Acts 20:1-6

Scripture: Acts 20:1-6

Today’s Word

When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days. (Acts 20:1-6, NIV)

Background

Paul had been ministering in Ephesus for about three years and had seen much fruit from his work. However, a riot started by Demetrius the silversmith forced Paul to leave Ephesus suddenly. This marks the final stage of Paul’s third missionary journey, during which he revisited the churches he had established to encourage the believers.

Paul visited the region of Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) and Achaia in Greece, particularly Corinth. During his three-month stay in Corinth, tradition tells us that Paul wrote the letter to the Romans. His original plan was to sail directly to Syria, but when he learned of a Jewish plot to assassinate him, he wisely changed his route to travel overland through Macedonia instead.

Key Terms Made Simple

• Uproar: The riot and chaos caused by Demetrius in Ephesus
• Macedonia: The northern region of Greece, including cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
• Greece (Achaia): The southern region of Greece, where Athens and Corinth were located
• Syria: The region where Jerusalem was located, Paul’s final destination
• Festival of Unleavened Bread: A seven-day Jewish festival following Passover, during which bread without yeast was eaten
• Troas: A port city on the northwest coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “After encouraging them, said goodbye”
   • Even in a crisis situation, Paul didn’t forget to encourage the believers
   • Though he had to leave suddenly, he valued relationships and took time to say farewell
2. “Speaking many words of encouragement to the people”
   • Paul’s journey wasn’t just about traveling from place to place, but about building up believers
   • The repetition of “encouragement” shows the core of Paul’s ministry
3. “Because some Jews had plotted against him… he decided to go back”
   • Paul knew about the danger but didn’t stop; instead, he wisely changed his plan
   • This shows his flexibility in following God’s leading

Main Points of the Text

1. A Hurried Farewell and Planned Journey: After the Ephesian riot, Paul encouraged the believers and began the final leg of his third missionary journey. He visited regions throughout Macedonia and Greece.
2. Wise Decision in Crisis: Paul changed his original plan to sail to Syria, instead taking the safer land route through Macedonia to avoid a Jewish assassination plot. He didn’t stop his ministry despite danger, but responded wisely.
3. Journey with Co-workers: Seven companions traveled with Paul. They came from different regions, showing how the gospel had taken root in many places. Paul ministered as part of a team, not alone.

Applying to My Life

1. Wisdom to Discern God’s Timing: Paul knew when it was time to leave and made the decision. We too need to be sensitive to God’s timing and not delay obedience because of human attachment or fear.
2. Encouraging Others Even in Difficulty: Despite having to leave suddenly due to the riot, Paul encouraged the believers. When we’re going through hard times, it’s especially important to build up and encourage others.
3. Wise Plan Adjustment: When Paul learned of danger, he didn’t stubbornly stick to his original plan but changed it. Courage in faith isn’t recklessness, but acting wisely according to God’s guidance.

Think About It

1. Is there a place or relationship where God is telling you to “move on”? Are you delaying obedience because of human attachment?
2. In difficult situations, are you encouraging those around you, or are you only focused on your own problems?
3. When your plans are blocked, do you stubbornly stick to your original plan, or do you flexibly seek God’s new guidance?