Paul Seeking Solitude, Walking Alone to Assos (Acts 20:13-16)

Scripture: Acts 20:13-16

Today’s Word

13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Assos: A port city on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), about 20 miles south of Troas.
• Mitylene: The main city of the island of Lesbos, famous for its beautiful harbor.
• Miletus: An important port city about 30 miles south of Ephesus.
• Pentecost: A Jewish festival occurring 50 days after Passover, celebrating the harvest and giving thanks to God.

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot”
2. “Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus”
3. “He was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost”

Main Points of the Text

1. The Necessity of Spiritual Solitude: Paul didn’t board the ship with his companions but chose to walk alone to Assos. This was time for deep communion with God.
2. Clear Priorities: Though Paul wanted to visit the beloved Ephesian church, he prioritized arriving in Jerusalem by Pentecost.
3. Commitment to Mission: Knowing that hardship awaited him in Jerusalem, Paul still hurried toward it with determination.

Applying to My Life

1. Creating Alone Time with God: Even in our busy lives, we must intentionally create time for deep communion with God. We need to put down social media, postpone meetings with people, and stand alone before God.
2. Setting Right Priorities: We must learn to distinguish between good things and the best things. Like Paul, we need the courage to prioritize God’s timing and mission over meetings with people.
3. Embracing the Way of the Cross: We need courage to obey God’s calling even when we know difficulties lie ahead. We must choose the path God desires, not the comfortable path.

Think About It

1. Do I regularly have “times of solitude” for deep communion with God? If not, when and how can I create such times?
2. Are “good things” in my life preventing “the best things”? Like Paul passing by Ephesus, what “good things” do I need to lay down?
3. What is the mission God has given me for my future life, and what am I preparing now to fulfill that mission?