1
After the uproar had subsided, Paul called the disciples to him and encouraged them. And after taking leave of them, he set out for Macedonia.

2
He traveled through that region and, with many words of encouragement, strengthened the brothers there. Then he came to the land of Greece.

3
After he had stayed there three months, he intended to sail for Syria. But at that time the Jews were plotting to kill him. So he decided to return through Macedonia.

4
He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus, from Berea, and Aristarchus and Secundus, both from Thessalonica, and Gaius from Derbe, and Timothy, and two men from Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

5
These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas.

6
But after the Feast of Unleavened Bread we sailed from Philippi, and four days later we came to Troas and met them. There we stayed seven days.

7
On the first day of the week, when we had gathered to break bread, Paul spoke with the brothers there, because he intended to leave the next day. The conversation went on until midnight.

8
In the upper room where we were gathered, many lamps were lit.

9
A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window. Because Paul spoke at great length, the young man could not keep himself awake. At last he fell into a deep sleep and fell from the third story down. When he was picked up, he was dead.

10
But Paul went down. He threw himself upon the young man, embraced him, and said, “Do not be troubled, for he is still alive.”

11
Then he went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate; after eating, he talked a long while still, until daybreak. Then he departed.

12
Meanwhile they brought the young man home alive, and they were all greatly comforted.

13
We went on ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there according to his instructions, for he himself meant to travel on foot overland.

14
When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and continued our voyage to Mitylene.

15
From there we sailed on, and the next day we came opposite the island of Chios. The following day we headed toward Samos, and the day after that we arrived at Miletus.

16
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not spend time in Asia. For he was hurrying, so that if possible he might be in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost.

17
Therefore he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, with a message that the elders of the church should come to Miletus.

18
After they had come, he said to them: “You know how I lived among you from the first day I came to Asia:

19
serving the Lord with all humility, and with many tears and trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews who sought to kill me.

20
Yet I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was helpful. I proclaimed it to you and taught it to you publicly and from house to house;

21
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

22
And now, behold, bound in the spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,

23
except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.

24
But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of the grace of God.

25
And now I know that none of you among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom of God will see my face again.

26
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am clean, innocent of the blood of all men.

27
For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.

28
Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd 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 and will not spare the flock.

30
Even from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

31
Therefore be watchful, and remember that for three years I did not cease night and day to admonish each one of you with tears.

32
And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

33
I have coveted no one’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 everything I have shown you by example that by laboring in this way we must help the weak and must remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for He Himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive."

36
After saying these words, Paul knelt down and prayed with them all.

37
Then they all wept greatly, and embracing Paul, they kissed him again and again.

38
They were deeply grieved, especially because he had said that they would see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

📖 Acts 20 – Paul’s Final Counsel & a Shepherd’s Heart

🧾 Summary of Acts 20

This chapter describes the continuation of Paul’s missionary journey, including:

• The journey to Macedonia and Troas.
• The raising of Eutychus who fell from a window.
• Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders in Miletus, full of love, warning, and pastoral concern.

This is one of the most moving and human sections in Acts, showing Paul’s heart as a true shepherd.

✨ Explanation of the Passage

1. Paul Continues His Missionary Journey (verses 1–6)

• After the uproar in Ephesus had subsided, Paul strengthened the disciples in Macedonia and Greece.
• He stayed three months, but because of a plot by the Jews to kill him, he changed his travel route.
• Several who accompanied him are named specifically: Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus.

Meaning: Paul never served alone. The importance of a ministry team is highlighted here.

2. The Raising of Eutychus in Troas (verses 7–12)

• On the first day of the week (Sunday), they gathered to break bread.
• Paul spoke until midnight, and Eutychus, a young man, fell asleep and fell from the third floor – and died.
• Paul went down, embraced him, and said: "Do not make a commotion, he is still alive."
• Eutychus was raised to life again, and the fellowship continued with joy.

Meaning: God works supernaturally through His servant. True fellowship unites teaching, bread, and the power of the Lord.

3. Paul’s Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders (verses 13–38)

This is the most emotionally and theologically profound part of this chapter.

The content of Paul’s speech:

• He reminds them how he served with humility, tears, and trials (verses 18–19).
• He never held back from proclaiming what was helpful – both in homes and in public places (verse 20).
• He felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, even though danger awaited (verses 22–24).
• Important statement:

“I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish the race and the ministry…” (verse 24)

• He warns that fierce wolves (false teachers) will arise and attack the church (verses 29–30).
• He commits them to the Lord and to His word, which is able to build up and give an eternal inheritance (verse 32).
• He affirms his integrity – not seeking money or gain, but working with his own hands and helping the weak (verses 33–35).
• It closes with a moving prayer and farewell; many wept and embraced Paul, especially because he had said they would see his face no more.

📘 Main Teachings of Acts 20

1. The heart of a spiritual leader is to serve, teach, and be willing to sacrifice – like Paul.
2. True ministry is full of love, courage, and faithfulness, not popularity.
3. Revival is not only miracles, but also teaching and fellowship.
4. The church must be watchful against false teaching and the destructive influence from within.
5. Integrity in ministry is very important – Paul shows transparency and independence.
6. The Lord and His Word are sufficient to sustain and build up the church.

✨ Spiritual Meaning of Acts 20

• Paul’s faithfulness reflects the calling of every servant of God to serve with integrity, love, and eternal purpose.
• The raising of Eutychus affirms that God cares for human weakness and is able to restore.
• The farewell speech shows that true ministry is rooted in relationship, not only in activities.
• Paul lived with an eternal vision: the mission was more important than his own life.