Bible Glide

Acts 20

Acts 20 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Acts 20 follows Paul on his way through Macedonia, Greece, Troas, and Miletus. The chapter includes a memorable nighttime gathering, the restoration of Eutychus, and Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders. His words focus on faithful ministry, spiritual vigilance, and finishing the work God gave him.

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What happens in Acts 20?

After the unrest in Ephesus settles, Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece, strengthening believers along the way. In Troas, a long meeting stretches past midnight, and a young man named Eutychus falls from a window and dies, but Paul raises him and continues until morning. Paul then travels toward Jerusalem, stopping at Miletus to meet the Ephesian elders. He reviews his ministry among them, warns them about coming threats, urges them to shepherd the church carefully, and commits them to God and his grace. Their farewell is marked by prayer, tears, and deep grief.

Acts 20 sits near the close of Paul's third missionary journey. It bridges the earlier mission work in Asia Minor with his final travel toward Jerusalem. The chapter also gives one of the strongest speeches in Acts, showing Paul's care for church leaders and his concern for the church after his departure.

Themes to notice

  • Faithful ministryPaul describes a life of humble service, clear teaching, and a steady focus on the mission Jesus gave him.
  • Church leadershipThe Ephesian elders are called to watch over the flock, guard the truth, and care for believers well.
  • Perseverance and farewellPaul keeps moving toward Jerusalem despite warnings, and his goodbye shows the cost and depth of gospel service.

Questions for Acts 20

  • What do Paul's travels in this chapter show about the way he encouraged believers along the way?
  • Why is the story of Eutychus important in the middle of Paul's journey?
  • What stands out most in Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders about shepherding the church?

Read the full text of Acts 20 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Acts 20

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

1When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia.2After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,3where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.4Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.5These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas.6And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Eutychus Revived at Troas

7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.8Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.9And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead.10But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!”

11Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed.12And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive.

From Troas to Miletus

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

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians

17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.18When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.20I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,21testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.22And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.23I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.24But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

25Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.27For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.28Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.29I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.30Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.31Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.32And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.33I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.35In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.37They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.38They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

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