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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 20:25 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:25 is a poignant passage that captures the Apostle Paul speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus.

Paul is aware that his missionary journey will soon lead him away from them, and he expresses a sad certainty that they will not see his face again.

In this statement, Paul emphasizes the finality of his departure while also alluding to the deep relationships and emotional bonds that he has formed with the members of the church through his preaching of the Kingdom of God.

This verse underscores the sacrificial nature of Paul's mission; he knows the cost of spreading the Gospel may ultimately lead to his own death or imprisonment, making any return impossible.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 20:25 is situated in the New Testament Book of Acts, which chronicles the early days of the Christian church and the spread of the Gospel after the ascension of Jesus Christ.

The verse is part of Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, which occurs toward the end of his third missionary journey, around 56-57 AD.

At the time, Paul was preparing to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing that he faced possible persecution there.

The speech reflects Paul's concern for the churches he had founded and his dedication to the mission, despite the personal costs.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights the transient nature of Christian ministry in the world and the permanence of the Kingdom of God.

From a Christian perspective, the verse may serve as a reminder that the messengers of the Gospel will come and go, but the Word of God remains eternal.

Paul's words also demonstrate a surrender to God's plan for his life and acknowledge that ultimate victory is not found in earthly life but in eternity with God.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can inspire individuals to truly value and invest in their spiritual leaders and mentors, understanding the temporality of such relationships.

This scripture can encourage Christians to hold lightly to the comforts and relationships of this world, instead of focusing on the mission and purpose given by God.

For leaders, the verse serves as an example of dedication to one's calling, even in the face of separation from loved ones and communities.

Cross-References

Acts 20:38: "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."

2 Timothy 4:6-7: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"

Philippians 1:23-24: "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "preaching" is "κηρύσσων" (kērussōn), which carries a connotation of heralding or proclaiming with authority.

The term "Kingdom of God" is "βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ" (basileia tou Theou), which refers to the rule and reign of God.

In this context, it signifies an eschatological concept that covers both the present spiritual reign of God in believers’ hearts and the future realm where God's dominion is fully realized.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be compared to other departure narratives in ancient texts where leaders or heroes express a final farewell, aware that they will not return.

In various myths, such farewells often prelude significant transitions or the passing of wisdom to successors.

Within religious traditions, farewell discourses can serve to encapsulate the core teachings of a figure and offer final instructions to followers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the finality and acceptance of separation, as conveyed by Paul's speech, could be examined through the lens of psychology.

Understanding that human connections are often transient and that individuals may seek comfort in the context of larger existential or spiritual frameworks could inform the study of human behavior and coping mechanisms.

commentaries

Scholars and theologians have explored the emotional depth and significance of this verse within the narrative of Acts.

F.F.

Bruce, in his commentary on the Book of Acts, emphasizes Paul's awareness of the dangers he faces and his commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel.

John Stott, in his book "The Message of Acts," reflects on the bittersweet nature of Paul's farewell as he both encourages the elders and prepares them for the challenges to come.

The consensus among many commentators is that this verse highlights the theme of sacrifice and the uncertain future of the early Christian community, yet it's instilled with hope rooted in faith.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:25 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 20:25 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?