Chap 20_Acts

OOOOOOOOOO Acts 20:1–6 (HCSB) Paul in Macedonia 20 After the uproar was over, Paul sent for the disciples, encouraged them, and after saying good-bye, departed to go to Macedonia. 2 And when he had passed through those areas and exhorted them at length, he came to Greece 3 and stayed three months. When he was about to set sail for Syria, a plot was devised against him by the Jews, so a decision was made to go back through Macedonia. 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread. In five days we reached them at Troas, where we spent seven days.

....he came to Greece 3 and stayed three months. This is when Paul wrote Romans.

MACEDONIA A region [province] within the Balkan Peninsula north of Greece.

Achia -A Roman province that included most of southern and central Greece, with its capital in Corinth. Paul was in Corinth when Gallio was deputy of Achaia (Acts 18:12). In Acts 20:2, “Greece” means Achaia, but “Macedonia and Achaia” usually refer to the whole of Greece (Acts 19:21;

2016).From other references we learned about Troas. He stopped at the port of Asia [Troas] From another source we learn that he went to Troas first. 2 Corinthians 2:12 (HCSB)A Trip to Macedonia 12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, the Lord opened a door for me..And while in Troas they arrived and after Paul’s night vision they left immediately for Macedonia. Earlier he had been in this harbor city, but had not preached the gospel there (Acts 16:8–10 (HCSB)8 So, bypassing Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 During the night a vision appeared to Paul: A Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, This is where Luke first met Luke and hLuke remained in Phillipi when Paul and Silas leave

He first meets Paul at Troas just before the vision of the Man from Macedonia ( Acts 16:10-12 ), and a conversation with Paul about the work in Macedonia may well have been the human occasion of that vision and call. Luke remains in Philippi when Paul and Silas leave ( Acts 16:40, "They .... departed") . After the earthquake and potential escape from the jailer in Phillipi they were beaten and jailed and put into stocks and then begged them to leave. Luke is no longer mentioned.

....When he was about to set sail for Syria, a plot was devised against him by the Jews, so a decision was made to go back through Macedonia. There was a substantial amount of ocean traffic going to Jerusalem for Passover. If Paul traveled by sea, they might have uncovered a HJewish accidental drowning, so with all the Jewish traffic at that time, it might be easy to cause his death. So he goes overland and spends weeks going the land route.

…V4 Aristarchus He was dragged into the amphitheater as Paul’s accomplice in Ephesus filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. Also accompanied Paul to Rome Acts 27:1–2 (HCSB)Sailing for Rome 27 When it was decided that we were to sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment. 2 So when we had boarded a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, intending to sail to ports along the coast of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. He stuck with Paul and even stayed with him in prison Colossians 4:9–11 (HCSB) 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. He is mentioned as being with Paul in his chains in Philemon 1:24.

Note that his traveling partners are from Macedonia, Greece, Turkey [Derbe]. They are part of the group that is taking charitable offereins to Jerusalem.

......6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread. Luke is now rejoins them after an absence of about 5 years. Luke stayed behind when Paul and the others left and it was about five years later, here at Philippi, that he rejoined Paul and became his constant companion. In the interim, while Luke was not with him, Paul had visited several places, spending a year and a half at Corinth and three years at Ephesus.This is the week long festival associated with the Passover.. The feast of Unleavened Bread falls on the day after “Passover”. Passover begins on the twilight of Nisan 14; therefore the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on Nisan 15. The feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread are closely linked and referred to as one feast in some of the Gospels.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 20:13–16 (HCSB) From Troas to Miletus 13 Then we went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there. For these were his instructions, since he himself was going by land. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15 Sailing from there, the next day we arrived off Chios. The following day we crossed over to Samos, and the day after, we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so he would not have to spend time in Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.

There is a sense of urgency Paul is island hopping [Mitylene{Shore},Chios {Island}, Miletus {Shore} ] close to shoreline to get to Jerusalem. He wants to be there by Pentecost. Pentecost was primarily a celebration of the first fruits of the wheat harvest, but it later became associated with the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai during the Passover. During the Easter season, Paschal was administered both at the beginning and at the end of the season (the day of Pentecost). For Christians it was the day that the Holy Spirit was given to them. OT= given Law, NT given HS.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 20:17–24 (HCSB) Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders 17 Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time — 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and with the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews — 20 and that I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you anything that was profitable or from teaching it to you in public and from house to house. 21 I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, 23 except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.

Paul didn’t want to stop and Ephesus but he sent for the elders of the church to meet him [about 30 miles away]

Now he reiterates with his association with them he didn’t not lord over them, he was humble and with tears and trials and Jewish plots he never withdrew. He taught then in public and house to house. He taught all Jews and Greeks about repentance and faith in Lord Jesus. [ He uses term Lord Jesus- he is number one.]

But he is now 22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit. This is word used to bind together in conjugal bond- means compelled. He confesses I don’t know what awaits me, BUT town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. This coming from a fearless man, intimidated by anyone or anything, a man who is intimate with God and listens to His call. Changes travel plans, told to cast out demons. He is close to the Spirit- he continually abides. So when he is saying that the Spirit is always telling him, then he knows that is exactly what will be.

...But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, He did not receive guidance or ministry from his own desire or after praying. He received his ministry directly from the King, King and Lord Jesus. His own life or desires are of no consequence when he takes orders from God.

He reckons himself dead. Sometimes seen in soldiers- going into an impossible battle. A sense of fatalism that they have done thier best. But with Paul it is a sense of accomplishment. He reviews his behavior [humilitiy, selfsubsitence, teaching at all times and places, teaching to everyone about God’s grace. Just a God told him what to do and not be afraid he is being told what his final days will be like. Almost like removing fear of the unknown - in a way a comfort.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 20:25–31 (ESV) 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

He speaks with emphasis “behold” .. you who I taught and proclaimed the kingdom will never see me again. Notice Paul teaches all about the kingdom. It is not just salvation as wonderful as that it, it is not just repentance but the whole message of the kingdom. This includes who is the reigning king, when did this start, who does it apply to , about grace, about the future, etc.

\He taught them everything. And considers himself innocent of any wrong doings upcoming. He taught them to the fullest.

,,,,,,I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; Sheep are helpless before the wolves. They are also ignorant. Paul instructs them - elders it is your duty to watch for the wolves and protect the flock. Paul does not say maybe ... 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; This is Paul speaking the one who the Lord and the HS guide, redirect his ministry path, etc. When Paul says I know it is a given the deceivers will come from within and without. He starts with “be on guard” then says “be on the alert” and then I did not sActs 20:30–31 (HCSB)30 And men will rise up from your own number with deviant doctrines to lure the disciples into following them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning each one of you with tears. This Greek word can mean correct or implore as well as to warn strongly.

But Paul says it is your duty as protector - guard the teaching from internal and external threats.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 20:32–35 (HCSB) 32 “And now I commit you to God and to the message of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs and for those who were with me. 35 In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Paul is saying that he is giving them, entrusting them to God and to the message of grace. hich is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. He reminds tem that God will build them, train then, enablle them so to give them their eternal inheritance.

Remember Paul says that he asked for nothing in return- he provided for himself. ..33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing- he’s asked for nothing from the world for himself. He would not covet which leads to theft, but he was only looking for support from god, not man’s rewards. But he implores that they help the weak as it is more blessed to give. Ovuiously there were all kinds of people coming in - all clasesse, slaves and free, rich and poor. This wasn’t in the U.S where we try to say that everyone is the same and has the same opportunity, but in those days class disticntion was practised and part of the undergirding of civilization. Some had been pagan brutes or savage and now they were part of God’s family,- eating and drinking together. The whole society of the nations, of the world was changing. The barriers separating one from another coming down. When God engaged events where languages come down it was one more support structure being yanked down with violent intent.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 20:36–38 (HCSB)36 After he said this, he knelt down and prayed with all of them. 37 There was a great deal of weeping by everyone. They embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 grieving most of all over his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

The emotion of this final leaving. It is almost like a funeral for the living. They held him and kissed him. You can see the love that they had for Paul who had corrected, explained, pleaded with them for period of time.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 21:1–7 (HCSB)

Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem 21 After we tore ourselves away from them and set sail, we came by a direct route to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded and set sail. 3 After we sighted Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we sailed on to Syria and arrived at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there. 4 So we found some disciples and stayed there seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were over, we left to continue our journey, while all of them, with their wives and children, escorted us out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach to pray, 6 we said good-bye to one another. Then we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

7 When we completed our voyage from Tyre, we reached Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 21:7–14 (HCSB) 7 When we completed our voyage from Tyre, we reached Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day. 8 The next day we left and came to Caesarea, where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him. 9 This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

10 While we were staying there many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into Gentile hands.’ ” 12 When we heard this, both we and the local people begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

14 Since he would not be persuaded, we stopped talking and simply said, “The Lord’s will be done!”

OOOOOOOOOOOOO Acts 21:19–25 (HCSB)19 After greeting them, he related in detail what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20 When they heard it, they glorified God and said, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. 21 But they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, by telling them not to circumcise their children or to walk in our customs. 22 So what is to be done? They will certainly hear that you’ve come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have obligated themselves with a vow. 24 Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay for them to get their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that what they were told about you amounts to nothing, but that you yourself are also careful about observing the law. 25 With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

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