In today’s study our titles are; Verses 1-5 Paul goes to Macedonia and Greece. Verses 6-12 Paul at Troas. Verses 13-16 Paul’s voyage to Miletus. Verses 17-38 Paul addresses the Ephesian elders. Acts 20 and verse 1 reads.
Acts 20:1] And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
After the uproar by Demetrius in Ephesus, Paul called the twelve disciples of John the Baptist, gave them instructions and left. Paul spoke of this in his letter to Corinth. Let’s go to 1Corinthians 16 and verse 5 reads.
1Cor.16:5] Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
[6] And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 2 reads.
Acts 20:2] And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
He gave them encouragement and then left.
Acts 20:3] 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.
When They, the Kenites, laid in wait, they found a way around them. Always outsmart the Serpent’s Seed. Paul seemed to always be able to do this, the LORD was guiding his way.
Acts 20:4] 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.
[5] These going before tarried for us at Troas.
In the last chapter of Colossians 4:9-end, we have many that served the LORD through Paul and he would give a tribute to each of them.
Acts 20:6] 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.
First, We, is Luke’s way of including himself because he is the writer of this book. Now notice the days of unleavened bread, we have a two-week period of the Passover. The first week is the week of unleavened bread, then he abode (dwelled) seven more days. Bringing him to the Passover day.
Acts 20:7] 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.
Now they break bread, they took communion. This is the day of the Passover. Afterwards he taught the Word of God long into the night. Let’s go to 1Corinthians 10 and verse 16 reads.
1Cor.10:16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Our Daily Bread.
1Cor.10:18] Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter?
[19] What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
You cannot partake of their sins and be counted as worthy.
1Cor.10:21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 8 reads.
Acts 20:8] And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
[9] 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.
From the third loft, Paul was given a threefold ministry by Jesus. Let’s go to Acts 9 and verse 15 reads.
Acts 9:15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Paul would suffer as a Christian after he persecuted the churches. Back to Acts 20 and verse 10 reads.
Acts 20:10] And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
God, through Paul, would bring this young man back to life.
Acts 20:11] 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.
After bringing this young man back from the dead, Paul taught some more, until morning light. Think this one through. Teaching the word of God to bring one back from a spiritual death.
Acts 20:12] And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Not a little means a lot. They were comforted a lot. Don’t overlook they brought the young man with them alive, spiritually Alive.
Acts 20:13] 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.
[14] And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
We have Luke including himself when he writes WE. Paul wanted to walk, and met them there. It is obvious Paul wanted to walk through the local circuit of churches that he founded, to teach those that he loved in that area. I’m sure he wanted a chance to tell them goodbye.
Acts 20:15] 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.
Keeping track of the days is important, so that we can keep up with the timing. Two weeks given from the Passover, and now working our way up to the Pentecost. Pentecost means fifty days from the Passover.
Acts 20:16] 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.
Remember he made the vow to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost. Let’s go to 1Corinthians 16 and verse 8 reads.
1Cor.16:8] But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 17 reads.
Acts 20:17] And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
[18] 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,
[19] 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:
Paul was sent to them by the Lord. How he taught boldly to them the truth. Even with the Kenites trying to kill him, he taught boldly.
Acts 20:20] 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,
[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Teaching repentance and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ to both the house of Judah and the Gentiles.
Acts 20:22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
[23] Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
Telling them that the Lord has prepared him for bondage and trials. Let’s go to 1Thessalonians 3 and verse 3 reads.
1Thess.3:3] That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
[4] For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
[5] For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
[6] But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
[7] Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
[8] For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
Paul was knowledgeable with the Word of God. He knew what scriptures had said would come to pass would come to pass. Let’s go to the law written by Moses, Deuteronomy 4 and verse 30 reads.
Deu.4:30] When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
[31] (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Let’s go to 1Corinthians 10 and verse 11 reads.
1Cor.10:11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Paul was wise in the Word of God, are you? Back to Acts 20 and verse 24 reads.
Acts 20:24] 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.
[25] And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Telling them they would not see him again. Knowing he must also go to Rome after Jerusalem. He must have known he would die in Rome. But did he? There is a lost chapter of Acts, called Acts 29, I find it very interesting and factual of Paul’s adventures after Rome.
Acts 20:26] Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Let’s go to 2Corinthians 7 and verse 1 reads.
2Cor.7:1] Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
[2] Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
[3] I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
[4] Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
[5] For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
[6] Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
[7] And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 27 reads.
Acts 20:27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Knowing he held nothing back of the Word of God. Let’s go to Ephesians 1 and verse 10 reads.
Eph.1:10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
We are speaking of his Elect.
Eph.1:13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 28 reads.
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.
Jesus would tell Peter; Feed my sheep, feed my lambs. We are to feed the flock as well, as disciples of Christ.
Acts 20:29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
There will be wolves in sheep’s clothing. People calling themselves Christians, but are not, and are of the synagogues of Satan. Jesus taught us in Matthew 7 and verse 15 reads.
Mat.7:15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
[18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
[19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 30 reads.
Acts 20:30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Others that don’t believe on our Lord Jesus Christ, these will talk evil of you. And are sheep stealers from John 10. Some will not handle this and stray away. Like those seeds that were broadcast and fell on shallow ground. Which had no root and blasted in the sun.
Acts 20:31] Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
This is for the Watchmen. Watchmen watch night and day. Let’s go to Ezekiel and see the warning God gave to his Elect that are his watchmen in these end times. Ezekiel 33 and verse 1 reads.
Eze.33:1] Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
[3] If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;
[4] Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
[5] He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
[6] But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.
[7] So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 32 reads.
Acts 20:32] 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.
He turns them over to the Lord and by God’s word they have grace in teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sanctified means; judged righteous. For Life everlasting is our inheritance. Let’s go to Ephesians 1 and verse 17 reads.
Eph.1:17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Back to Acts 20 and verse 33 reads.
Acts 20:33] I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Meaning he didn’t need anything from them to feed or clothe himself. He supported himself by working as a tent maker. He never received a reward from any man for teaching the churches God’s Word, his reward is in heaven.
Acts 20:35] 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.
God tells us to take care of the poor, the widowed, and the fatherless. We as Christians will not wait for the government, but we shall rise and tend to them ourselves. Many Christians shared many sayings that Christ said that were not written. Let’s go to Luke and find a similar saying that Jesus did say that is written in Luke 6 and verse 38 reads.
Luke 6:38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Back to Acts 20 and verse 36 reads.
Acts 20:36] And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
[37] And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
[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.
They were sad to lose him, because they knew Paul would not be coming back. Paul was well loved here by all. A great study today, let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible