas of modern-day Turkey.

The phrase "had given them much exhortation" indicates that Paul spent time encouraging and teaching the early Christian communities he visited.

His journey then took him to Greece, where he continued his ministry.

The deeper meaning reflects Paul's commitment to spread the Christian faith and to strengthen the resolve and understanding of the early Christians.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 20:2 falls within the context of Paul's third missionary journey, which took place around 53-57 AD. During this time, he traveled extensively through the regions of Macedonia and Greece, areas with established Christian communities.

It was a time when Christianity was still a nascent religion, viewed with skepticism or even hostility by various segments of the population.

The Roman Empire, which was widespread at this time, provided a means of relatively easy travel but also brought cultural challenges including polytheism and emperor worship.

Theological Insights

Different perspectives may interpret this verse as showcasing apostolic perseverance and the importance of pastoral care in the early church.

From a Protestant viewpoint, the emphasis might be on the dedication to Scripture and teaching.

The Catholic tradition might stress the importance of apostolic succession and the authority that Paul carries.

Orthodox interpretations may focus on the communal aspect of faith that Paul nurtures through exhortation.

Practical Applications

Today's believers can learn from Paul's commitment to revisit Christian communities, emphasizing the importance of discipleship and ongoing spiritual growth.

Acts 20:2 can inspire Christians to support each other in faith, to be persistent in ministry, and to value the importance of mentorship and encouragement.

Cross-References

Acts 18:23: "And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples."
Acts 16:9-10: "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

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."

Romans 15:19: "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."

Language Study

Key words within this verse include:

"Exhortation" (Greek: paraklēsis) which means a calling to one's side to give aid, and by extension, it involves encouraging, consoling, and comforting others.
"Greece" (Greek: Hellas) referring to the region known as Greece, which was a center of learning, philosophy, and culture in the ancient world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

During the time of Paul's journeys, the Greco-Roman world was full of different philosophical and religious beliefs.

Religious syncretism was common, and many gods were worshipped.

Paul's teachings about a single God and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus stood in contrast to these prevalent beliefs and philosophies, such as those of the Epicureans and Stoics.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 20:2 does not directly intersect with specific scientific understandings, as it is a narrative recounting a historical journey.

However, the geographic movement in Paul's travels can be related to the study of ancient transportation, mapping, and the interconnectedness of regions under the Roman Empire, revealing socio-economic networks.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have highlighted Acts 20:2 as reflective of Paul's pastoral role and his determination.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes Paul's "constant care" for all the churches.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible speaks to the sequence of Paul's journey, suggesting that the "parts" were upper Coelesyria, Phoenicia, and Judea.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges gives attention to the encouragement Paul provided, seeing this as an essential part of his mission.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:2 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 20:2 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?