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Acts 20

38 verses

TL;DR

Paul concludes his missionary journey in Ephesus with a heartfelt farewell, warning of future persecution and urging perseverance.

Summary

After traveling through Macedonia and Greece, Paul spends three months in Greece, then sails to Troas where he delivers a long sermon that lasts until midnight. A young man named Eutychus falls asleep in the upper chamber, falls from a third-floor loft, and is temporarily dead; Paul revives him and they celebrate. Paul then departs for a sea voyage to Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus, before heading to Ephesus to address the elders. There he delivers a solemn farewell, recounting his hardships, asserting his purity, warning of impending "grievous wolves," and urging the faithful to remain vigilant. He emphasizes the importance of charity, prayer, and remaining steadfast in the gospel, concluding with a communal prayer and a tearful farewell.

Outline
  1. Paul’s itinerant preaching and the miraculous revival of Eutychus in Troas
  2. The sea voyage and arrival in Ephesus for a farewell address to the elders
  3. Paul’s warnings, exhortations, and final prayer before departing for Jerusalem
Themes
Sacrifice and ministryPerseverance in faithWarning against false teachings
Keywords
PaulApostlesEphesian eldersJerusalemPentecostGospelGraceHoly GhostPersecutionFalse teachingsCharityPrayer
People
PaulEutychusSopaterAristarchusSecundusGaiusTimotheusTychicusTrophimusElders of Ephesus
Places
MacedoniaGreeceTroasPhilippiAssosMityleneChiosSamosTrogylliumMiletusEphesusJerusalem
Things
Upper chamberLightsShipEutychusPrayerGospel of graceHoly GhostWolves
Key Verses
  • Acts 20:9: Eutychus’s miraculous revival illustrates Paul’s ministry power and the physical danger of long preaching.
  • Acts 20:24-26: Paul’s self‑sacrifice and claim of purity set the tone for his farewell.
  • Acts 20:30-31: Warnings of future persecution and internal betrayal highlight the stakes for the Ephesian church.
  • Acts 20:36-38: The communal prayer and tearful farewell underscore the deep emotional bond and the seriousness of his departure.
Questions
  • How does Paul’s experience with Eutychus reflect the risks of ministry?
  • In what ways does Paul’s farewell address prepare the Ephesian church for future challenges?
  • What does Paul’s emphasis on charity and prayer reveal about his view of Christian community?
  • How can modern believers respond to warnings about false teachers?
  • What lessons can be drawn from Paul’s acceptance of physical hardship for the sake of the gospel?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter blends emotional farewell, spiritual exhortation, and cautious warning, reflecting both hope and urgency.