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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 20:23 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:23 is a part of the narrative where the apostle Paul is addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus, explaining to them that he is compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, even though he is aware that difficulties await him.

This verse explicitly states that the Holy Spirit has been warning Paul, in every city he visits, that imprisonment and hardships are in his future.

The literal meaning is quite clear: Paul is expecting to face persecution and suffering because of his ministry.

On a deeper level, this verse highlights Paul's commitment to his mission and calling, despite the personal cost it entails.

It also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as a guide and source of revelation for believers.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, traditionally attributed to Luke, was written as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke and chronicles the early history of the church following Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

Acts 20:23 is set during Paul's third missionary journey, which took place around A.D. 54-58.

At this time, the Christian movement was spreading rapidly but was also facing opposition from both Jewish authorities and Roman governance.

Ephesus was a key city in Asia Minor, and Paul spent considerable time there teaching and bolstering the Christian community.

The anticipation of "bonds and afflictions" reflects the historical reality that apostles and early Christians often suffered persecution and imprisonment for their faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse demonstrates the concept of divine foreknowledge and prophecy in the Christian faith. The fact that the Holy Spirit warns Paul indicates that God is not only aware of the future but is also actively communicating with his followers.

Some theological traditions might see this as an example of predestination, where God's plan includes specific trials for his people.

Others may interpret it as a testament to the apostle's faithfulness, suggesting that true discipleship involves steadfastness in the face of adversity, trusting in God's overarching plan.

Practical Applications

The teachings in Acts 20:23 can encourage believers today to remain faithful in difficult circumstances.

It serves as a reminder that foreknowledge of trials does not necessarily mean that one should avoid the path ahead.

Instead, individuals can find strength in their faith, understanding that hardship can be a part of the journey.

Additionally, this verse can inspire believers to listen to and discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, even when that guidance might lead to challenging situations.

Cross-References

Acts 9:16 - "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
2 Timothy 3:12 - "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
Acts 14:22 - "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text is "δεῖν ἁγίου πνεύματος μαρτυρούμενον" (dein hagiou pneumatos martyroumenon), which translates as "the Holy Spirit testifying." The verb "μαρτυρούμενον" (martyroumenon), related to "martyr," carries the connotation of bearing witness or testifying, often with a legal or solemn undertone.

The phrase emphasizes that it is the Holy Spirit itself which is delivering this solemn testimony to Paul about the upcoming trials.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divinely inspired prophecy is not unique to Christianity and can be found in other religious and cultural traditions.

For example, in ancient Greek mythology, oracles such as the Pythia at Delphi were believed to receive visions of the future from the gods.

In Judaism, the Old Testament is filled with prophets who received warnings and revelations from God, such as Jeremiah and Isaiah.

These cultural parallels highlight a widespread belief in divine communication with select individuals regarding future events.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives would typically not validate the prophetic elements of Acts 20:23 due to the empirical and testable nature of the scientific method. The supernatural components, such as a deity directly communicating future events to individuals, are beyond the scope of scientific analysis.

However, the psychology of religious experiences, including perceived communications from the divine or the decision-making processes involved in interpreting such experiences, could be subjects of scientific study.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 20:23 often focus on Paul's awareness of his impending suffering and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding him.

They may explore the apostle's courage and resolve in the face of certain adversity, his obedience to the will of God, and the nature of Christian discipleship that embraces sacrificial service.

Scholars frequently point out how Paul's experiences and his response to the Holy Spirit's warning serve as a model for Christian endurance and trust in God's sovereignty.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:23 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 20:23 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?