Faithful Ministry and Heartfelt Farewell

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Acts 20 follows Paul's extensive missionary journeys recorded earlier in Acts, where he established churches across Asia Minor and Greece. After facing opposition and unrest, Paul continues his travels, demonstrating perseverance in spreading the gospel. This chapter marks a significant transition as Paul prepares to return to Jerusalem, aware of the trials awaiting him. Understanding the cultural tensions between Jews and early Christians and the importance of church leadership helps us grasp the urgency and gravity of Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders.

What You'll Learn

• How Paul’s unwavering commitment to gospel ministry inspires believers to persevere despite opposition and uncertainty.
• The significance of Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders as a model of pastoral care and spiritual oversight.
• The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and warning the early church about future challenges and false teachers.
• Practical insights into early Christian worship, including the breaking of bread and communal gatherings.
• The importance of selfless labor and generosity in supporting the weak within the Christian community.
• How Paul’s example encourages believers to prioritize faithfulness over personal safety or gain.

Faithful ministry requires humility, perseverance, and vigilant care for God’s people amid trials and opposition.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

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.

Acts 20:2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

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.

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.

Acts 20:5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.

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.

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.

Acts 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

Acts 20:9 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.

Acts 20:10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

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.

Acts 20:12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

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.

Acts 20:14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

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.

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.

Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Acts 20:18 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,

Acts 20:19 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:

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,

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Acts 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

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.

Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

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.

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

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.

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.

Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

Acts 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

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.

Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

Acts 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,

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.

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.

Study: After the uproar ceased, Paul gathered the disciples, embraced them, and departed for Macedonia, showing his pastoral heart in comforting believers after conflict and his determination to continue the mission despite opposition.

Acts 20:2

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

Study: Paul’s journey through various regions with much exhortation highlights his role as a spiritual encourager, strengthening churches to remain steadfast in faith amid challenges.

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.

Study: Paul’s three-month stay in Greece and his cautious change of travel plans due to Jewish plots reveal the real dangers early Christians faced and his reliance on God’s guidance to navigate threats.

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.

Study: The list of companions from different cities underscores the unity and cooperation among early believers, reflecting the interconnectedness of the early church across diverse regions.

Acts 20:5

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

Study: Those who went ahead waited at Troas, demonstrating the careful planning and fellowship involved in Paul’s travels and ministry strategy.

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.

Study: The timing of sailing after the days of unleavened bread connects Paul’s journey to Jewish customs, showing respect for cultural observances even as the gospel transcended them.

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.

Study: Meeting on the first day of the week to break bread and Paul preaching until midnight reveals early Christian worship practices and the eagerness to receive teaching despite physical weariness.

Acts 20:8

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

Study: Many lights in the upper chamber symbolize the warmth and openness of the gathering, emphasizing the communal and celebratory nature of early Christian meetings.

Acts 20:9

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.

Study: Eutychus falling asleep and tumbling from the window during Paul’s long sermon illustrates human frailty but also sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of God’s power through Paul.

Acts 20:10

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

Study: Paul’s immediate embrace and reassurance that Eutychus’s life remains in him highlights the apostle’s spiritual authority and God’s sustaining power over life and death.

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.

Study: Paul’s return to preaching after raising Eutychus, continuing until daybreak, shows his unwavering dedication to proclaiming the gospel regardless of interruptions or personal exhaustion.

Acts 20:12

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Study: The young man’s restoration brought great comfort to the believers, reinforcing faith in God’s miraculous power and encouraging perseverance in worship and fellowship.

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.

Study: Paul’s choice to travel by foot from Assos while companions sailed reflects his resolve and physical endurance in fulfilling God’s mission despite hardship.

Acts 20:14

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

Study: The meeting at Assos and subsequent travel through key cities illustrates the strategic nature of Paul’s ministry route, maintaining connection with churches along the way.

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.

Study: The detailed itinerary through Chios, Samos, Trogyllium, and Miletus highlights the extensive travel and commitment required to nurture early Christian communities.

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.

Study: Paul’s urgency to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost despite dangers reveals his obedience to God’s timing and the importance of sacred feasts in Jewish-Christian life.

Acts 20:17

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Study: Calling the Ephesian elders from Miletus shows Paul’s intentional pastoral care and the significance of spiritual leadership in sustaining the church.

Acts 20:18

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,

Study: Paul’s reminder of his humble and consistent presence among them underscores the relational foundation of effective ministry and servant leadership.

Acts 20:19

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:

Study: His mention of tears and temptations reveals the personal cost of ministry and the reality of opposition, emphasizing reliance on God’s strength.

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,

Study: Teaching publicly and from house to house demonstrates Paul’s comprehensive approach to discipleship, ensuring the gospel reached all levels of the community.

Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Study: Testifying repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ highlights the core gospel message that unites Jews and Gentiles in salvation.

Acts 20:22

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Study: Paul’s awareness of impending imprisonment yet willingness to go shows his submission to the Spirit’s leading and trust in God’s sovereign plan.

Acts 20:23

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Study: The Holy Spirit’s warnings about bonds and afflictions affirm God’s foreknowledge and the necessity of perseverance in suffering for Christ.

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.

Study: Paul’s disregard for personal safety to finish his joyful ministry exemplifies the gospel’s power to motivate sacrificial faithfulness.

Acts 20:25

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Study: Knowing he would not see them again, Paul’s farewell carries a solemn weight, reminding believers of the transient nature of earthly ministry and the eternal hope in Christ.

Acts 20:26

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Study: Declaring himself pure from the blood of all men reflects Paul’s accountability and integrity in faithfully proclaiming God’s word.

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Study: Not shunning any counsel of God shows Paul’s commitment to complete truthfulness, vital for spiritual health and growth.

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.

Study: Exhorting elders to watch over the flock purchased by Christ’s blood highlights the sacred responsibility of church leaders and the preciousness of the church.

Acts 20:29

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Study: Warning about grievous wolves entering after his departure reveals the ongoing spiritual battles and need for vigilance against false teachers.

Acts 20:30

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Study: The danger from within the church itself, with men speaking perverse things, underscores the subtlety of false teaching and the importance of discernment.

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.

Study: Paul’s persistent warnings with tears over three years demonstrate pastoral love and the cost of protecting the church from harm.

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.

Study: Committing the elders to God and His word of grace emphasizes reliance on divine power for building up and securing the inheritance of the saints.

Acts 20:33

I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

Study: Paul’s declaration that he has coveted no one’s silver, gold, or apparel highlights his integrity and selflessness in ministry, contrasting with some itinerant teachers of his time who sought financial gain. In the Greco-Roman world, material wealth often signified status and power, yet Paul deliberately distances himself from such pursuits to emphasize the gospel’s purity and the New Covenant’s call to serve without greed. This verse underscores the pastoral heart of Paul, who relied on God’s provision rather than exploiting the Ephesian believers, modeling Christlike humility and sacrificial love. Believers today are reminded to guard their motives in ministry, valuing faithfulness over financial reward.

Acts 20:34

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

Study: His labor to meet his own needs and those of companions shows the dignity of work and the example of supporting ministry without exploitation.

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.

Study: Teaching to support the weak and recalling Jesus’ words about giving more than receiving highlights the heart of Christian generosity and community care.

Acts 20:36

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

Study: Paul’s kneeling in prayer with all reflects humility and dependence on God, modeling the spiritual posture essential for ministry and fellowship.

Acts 20:37

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,

Study: The elders’ sorrow and affection in parting reveal deep bonds formed through shared ministry and the pain of separation in God’s work.

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.

Study: Their grief over Paul’s words that they would see him no more underscores the reality of sacrifice in gospel ministry and the bittersweet nature of faithful service.

Acts 20 chronicles Paul’s travels through Macedonia and Greece, his extended ministry in Troas, and a heartfelt farewell to the Ephesian elders. Despite threats and hardships, Paul remains steadfast in preaching the gospel and shepherding the church. His warnings about future dangers and encouragement to remain vigilant highlight the ongoing spiritual battle faced by believers. The chapter vividly portrays the cost of faithful ministry and the enduring power of God’s grace to sustain His servants.

Lord, grant us the courage and perseverance exemplified by Paul to faithfully serve You despite trials. Help us to shepherd Your church with humility and love, guarding against false teachings. Strengthen our hearts to trust Your grace and to labor selflessly for the good of others, rejoicing in the privilege of proclaiming Your gospel. Amen.

• Pray daily for your church leaders and their protection against spiritual deception.
• Memorize Acts 20:24 to inspire perseverance in your personal ministry or service.
• Reflect in a journal on ways you can support and encourage weaker members in your faith community.
• Attend a midweek or Sunday gathering focused on teaching and breaking bread with other believers.
• Practice generosity by giving time, resources, or encouragement to someone in need this week.
• Read through Acts 20 slowly, noting Paul’s example of humility and dedication.
• Ask God to reveal any areas where you need to be more vigilant in guarding your faith.

Acts 20 reveals Paul’s unwavering dedication to gospel ministry amid trials, his pastoral heart in caring for the Ephesian church, and his solemn warnings about future challenges. The chapter encourages believers to persevere, guard the church, and labor selflessly, trusting in God’s sustaining grace.

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