Acts 41. Acts 20:1-38

 Even before the silversmiths’ riot, Paul had planned to leave Ephesus and go to Jerusalem (see 19:21). Although Luke barely mentions the reason (see 24:17), we know that Paul’s chief errand was to deliver money collected from his Gentile churches as a gift to the poor believers in Jerusalem (see Romans 15:25-33; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15). To gather this money, Paul intended to visit the churches in Macedonia and Achaia—in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. From Acts 19:21, Romans 1:8-15, and Romans 15:17-33, we also know that Paul was already convinced he “must visit Rome also” and that he hoped to bring the gospel to Spain thereafter.

 

Luke tells us little of what Paul did after he left Ephesus and before he reached Greece (see 20:2), but Paul’s letters fill in some details. While in Ephesus, Paul learned of a dispute in the Corinthian church. He sent two letters to settle the strife (one is lost - referred to in I Corinthians 5:9.; the other is 1 Corinthians), but neither the letters nor a visit by Timothy (see 1 Corinthians 4:17) achieved peace. Paul even went to Corinth briefly himself but he was humiliated by the defiant factions; Paul called that visit “painful” (2 Corinthians 2:1). Back in Ephesus, Paul wrote a severe letter “out of great distress and anguish of heart” (2:3-4). That letter he sent by the hand of Titus, another of his young associates (like Timothy, but perhaps a more forceful personality). This anguished letter is also lost. All this happened before Paul left Ephesus. Now, as he set out for Macedonia (Acts 20:1), he went first to Troas, hoping to meet Titus on his way back from Corinth with a response. Paul did some successful evangelism in Troas, but when Titus did not arrive, the apostle went on to Macedonia (see 2 Corinthians 2:12-13). There Titus met him with good news: the Corinthians had repented of their rebellion. Paul quickly sent Titus back with a fourth letter full of affection, our 2 Corinthians.[1] Now that there was peace, Paul was free to visit Corinth after Macedonia. The three months (20:3) he spent in Greece (20:2) were probably a winter in Corinth while travel was difficult. Paul probably used this time to compose his letter to the Romans.[2]

He was accompanied by (20:4). These were representatives of each church that had given money for Jerusalem; they were going to accompany Paul with the gift. No delegate from Philippi is mentioned, but Luke apparently joined the party at Philippi (notice the “we” in 20:6). 

 

 "In a window" (20:9). Lower class people in Roman towns often lived in multi-story tenements. The large windows had no glass panes. The stuffiness, the smell of the oil lamps (20:8), and the incessant talking was too much for one young man—the Greek word indicates a boy between eight and fourteen.

 Pentecost (20:16). Of the fifty days between Passover and Pentecost, sixteen had passed (see 20:6,13-15). If Paul had stopped at Ephesus, he would have had to visit many families and change ships and there might even have been trouble from local enemies. All that would have taken more time than Paul could afford.

 

1. In the events of 20:1–21:16, how did the various believers show fellowship/partnership/communion with each other? What feelings did they express, and how? 

20:1-6  Paul encouraged the disciples who were concerned for his welfare in Ephesus. He encouraged the churches of Macedonia (Berea, Thessalonica, Philippi). People from these churches accompanied him.

 

20:7-12  they broke bread together. Paul talked for a long time with the believers in Troas. Paul gave practical help and comfort in working a miracle of raising Eutychus, he spoke a long time with the believers (till dawn)

 

20:13-38 Paul parted ways with his companions, going by land when they went by sea. Paul walked twenty miles south from Troas, the others sailed forty miles around the peninsula, so they all arrived at Assos at about the same time.He wanted to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not be delayed by long farewells. They trusted each other and gave each other space.

 

21:1-16  Great love and affection was evident

 

2. What good examples do you see here for the way churches should function and the way believers should treat and feel about each other? 

Staying up together 

Working together in trust and giving each other space. 

 

 

3. What actions and attitudes had Paul practiced as a model for Christian leaders (see 20:17-27, 33-35)? 

For Thought and Discussion: What can 20:18-37 teach us about how Christian leaders should think and act? How can you help the leaders in your church to practice this example? 

Consistent (v.18) service with humility and sorrow through difficulties (v.19, 31). 

Determination to share all of profitable truth (v. 20a,27). 

Constant teaching both in public and private, to all. (v.20b, 31)

Not worried about suffering (v.22-23)

Self-sacrificing focus on ministry goals (v.24)

Genuine responsibility and accountability.(v.26)

Hard work ('day and night'( (v.31, 34, 35)

No desire for worldly wealth as compensation. (v.33)

A call to be careful and caring for the church, even with opposition. (v.28-31)

Helping the weak, for others (v.34b, 35)

Aiming to give rather than to receive. (v.35)

 

4. What warning and command did Paul repeat (see 20:28-31)?

 Pay attention to yourselves, false teachers will arise from among you. Be alert.

 

5. What would protect the elders in the face of this danger (see 20:32)? .

"God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified."